themadcomposer

One big, big, BIG problem I’ve always had is the unfortunate habit of procrastination. It always seems that I can’t bring myself to study/shop/write/practice/do a paper/compose until there’s a quickly ensuing deadline that looms big and scary behind me as I rush through whatever task it is that has to get done, cursing and swearing that I’ll NEVER procrastinate again. Limbic Breath was a rush job that I finished editing 2 days before the postmark deadline of a competition I entered it in. Become was finished right before its submission deadline, and it was performed at Symphony Space. You’d think with that kind of opportunity, I’d be prepared weeks in advance, but it’s almost like I need the pressure in order to write something worth listening to. You can hear both pieces on my myspace.

• My Myspace

I know what you’re thinking. You’re a composer, for crying in the mud! What on earth could there possibly be to procrastinate about?

I wish I could tell you. Did Beethoven procrastinate? Probably not. Composition, for me at least, is one part divine inspiration and two parts working it out, really listening to what’s going on inside my head. It’s tedious, torturous, and yet somehow I can’t live without it. When I finally do sit down with a piece, and I’m talking more than just a melody here and there but really getting down and finishing a piece, it takes all of my energy and any given number of sleepless nights. Still, I come out the other end practically jumping out of my skin with excitement and relief. And swearing I’ll never procrastinate again.

As much as I’m into spiritual and mental growth, procrastination is one thing I just can’t seem to get past. For such a self-actualized, enlightened (and modest!) person, I’m really stuck on this.

I’m open to suggestions. How do you get rid of the procrastination habit?

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