A story from Simple Truths of Life.

I've learned the negative effects

of being the worst procrastinator,

but I can't seem to help myself,

so I will write about that ... later.

TUIT

My father had a special way of making his point. I'm learning every day that those unique ways he had to ensure his lessons were imprinted in my mind, actually worked.

One of the most vivid examples of my father's unique style of parenting was his response to my lack of enthusiasm when he had requested that I take care of something. I distinctly remember having a habit of answering my dad's requests to do chores with, "When I get around to it ..." This answer was not the response my father preferred from any of his children, but unfortunately the one he'd received most often, at least from me.

One particular afternoon my father politely requested that I complete some mundane chore that apparently I didn't find particularly interesting. I answered him curtly with my standard, "I'll do it, dad. When I get around to it!" I couldn't help but notice the unmistakable cat that ate the canary grin on his face as he reached into his pocket and handed me a little cardboard circle, about two inches in diameter. Both sides were printed with nothing but the word, "TUIT."

Yes, he had, in essence, found a way of making sure that I'd gotten a round tuit. At the time, I remember trying to appear as unimpressed as possible because the result of this little gag was my having to do whatever task had been requested of me that day.

Now, many years later, I find myself applying this round tuit philosophy to the daily struggle of prioritizing my endless list of "to dos." As I push those "less important" tasks to the bottom of the list, such as: "visit Aunt Margaret," "call mom" or "make lunch plans with Susan," I can almost hear myself saying "I'll do it when I get around to it."

Well, not anymore. Recently I placed a round tuit on the top of my to do list. Those items listed under it have become #1 priority and the others will just have to wait their turn. Life is too short, and putting off doing meaningful things because other tasks get in the way is no excuse anymore.

In the back of your mind, you probably have some of those things that are easily put off, yet most important.

Maybe it's time to analyze your priorities and find out what's stopping you from getting a round tuit.