Thanks to my friend Shopping and Info for telling me about this New York Times article, “Carpe Diem? Maybe Tomorrow” by John Tierney. The author discusses how we as human beings tend to put off pleasureable activities to wait for a better time in the future when the enjoyment might be even more hightened. Findings show that “once you start procrastinating pleasure, it can become a self-perpetuating process if you fixate on some imagined nirvana. The longer you wait to open that prize bottle of wine, the more special the occasion has to be.” – exerpt from John Tierney. I’m sure that we are all a little guilty of this type of behavior. Perhaps you’ve held onto some vouchers for a discounted show or dinner, or held off on having that special celebration event or party for a significant birthday or anniversary. Maybe you’ve even been holding off on a brand new business venture because of this reason or that reason.
This really resonates with me. I know that I constantly hold onto my gift cards for a long time, or hold off on that spa day because I’m just too busy working. How about those romantic dinners that I postponed simply because we didn’t want to spend the money or deal with crowds on a date night. It’s so important to start living for today and living for yourself. What’s the point of working your butt off only to never enjoy the benefits? People do need time off to recharge and to continue to grow and maintain their personal relationships.
What about those of us who wanted to start a new business but had fears of making the leap? I think 2010 should be a great year to fund those creative ideas into something more than just a concept. I hate to feel like a cliche because this time of year is always about resolutions, but I feel like we are getting a fresh start so why not push yourself that extra mile.
I know what I’m going to do for myself and my husband for 2010. I want to try visiting some more parts of this great California. Often, I just bypass everything except for the major cities. I want to drive up and down the coast and see what adventures can be found.
What do you plan on doing?
It’s only January of a new decade. It’s time for a change.
I am going to start using the bags I have in my closet that I bought about a year or 2 ago that still have the tags on them because I want to “save” them for that special occasion that never comes…and I also canceled a trip to go away for the weekend with my husband because I did not want to spend the money…life is for living…thanks for the post.