Procrastinating stinks; unplugging though, is the bomb-diggity

I used to work out every day.

Whether I was working from home or commuting to the office, I always made fitness a priority. A long run, swim practice, lifting weights, you name it, I tackled it. I am not complete unless I do some cardio. My family will attest to the fact that I am a more forgiving and pleasant person when fitness has been part of my day. But, the last several months I’ve been procrastinating on my fitness more and more. It got so awful that one day I woke up and found myself in another place called Procrastifitnation.

I’m in Procrastifitnation: I have no clue how I got here.

I’ve left my home, and I’ve been fumbling around, talking to myself about working out. “I should do some sit-ups.” But I don’t. Instead, I sit at my desk. I continue rambling in my head, “a 30-minute online workout sounds great.” Nope, I choose the alternative and go online to Facebook, Politico, SF Gate, and email.

Today, a friend texted to see if I wanted to go on a hike after school drop-off. Usually, there would be no hesitation; I’d go. Lately, four million excuses run through my head for why I can’t be active. “I’m tired. I’ve got to get a new job. I need to write. Something died in the refrigerator. The silverware drawer needs attention. Have you seen all the crumbs the toaster leaves in this cabinet?” It’s been like this for a couple of months now.

You will not find Procrastifitnation on a map, nor can you set your car navigation to this location. Google Street View hasn’t even taken panoramic photos of this locale; it’s that mysterious. All I know is I am chock full of good intentions for working out, and this had better be a short stay.

Of course, Procrastifitnation isn’t a destination; I’m making things up again. Procrastination, though, is a state of mind.

Why am I procrastinating?

Psychologists claim a person procrastinates because they are seeking perfectionism. Hmmm. “I wish I could achieve the perfect sweat.” No, I don’t buy it.

My procrastination isn’t limited to fitness; it’s spilling over into other areas of my life too. I’ve got eight different writing pieces in a semi-finished state that I can’t seem to complete. Usually, I have a case of word vomit; messy and plentiful. I spew out the words and clean up after I realize what I’ve done. Lately, I’ve needed a monster truck with a winch cable and hook to pull words out of my head.

I won’t do cardio, and I’m not writing. If you are thinking procrastinating sounds like laziness, yeah, you aren’t alone. I’ve come to the same conclusion.

I did end up going on the hike and enjoyed the beautiful day and spent a lovely morning with a friend. But today, I am still sitting on the couch not exercising, and I continue to experience writer’s block. I lifted my head up from self-loathing and looked around noting several things for the first time in a long time. The laundry still needs folding. My car is filthy. I’m tired of being a bus driver. The backyard is in dire need of mulch. What gives?

And then something glorious happened and I did something I hadn’t done in years.

I went on a run leaving all fitness trackers, music, phone and watch behind. I walked out the door as if I were Forrest Gump. Before you think, wow she ran far. The only thing I have in common with Mr. Gump is that I left the house and went running. Well, our shoes are similar, but that’s it. I ran my usual route and returned home within an hour. My sole focus was to do something where my mind could wander without distraction. Don’t you ever want an escape from thinking about all the things you aren’t doing?

I listened to the sounds of my feet hitting the pavement. I felt my belabored breathing. Heard the occasional car zooming past. I recognized dogs barking in the distance. I even noticed the quiet heat and buzz that midday brings. The absence of e-distractions meant I could get some clarity on issues that were a struggle. I actually used all my senses! In all, I was able to leave Procrastifitnation and find my way home. Along the way, the word stream started up again, and I finished this piece.