Procrastinating appears to be the easy way in life, but it goes against our inner program. We are programmed to be decisive.

Over the years, I developed the idea that we all carry an invisible backpack. When we avoid our job, our responsibilities, our homework or anything in life, we drop a weight into our backpack.

It is only when we complete the task that our backpack is lightened. We often felt elated and wondered why we've avoided the task.

Avoidance drains our energy. The backpack can get very heavy.

When depressed, people have a problem with decision making. This indecision (resulting in a heavy backpack) drains energy. Depression can cause chronic fatigue.

READ ALSO: Mum's the word: The time passes quickly so enjoy it

Therefore, discipling ourselves to be decision makers, and not people who delay decisions, is a powerful tool in avoiding depression (and anxiety).

My friend with cerebral palsy enjoyed his vegetable garden. For him, gardening was a major effort. Everything physical was a major effort for him. He was an intelligent man locked in a stiff, clumsy body. However, he went on to win the local gardening competition. He taught me that determination will get us through.

Don't avoid and don't miss the joy of success. Who wants to carry a heavy backpack?

In helping a patient in distress, so often my role was to help us both understand what was really the problem. Once the problem was clearer to both of us, it was then the patient's role to offer what options they had available to them.

My role was not to give answers. (What I would do in the patient's situation was irrelevant). Choosing the best option was their decision. It was then up to them to act on it - because avoiding acting on it ends up making that invisible backpack very heavy.

Rule 4 follows in two weeks.

For Goulburn -

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: