The phrase “shirking your responsibilities” sounds very aggressive, right?
It’s rather apt because what it means, is very much in keeping with how it sounds. If one is to “shirk” their work, they avoid doing what needs to get done. Perhaps this is accomplished with the hope and/or belief that it will get done later down the line. Fingers crossed.
We all procrastinate from time to time. Some do this more than others. It’s very easy to make up excuses for why you haven’t done the work that you were originally supposed to do earlier in the day, or even in the week. It would be very easy for me to tell you that you should “just push through” and “get it done”.
In many cases, that may be exactly what you need to do. In that specific case, I’m glad I could help.
Sometimes all one needs is a short and sweet push, full to the brim with words of positive affirmation.
It’s also possible that they do need short, but not necessarily sweet. You could be someone who thrives off a more direct approach. Perhaps you’re the kind of person who prefers bluntness to kindness.
If just being told what needs doing doesn’t immediately push you to finish, maybe there’s a deeper issue at work here. What is the root reason why you’ve been avoiding getting that work done? You may just not be in the mood. That’s totally fair. Sometimes a job that needs doing, just won’t work in your own current emotional sphere.
It’s okay to take a break and regroup yourself. Sometimes you just need to cleanse your body with a sobering shower. Or grabbing another cup of coffee. It’s important to not burn yourself out. Being overly critical helps nothing.
Maybe the best thing for you to do, is to take a break and fully stop. Ask yourself “why?” This certainly sounds all very Socratic and philosophical but stay with me here. There’s a genuine reason for this.
Maybe you’re putting off the work, because you’re not supposed to be doing that work at all. I know, perish the very thought.
Maybe this procrastination is a good thing, because it’s your brain’s way of telling you, that this work isn’t worth doing in the first place.
Whatever the reason is that you’re procrastinating, the best policy in truth, is well, honesty.
Opening yourself up to someone can certainly be a scary prospect. Putting yourself out there can make you feel very vulnerable. Entirely naked and hung out to dry.
It’s better to tell that person in question why you didn’t get the work done beforehand. If you lie about why the work isn’t done, chances are, that person may clue in that you’re being dishonest. Really depends on how good your poker face is.
Maybe you tell that first lie, and maybe you get away with it. There’s a good chance, you won’t feel very good about your little fib. The more you do this, the more deceit will become second nature. You may get so deep into telling lies upon lies that you can’t even tell who you are anymore.
If there’s an expectation for work to get done on your end, running away from it is not the answer. It must be addressed in some form or fashion. Even if you’re not the one to complete the task in the end.
The important take away here is to realize and remember why you’re feeling the way you are.
This has great value. Once you understand yourself, everything else in life becomes just a little bit easier.
Mary-Jane