The Art of Procrastination

Do you procrastinate, complain too much, over-shop, or maybe over-eat? We’re all creatures of habit (some major, some minor) and sometimes we don’t even know we do these things. Here are seven strategies to help you break some of those repetitive habits:  Think about things you do and write them down. Consider asking your friends if you do things that annoy them (text too much?) and solicit their support for changing your behavior.  Focus on one habit at a time. See if you can figure out what triggers that habit. For example, shopping may give you instant gratification. Or maybe you do it because you are stressed or bored. If you can understand why you do something repeatedly, you are one step further towards making a change.  Start small. Instead of saying, “I will no longer procrastinate,” say “I will spend 30 minutes working on this project today.” Use a timer and then take a break.  Find out how to implement a healthier routine that will give you the same reward. If you have the urge to eat, look at all your eating habits and make a commitment to a healthier diet. Avoid temptation: Get rid of the junk food in your house. Make eating healthier your new habit.  Do it with a friend or a group. Try a new activity, such as running or yoga. Groups and friends hold each other accountable.  Consider meditation. Once you know what triggers a behavior (especially stress), meditate to distract yourself when you’re in that situation.  Be your own coach. Be patient. Don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes.

Likeability

Being liked puts you on the fast track to success in everything you do. You are naturally likable by being genuine and sincere, but here are some simple tips that can give you a psychological advantage and result in people liking you even more: • Like yourself first. Be confident in your strengths. Your likability increases as you increase your ability to like yourself. Smiling and sharing your positivity will bring out the same in others. • Maintain eye contact during conversations but keep it in balance (about 60 percent of the time). Nod your head when you’re speaking and people will be inclined to agree with you. • Demonstrate that you like people. Remember their names and use them. (One trick to remembering names is to say the name to someone else.) If you ask a question, give the person time to respond. Remaining silent and waiting for an answer can be especially useful in negotiations. • Learn active listening. Do this by a) paying attention; b) using body language to show you’re interested; c) giving feedback, such as rephrasing what a person says to you to show that you understood them; d) asking questions, but not interrupting; and e) giving your opinion respectfully. If you disagree with someone, look for ways to find common ground. • Don’t overdo it. You don’t need everyone to like you to be successful. Aim to increase your likability factor to the people who matter to you (and your success) most.

Growing Groceries

Have you ever considered growing your own healthy food using sustainable gardening techniques? The first Master Gardner program was developed by Dr. David Gibby of Washington State University in 1973. He understood the demand for education in urban horticulture and established the successful curriculum and training program in King and Pierce County which has now spread to all 50 states and eight Canadian provinces. There are over 95,000 active Master Gardeners who have provided over 5 million service hours per year to their communities. When you come across a Master Gardener yard or garden you can witness the dedication and experience, they employ! Growing your own food in an urban setting is nothing new. Many of us understand the famous victory gardens that Americans grew to support the war efforts on the home front. Post war community gardens became common, and Seattle set aside uninhabitable land for gardeners. The Growing Groceries Program series is ideal for beginner to intermediate home gardeners. They teach gardening practices based on current science for Seattle’s maritime environment. Participants will become more successful in their home gardening outcomes and use more sustainable and environmentally healthy practices. A cool and warm season series of 6 classes are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm via Zoom. Specific crop plants will be advised so you know exactly what to purchase to become the best farmer you can be. Nothing tastes better than fresh food from your garden. High-end grocery stores and farmers markets will not even come close once you have been fully educated. Its spring so now is the time to plan and soon plant your summer garden.