Deadlines? Aren't Those Flexible?

     I have never been good with deadlines. In fact, I am pretty sure they now include my name as an example next to the word "procrastination". I have good intentions; it's not as if I set out to leave things to the last minute... it just always seems to work out that way. I am wonderful at starting things on time, but sticking to them? Not really. I am actually surprised that I have four posts on my blog, all within a shortish time frame. But hey, I love to write. And there's no deadline.
     Procrastination is a disease I would not wish upon anyone. It is the reason that things don't get done, or if they do get done they aren't done as well as they might have been or they aren't finished on time... it really is a hindrance to society. Now, I understand that sometimes there are legitimate reasons as to why procrastination happens. Life gets in the way. There are bigger priorities. These, I understand. But laziness and lack of self-discipline is normally the root cause of procrastination. I don't feel like working right now. There's plenty of time before this is due. I would... but I just got a new book and it's addiciting.
     I am guilty as charged. I am a procrastinator. It is not something that I am proud of.
     The problem has been identified. Procrastination is widespread and it needs to be stopped. But how? We would all love to defeat this but... there's a new epsiode of Merlin on so it'll have to wait.
     Perhaps a reward system is in order. Everytime we stick to a schedule and actually complete a task before the deadline, we treat ourselves.
     Maybe a punishment: if I do not force myself to spend 30 minutes on this presentation every night I will not allow myself to go out.
     Why is self-discipline so difficult? We can do the things that need to be done but we put it off and put it off until we are scrambling, trying to figure out how on earth to finish it before the deadline. (Or is that just me? It's entirely possible...)
     This is obviously something that needs to change. I am going to start today, now, before my procrastination can get in the way of my not procrastinating. I am going to proactive, and productive, and I am going to think of more words that start with "pro". (Once you start, you can't stop.) Maybe there's nothing to be done for it besides just gritting your teeth and working through it. Maybe the only way to defeat procrastination is beating it at it's own game. By finishing whatever it is you have to do so far in advance that you are able to actually enjoy being lazy instead of feeling guilty while work piles up.
     Here's hoping that procrastination is something that can actually be cured.