Labels

Labels can be quite helpful when it comes to solutions. For instance, having your headache medication labeled correctly or marking a bleach container as 'corrosive' is essential. However, labeling something as simple as a headache can lead to complications. The remedies in your cabinet may or may not alleviate the pain and could be unsuitable.

I am, without a doubt, a chronic procrastinator. I say 'without a doubt' because I believe most people experience this at some level, even those who exude positivity. Experts advise not to dwell too much on procrastination, suggesting there are often valid reasons for delaying tasks. However, when I label something as 'procrastination,' it morphs into a distinct problem for which I feel compelled to find a solution, despite procrastination being a general term for delaying actions.

A Solution without a Problem

We all face various challenges in our lives and relationships, which can typically be categorized under headings like social anxiety, isolation, or self-doubt. Procrastination, however, is not a category in itself; it may stem from any of the issues mentioned. There's a saying: when you only have a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail. This reflects the "Mr. Fixit" mentality.

This approach not only proves inefficient but also reinforces the false belief that every issue has a specific solution. In reality, many problems could diminish if the right conditions were established. For example, I used to dread filling out my tax returns annually by the January 31 deadline. Missing it meant incurring a £100 fine. The stress of the deadline only fueled my procrastination. Thankfully, with digitization, I now only need to update my return when changes occur, alleviating that particular stress.

National Health

The creation of the British National Health Service (NHS) aimed to provide universal health care, free at the point of use. It was part of a larger welfare system designed to ensure everyone had access to basic living essentials. By integrating health and social care, the government aimed to enhance the general health and well-being of its citizens. This led to the development of a primary care network of general practitioners (GPs) and initiatives promoting good health through education.

The NHS was designed to be cost-effective and efficient, ideally reducing the need for hospital visits through early intervention and preventive care provided by GPs. Hospitals were run by nurses rather than managers, keeping costs down and enabling the NHS, the largest employer in Europe, to resist the pressures from the pharmaceutical industry.

Fixing the Problem

The crux of the matter is that trying to fix ourselves can often be inefficient, clumsy, and frequently ineffective. You may have experienced visiting a doctor only to be advised to eat healthier, exercise more, and abandon certain vices when you were already aware of the core issue, which could have been addressed with a simple prescription.

While one might expect the expert to provide a solution, the answer to "Can you fix this?" is sometimes "No." Ideally, you would want a healthcare provider who offers strategies rather than quick fixes. Many people overlook that a doctor's primary role is to investigate. Most of the appointment revolves around you answering questions because you have a better understanding of your situation than the doctor does. However, the pathway to a solution may not be straightforward. If the system is functioning well, it should focus on finding answers rather than merely providing fixes.

So, how do you overcome procrastination?

The truth is, you don’t. You are not inherently a procrastinator; that’s just a label. I recognize that for myself, procrastination often stems from fear, likely rooted in past experiences. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to delve deeply into your subconscious. Often, longstanding issues can be addressed collectively, and one solution can tackle multiple problems. Life does not have a single, clear pathway to resolution.

Being overly fixated on fixing others can diminish their autonomy. This mindset also attempts to shortcut the natural processes that many of life’s challenges require for effective and lasting solutions. You are the individual you aim to 'fix,' and the same principles apply. In reality, many people are like the walking wounded—permanently marked by their experiences, held together by sheer will, supporting one another as we navigate life.

The ideal scenario resembles a game where everyone uses a three-foot spoon, making it impossible to feed themselves—where you hold the answer to someone else's dilemma. Sometimes it is about the nail, but more often than not, it isn’t.

The first video, "WHY YOU NEED TO STOP TRYING TO FIX OTHER PEOPLE | Wu Wei Wisdom", discusses the importance of stepping back and not trying to change others, focusing instead on personal growth and understanding.

The second video, "Stop Trying To Fix Yourself", highlights the pitfalls of self-fixing and encourages viewers to embrace their imperfections while seeking holistic improvement.