A WORD FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PROCRASTINATION

I can't help but want to get up, grab my jacket, and head for the door. Even that smog, hovering over our lower Manhattan digs, possesses a refreshing quality right about now. I can't think. I can't write. I don't feel like being creative. Somebody needs to get me a bottle of Alsatian Gewurztraminer, a log of Goat's cheese, and a loaf of French baguette, and call me a cab to Central Park; it's 60 degrees and, well, “partly” sunny. The winter is over and I want to celebrate. I'll make my move:

“I'm leavin' early today.”
“No, you're not.”
“Why not?”
“You have an editorial to write. We go to print tomorrow.”

There's a long, uncomfortable pause. I look away from the window and basically collapse at my desk, Shakespearean theatre style.

“Shit.”

Yes, I put it off and waited for my moment of inspiration to arrive. But, like the Alfonso Ribeiro breakdancing mixtape I ordered back in '81, it just never came. The vacancy in my brain did, however, welcome a small idea that I'd like to share with you.

Do it now. It won't do itself.

What do I mean? I mean next time you're standing in front of that boulder problem or route, staring at it like it's 6,000 miles away because you're having a low psych kind of a day, get up on that thing and DO IT anyway.  Force feed yourself to the lion and he might not spit you out. If you got goals, chase them; don't sit around waiting for something to happen like I'm hunting for a metaphor -- it's useless. Just get it done, now. Don't look outside the window on a Saturday morn and call your bros with the whole “It rained last night and I'm pretty sure it'll be wet” thing.  Put on some decent kicks in case it's muddy and trudge on out there because the wind can perform miracles on wet stone. Don't sit there, feeling all intimidated, watching everyone else throw down on that V4 because you never sent harder than V2 (Hint: You won't send anything if you don't get up and try). Don't bring the “It aint going anywhere / I'll come back to it later” attitude.  Seriously, what are you waiting for?

In fact, the proof that you can make it happen at any given time is right here in front of you - my editorial's finished.

That's right, sent.
I'm out.

See you out there,
Joe Iurato