What would an adult do?

I can’t remember exactly where I heard this first, but I’ve kept it in the forefront of my mind for some time now. I think it may have been on Instagram. The woman was explaining that she uses this when she’s feeling not-so-adult and needs some motivation to get herself in the right mindset. Turns out, this actually works!

I’m sure, like me, you have times of uncertainty or procrastination. Times that you just give in to the lazy feeling and put that task off until tomorrow (or the next day…or the next – no judgment!). Or when you know that the right thing to do would be to take initiative and do the damn thing, but for whatever reason you’re not doing it. It’s times like these that this question will pop into my head. And, boy, does it change my perspective.

*I have nine things on my to do list. Six of them are easy, but I just “don’t feel like it” right now. What would an adult do?

*The laundry is in the dryer, but this couch is so cozy, and I’d rather finish my Netflix show. I’ll fold it tomorrow. What would an adult do?

*I need to schedule a doctor appointment that I’ve been putting off for a month…I’ll do it tomorrow. What would an adult do?

Honestly, I could go on. And these “reasons” that I’m putting things off are a little ridiculous. But I know, some days you just don’t have it in you. Some days that Netflix show IS what you need to be doing. Laundry can wait. I get it.

But. Some days you’ve been using that excuse for 5 days in a row and it’s time to get your ass off the couch and do what you should be doing. (Watch the Netflix show while you fold. Two birds, one stone.)

I saw a meme not too long ago that said “you know you’re an adult when you have 4 easy tasks on your to do list that you’ve been putting off for a year.” The day I read that is the day that I knocked my 3 nagging tasks off my list. Sometimes we just need a different perspective. An “adult” surely wouldn’t leave easy tasks undone for a year! Would they?

One helpful hint for those stubborn days when “what would an adult do?” just doesn’t cut it: pair your unfavorable tasks with more favorable ones. Like the example above about watching Netflix while you fold your laundry. Or reward yourself once you’ve made the 3 calls you’ve been putting off. A little self-discipline goes a long way.

So on those days that you’re just not feeling tip-top, remind yourself how much better you’ll feel once it’s done. And, anyway, what would an adult do?