This is based on a personal experience and I am telling it to share the lesson learnt. It's not too long and not too short either. Just read on! Before that, how are you faring?
The last week in March, I attended a public speaking and debate training master class. It was a physical and virtual event that lasted for a week.
On the first day, we were given a printed form to fill. There, we were asked to describe ourselves briefly and mention our expectations from the class. I don't know about others, but mine was to become better and more confident at public speaking.
The host, Dr Praise started the introduction by telling us about the importance of mastering confidence while speaking. He also said public speaking was inevitable if you're aiming high in whatever field you are in. I agree! Public speaking doesn't have to be before hundreds or thousands of people. In your future life, you might be allowed to present a proposal, a project, a defence, or a job interview that would require you to speak before a group of people. And you know, there are people, and there are people. Don't let me take it that far. Wouldn't you defend your final project?
Let's get back to the main gist…
After the introduction, we were given rules that governed our membership. We were to be seated in the venue by exactly 9 am and attendance was compulsory. The first day was memorable and worth the time. We were taught the basics of public speaking and the attitude of a public speaker.
Later in the day, at around 8 pm, I discovered that I didn't have enough money that would transport me to the venue the next day. It was late too, so I couldn't visit the ATM. I resolved to withdraw the next morning.
When I woke up to pray at 5 am, I was still feeling sleepy. You know, there are no classes due to the strike so I sleep for more hours now...lol. After praying, I went back to bed and woke up at some minutes to 8. I ran to take my bath, drank tea and ran out.
There's a Wema Bank ATM by the roadside (not far from my hostel), but I wanted to use UBA as It has an ATM that dispenses #500 notes. This was just to avoid the early morning 'Kosi change o.' On getting there, the #500 ATM was out of service. The security man on duty told me to wait for some minutes as they were working on it already. I waited for some minutes but there was no solution in sight. I had to use the normal ATM that dispenses #1000 notes. Alas...there was a long queue! I had to join the queue. It was 8:45 then. Long story cut short, I got to the venue past 9 am. The program hadn't started, but virtually everyone was seated.
Dr Praise asked everyone who came late to stand (i.e a minute after 9 and more). We stood up. He then asked, "what is the excuse behind the lateness? Would you give room for those excuses if you were attending an interview or an international conference?" I thought deeply. He was right! I wouldn't even do that for our foundation of nursing or first-aid class. If it was to be an interview, I'd have planned my schedule days before!
I could decide to play 'not guilty' by blaming the ATM that didn't work. But, it is glaring even to the tiniest mice that it was MY fault. I knew I had to be somewhere, I knew WHEN and WHY I should be there, but I failed to plan. I procrastinated.
It reminds me of the words of Eric Thomas who said, "I do not believe that the word procrastination exists as you definitely would not procrastinate or struggle with punctuality if you were asked to come for $3million at exactly 5 am. It's a matter of priority!”
We struggle with procrastination because it is not something urgent or important, or even if it truly is, we didn't classify it to be so. You can make a meaning out of something you've set your mind to do IF AND ONLY IF you prioritize it. It wasn't a procrastination issue, it was that of misplaced priorities and indiscipline. I was wrong, and I admitted it with the resolve to do better the next time.
The thing is, trying to be disciplined wouldn't work all time. Do not give room for excuses. They would always want to come in but try harder to make no way. Remember that it is progress, not perfection. With an intentional mindset, putting it into practice would assist in achieving discipline and evading procrastination.
If you would love to read further on how you can stop procrastinating, click here.
Pick your lessons and move on, and if not...no be me go tell you wetin you go do.
Ramadan Kareem to all the Muslims here! May Allah accept our fasting and worship in this blessed month, and may we live long to witness more Ramadan. Aameen.
Stay safe and sane.
Till I write to you again,
Roqeebat Bolarinwa.
This is more than just an ink, it's wisdom. Thanks for sharing this experience ❣️. Ramadan Kareem
An experience that encompasses a lesson
Avoid excuses!!!!
Thanks for the write up .....Excuses are inevitable...May the Almighty help us all