I admit it.

I’ve got a problem.

I’m a terrible, terrible procrastinator. Don’t get me wrong, I get things done, just not always in the order in which they are received.

I have, however, learned a way to use it to my advantage.

For example, today I wanted to write a quick blog post, because I have a long list of things that needed doing. I needed to follow up on a printer I ordered but never seemed to have left the magic warehouse of the internet; I have household annoyances to deal with; I have other writing to do; I have to figure out what a Reddit is and whether I want one (hmm, as I typed it, I just got the name. Reddit. Cute). The best way to get going on all that?

Start procrastinating.

Settle down, settle down, I hear your shocked gasps from here. And no, it’s not just another way to justify my procrastination.

I play myself. That’s right, I know my own tricks, and so I use them against me. Or for me, really, because, as you remember, I do have to get stuff done.

So I start the thing I’m most likely to procrastinate over. In my case, that was the household stuff. Suddenly I find I am absolutely determined to find out what happened to my printer.

Check.

After a frustrating round with the company I ordered from, I called a store, got a better deal, fought traffic both ways (oh those Cubs), got the printer and a few other items needed for later, and got back.

Check, check.

So now’s it’s time for the household stuff.

And you see what I’m doing. I’m writing a blog post.

Sneaky check.

Of course the problem with my system is that you can’t put off your least favorite list item forever, but I have a different system for that.

Now I really, really want to set up my printer. It’s a new toy. Who doesn’t like to play with a new toy? A new toy with FREE SOFTWARE?

But no.

I must finish the household stuff.

I must.

Right after I’ve done the graphic for this post.