redfishingboat

I love to read self-improvement blogs. They’re always filled with great insights and information that completely misses the point, written by people who exult in telling you how this stuff works without actually understanding why. They didn’t get where they are by “tackling the tough tasks first” or “putting a to-do list next to the phone to complete tasks while on hold.” The authors of such advice have already mastered the real question: How to care.

On procrastination:

Oddly enough, I think the film Grosse Pointe Blank is partly responsible for how easily I slip into procrastination. Martin Blank has a target to assassinate that he continually puts off while pursuing Debbie, his love-interest. After avoiding the task again and again, he finally sits down to do it, and as he opens the dossier he says to himself, “You’re a handsome devil. What’s your name?” That line is a subtle recall to an earlier scene where he visits his Alzheimeric mother, who forgets who he is. John Cusack’s delivery of writer Tom Jankiewicz’s brilliant line so completely characterizes the moment of complete bottom-rung despair that is often the true spur to action. When things get so bad that taking care of business is the only bearable option left, that’s when some of us get things done. No, it ain’t healthy or a recipe for success, but Cusack made it so freakin’ cool.  So, when I reach that point, if you listen closely you’ll hear me say “You’re a handsome devil. What’s your name?”

Play this song right now: “Start Today” - Gorilla Biscuits