Procrastination is a dangerous co-conspirator towards living an unproductive uninspired life. Inaction defined me for so long my eleventh hour efforts were normal. The first time I ever heard the term "eleventh hour" was twenty years ago from one of the leaders conducting a board of review with my Scout troop. Our December Court of Honor was approaching. I eked in the final requirements for advancement to the next rank at the last minute barely qualifying for that last review prior to the banquet. "Mark, our eleventh hour Scout," was the greeting I heard from one of the dads.
I remember that phrase often. It forces me to evaluate the effort I am putting forth. More importantly, I am forced to evaluate the quality of the effort. I was diagnosed with ADD six years ago explaining my tendency towards procrastination. That diagnosis explains but does not condone inaction. Since I am aware of this tendency I should be more motivated to conquer it. Conquering a pattern of behavior is one the toughest obstacles we face. I conquered many learned patterns of behavior with food. I get my work done and am usually satisfied. My next goal is to no longer allow my ADD to define my inability to complete tasks the way I want when I want. Situations demand eleventh hour effort some times but that should never be the norm for an Eagle Scout who lives under the code of: "Be prepared."
Action will define the next thirty plus years. Nine more days to go. I know I am counting.
MS
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