From Child’s Resentment To Adult’s Gratitude
I must have been incredibly “creative” as a child because my Mom quit picking up my toys in protest. At the age of 5 I’ve been told in uncertain terms to pick up my toys, or else. Smart aleck as I was, I ignored the initial demand. I was in for a surprise. I received no dessert and all my toys magically disappeared.
It took many attempts before my Mom was able to instill in me the concept of work and reward, prioritizing and quality standards.
- First, I was forced to pick up my toys.
- I was given chores…
- I was taught how to sort my chores in order of their importance.
- Organizing things so they can be found easily.
- I was taught to stick to high standards: “if you do things well in the first place, there’s no need to do them over and over, again.”
- I wasn’t allowed to play with friends or watch TV until my homework and my chores were done. (You won’t believe how fast things get done under such a system!)
There is no denying I resented many of my Mom’s rules. I felt that they’re putting a cramp on my free spirit and limit my spontaneity. But I was a kid and my Mom was in charge.
As time passed and life grew more complex, my Mom’s rules – ingrained in me – paid off.
There is plenty to be said about the relief that comes from knowing that chores have been done. There is a sense of freedom which comes from knowing that you don’t have to rush things you enjoy because your obligations have been met.
Prioritizing is not a bad habit, either. As much as less important things can wait, the important ones can’t. It isn’t the small things that keep us awake at night, the big ones do. Knowing that there is no impending doom helps me sleep well.
Doing things right in the first place declutters the mind. It eliminates the need for endless fixes. It improves productivity. It is liberating.
My Mom’s rules eventually became my habits. As adult, I take care of the stuff I hate first in order to reward myself with activities I enjoy. I prioritize to avoid pressure. I try to do my best work to avoid doing things twice. It may sound like drudgery, but it works great for me.
Life without procrastination and the stress of impending – or missed – deadlines is better. My Mom was right.
