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StephenMcCranie — Be Proactive Not Reactive
Published: 2011-11-30 00:26:06 +0000 UTC; Views: 3689; Favourites: 241; Downloads: 61
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Description
Hey friends, this is a comics essay I wrote for a blog I do called Doodle Alley. Wherever you are on your journey as a creator, I hope these comics encourage you! If you like this and want to see more, please favorite this!Here's a link to the Doodle Alley blog:
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Comments: 54
Oh my gosh, the two last panels are gold. What a super ingenious idea!
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I struggle with this and am also the kind of person who waits until the last minute but somehow gets everything done in record time. I admit that I usually choose to do it this way... because I have a fear that if I suddenly feel like I have a lot of free time, I'll somehow lose touch with raw ambition; the drive to push through overwhelming odds. Maybe it's the thrill of the challenge that I crave? I'm not really sure. It's stressful, but I feel that's my downfall. It's stressful to the point where I feel like I would accomplish less work if I did it any other way... I really need to fix myself up...
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Yeah, that's exactly where I used to be-- I found a way out of it not by changing myself, but by changing my system. It's only natural to work on things when we have an impending deadline-- that's when we're most motivated to work! My thinking was this: maybe I'm not broken, but my system is. If I understand how I work-- that I am motivated by deadlines-- then I should be able use how I work to my advantage. It's taken a lot of experimenting, and I think everyone is different, but I've gotten in to using timers to create a sense of deadline to motivate myself. I'll break my goals down into steps that are so small they won't take much time at all, and then I set a timer and say, can I do this one simple step in only 10 minutes? It's a challenge, and it's kind of fun, working against the clock, trying to beat it. It's motivating. So my advice is, start tinkering around with a system for yourself that works for you. Keep what works, throw away what doesn't, and eventually you'll find something that clicks. You can do it!
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Yeah. I'll try to do something like that. I'm sure it'll take some adjusting, even at first, but I should be able to manage it. 
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I admit that I do procrastinate, so I could learn a lot from this! This is very helpful and thank you ^^ You're pretty wise~
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Thanks! Hope it helps!
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Inspiring
I too have the Procrastination super-sense, and since it's sort of neat having a superpower - even if it's a kinda lame one - I wonder: when you gave up procrastinating altogether, did you manage to leverage that super-sense into a more helpful (but still cool) superpower?
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Yes. My alternate identity used to be Procrastination Boy, but he was weakened considerably by the kryptonite of proactivity, and I've since donned a new identity, Productivity Man. Secret Power: GET STUFF DONE.
Seriously speaking though, I feel like my life of procrastination was very schizophrenic, oscillating between panic and guilty laziness, neither of which are inherently pleasant. I am most relaxed when I know I got what was supposed to get done done.
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Words of wisdom here.
I'll probably procrastinate being proactive though, knowing me. I guess I should start learning to draw finally like I've been meaning to do since I was like.. 12. haha
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I wish I could live by this, but I'm still oung and foolish and prefer to waste my time instead of doing something productive.
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mmm I love this comic.
I think keeping a calender and not procastinate is one of the things I need to practice on xD
I think this could or might win a scholarship if you submit it. That's how awesome I think it is xD
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Just got to say... I greatly admire your art, not just because of the unique style and perfect combination of colors, but because of the wise messages and clear passion you have for what you do. Your words speak to all of us, and are truly an encouragement. God bless <3!!
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Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
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great one, stephen! plus, dinosaurs and ice cream? you get me.
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Your comics are really a ray of light to me. It's like someone has peered into my mind and knows exactly what to say. I know that I've said this before, but thanks.
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Your welcome!
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The deadlinosaurus rex is after me, but yeah, I'm finishing school so it's to be expected 
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Deadlinosarus's like icecream. Good luck on finishing school!
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Your comics are lovely, thank you for giving people such good advices
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I can't tell you how many people this can apply to, but it really helps me rather than "Why haven't you done anything till now!?" Thanks for all the comics so far (and the ones to come), they really are encouraging and helpful.
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I appreciate that-- I hope to make a whole book of these.
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In that case, I'll be waiting!!
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This is awesome! ^_^ *in college now so I needed this to look at inspiration to do work* XD darn now I have to get off of deviantArt, this reminded me I have a portfolio due next week.
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You're welcome! (These comics have really helped me lately).
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How did you get so smart? Haha you always seem to have the best advice, I just want to share everything you've been doing with everyone I know! The best part is everything comes off so positively and not preachy!
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