For years I have considered myself to be a master procrastinator. The “art” of putting off something to a later time or “getting around to it” takes years of practice. From learning my lines in an Island Players production, to doing my laundry, working out, or even writing my publisher’s letter, procrastination covers me like a bad cologne.
I’m sure all of us procrastinate from time to time to some degree. The key is to not feel guilty about it! Well, friends, I have discovered a new “lifestyle” concept that I would like to share with you all. The next time you get accused of procrastinating, inform your accuser that you are merely practicing the art of “niksen.”
Niksen is the Dutch lifestyle concept of doing nothing. Practicing niksen can be as simple as just hanging around, looking at your surroundings, or listening to music, as long as it’s without purpose. It cannot be an activity done in order to achieve something or be productive. Researchers say niksen helps with stress and may even curtail the aging process.
I got to practice the art of niksen recently when lightning hit my house and fried both of my TVs, so I was stuck in my house looking out the windows. The problem with practicing niksen is that while you’re sitting there doing nothing, you’re thinking about all of the things you’ve been putting off by procrastinating! I need to buy a new TV, work on production for the upcoming Island Players play, do some laundry, work out, and write THIS publisher’s letter. Think I’ll put off practicing niksen ’til tomorrow.
As Scarlett O’Hara once said, “Tomorrow is another day.”
