Procrastination, it's making me wait

I have a secret. I don't really do anything. Well, work related that is. Okay, nothing traditionally considered work related. I just get things started. And read. A lot.

In high school we called ourselves doers - people who got things done.
In college we called ourselves activist - people actively supporting what they love.
Now we're called entrepreneurs, and by some flakes but I don't let that bother me.

My son Aren thinks time is short. Photo by Christopher Elliott. 

I work with the realization of ideas and creating marketable projects. So far I am 0 for at least a 100 and statistically it's time for a winner. Most of my best work has gone into OPP (other people's projects) so I at least have some street cred for success. And tons of experience.

But I am so frustrated with myself. I have good ideas. Mostly. But I lack the selfish quality it takes to do them.

Notice I say selfish. Negative word with negative connotations.

What I am really doing is procrastinating using one of the oldest tricks in the book for self-deception, semantics.

No, I am not watching Community with my better half, or Barbie Fashionista with my daughter to save myself from being too selfish. I am doing it to avoid the possibility of failure. Or having to work hard.

And I hide it in semantics.

Of course I'm afraid. And overwhelmed. And underfunded. And staring down the absolute unknown.

But wait a sec, am I the first person to be an starter? Am I really creating something totally unique, resembling nothing you've ever encountered, behaving in a completely untested manner?

Probably not. Yes? No. Definitely not, now that I think about it.

My cat Pollux is an excellent listener.
Photo by Christopher Elliott.

There are tools out there to help me and if I can just find a couple of people to use as a sounding board that might help with my personal motivation engine. My cats never disagree with me and are very, very, very supportive but I am not looking for a bunch of "Yes Kitties." No I need some people who can save me from getting distracted and keep me on task. And a few that will take a long term view.

Where will I find these people? Can you make some suggestions here in the comments and I will give you a few ideas as well.

Colleges. Colleges have students and educators that, though overworked, are usually willing to spend some time with you especially if there is food involved.

Entrepreneurship Centers. Yes, we have them all over Central Florida and they are supported by the University system including UCF's CEI. They have experts willing to share their links to resources you may need and give advice.

Experts. You may come across a paper or article that names an expert in his or her field. Believe it or not they are usually willing to share their knowledge and may point you in the right direction for organization or meet-up groups in your area with folks with similar interests.

Organizations.  American Society of Journalist, ASJA, is a trade association. The Chamber of Commerce is a business organization. The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are social organizations. There are thousands of organizations but only a few will be what you're looking for. Many you won't even have to join in order to access their research or contact some members.

Government Agencies. Make sure you are connected to a true agency. If they ask you for money right away, it probably isn't legit.

I am sure you have a couple of suggestions. Post them to the comments below.