Don't put off until Tomorrow what you can do Today.
This famous saying has been called an inspiring quote, idiom and proverb. I’ve always contributed it to Benjamin Franklin and discovered its origin is unclear. I’ve read that the credit solely lies with Mark Twain, and others say it belongs to Oscar Wilde. I’ve seen different versions, such as “never do anything today that can be put off until tomorrow because it may not need to get done tomorrow.” This fits perfectly with Twain’s and Wilde’s humour.
Confirming its origin may not be possible and will take us away from the importance of what an excellent time management and life philosophy tool this phrase is.
I occasionally heard it when I was younger but didn’t give it much thought until my late 30s. At that time, I worked in the criminal justice system and was fortunate enough to work with the lovely late Justice Paul Bentley. He started the drug treatment court in 1998 while I was involved in implementing Canada’s first mental health court. Sadly, Justice Bentley passed away from cancer in 2011, and I occasionally think about him and his family and what a positive impact he had on many lives, including mine.
He was incredibly kind and had an astute understanding of what an inadequate place the criminal justice system was for dealing with social issues like poverty, homelessness, addictions and mental health. His drug treatment court changed many lives.
“Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today” was one of his life philosophies, and he talked to me about it many times. After his death, there was a memorial for him in the courtroom he often presided in. Many individuals who graduated from the drug treatment court gave speeches and allotted credit to Justice Bentley for saving their lives. Some mentioned how applicable this expression was and how they relied on it to prevent relapse. During these speeches, his wife and daughters had little smirks in recognition, indicating how often they had heard this phrase.
It has helped me with presence, managing my time and has given me the courage to get on with it.
Time Management
This phrase is something I say to myself almost daily, especially when my inner voice makes every excuse to delay, hesitate and procrastinate over specific tasks. It’s also acted like a life coach, encouraging me to cross the finish line.
I use it when I’m writing this blog. Today I’m working on this blog on a Monday-even though it won’t be published until Wednesday morning. After one too many late Tuesday nights writing vigorously, I’ve committed to having my blogs written at the end of Monday, so whatever comes up on Tuesday, and something always seems to come up, I already have it done.
In addition to ensuring my blogs are completed in plenty of time, I mostly use this impactful reminder as a tool to help me complete everyday chores and errands. Such as;
Unpacking, cleaning, chopping and organizing the groceries after shopping, so I don’t have to do it later. Cooking has become a breeze because of less prep work.
After we (usually Ben) do the laundry, we immediately fold the clothes and put them away. If this is not done, somehow the clean clothes get mixed up with the unclean ones and then we have to start all over again.
Before bed, I pack my gym bag, put out clothes for the next day, make my smoothie and ensure the coffee pot is ready to go. There have been many mornings when I had little time and had to race out the door. These mornings would have been more stressful if I hadn’t organized things the night before.
I’ve found it challenging to implement this tool with more significant tasks. I have boxes of photos to sort that I’ve been talking about since we moved to Picton three years ago. I get started, go down memory lane, and usually don’t accomplish much. I know I need to find a way to break it into a couple of manageable steps to help build momentum and get it done.
Don’t delay something that you can do immediately. When you tell yourself, I don’t feel like it, or I can do it tomorrow, remind yourself of the benefits of doing it now. It will create space in your life and allow you more opportunities to be spontaneous. More than anything, it will save time and make your life easier.
Life Philosophy
This profound expression can help you with the little, everyday things and can also impact your life if you apply it to the people, things and passions that matter the most in your life.
Where in your life can you apply this?
What matters to you?
What things in your life do you love to do the most?
Are you doing them as much as possible? If not, why not?
What are you dreaming about?
Many dreams and plans were placed on hold because of the pandemic. With things somewhat safer, can you do these things now?
This past weekend my two dear friends Catherine and Gail visited. We’ve seen each other individually, but the three of us haven’t been together for over eight years. Ridiculous! We had the most fantastic time together; my heart is so full that it’s bursting. I’m grateful we did not put this off, and we’ve now committed to annual visits.
Are you overdue for some family and friend time?
Is there someone in your life that you should call?
Have you been itching to visit Prague? Write a book? Sing to an audience?
What’s holding you back?
Do what fills your soul! Life is short. We all know it can be over in the blink of an eye. Not putting things off gives you momentum and can become a healthy habit. It’s also a great way to alleviate regrets.
There may only be another week to enjoy the autumn colours. So please don’t put it off; go for a hike and take it all in.
Be well.
Anita
Sandbanks Provincial Park, October 23rd, 2022.