Procrastination, Efficiency and Success

In the early 1970s I was about 27 years old and still searching for how to make my life successful. As a younger person I read a large number of biographies instinctively looking at how older successful people were able to gain success. By 1972 I was reading books about extra sensory perception and states of mental consciousness. I found hints in the biographies that successful people used these things to achieve success. I read the novel The Center of the Cyclone, written by John C Lilly, M.D., where Lilly mapped his understanding of the ego and the non-ego states of consciousness that defines where where we function during our lives. The book is out of print, but I have a copy as we speak. If you can get a copy, go to chapter 13, starting here Lilly defines his states of consciousness. A blog entry is to short to discuss all the states he defines: +3, +6, +12, +24, +/-48, -24, -12, -6, -3. States +24, +-48 and -24 are enough to cover procrastination, efficiency and success. Just note that state -3 means 100% ego and the most negative. State +3 is 0% ego,100% essence and the most positive; think sit at the right hand of God. 

Lets look at the balanced conscious level +/-48, the creative state, which I call the educational state where either you are receiving information, giving information or creating new information or plans. In state +/-48 you plan for action in the your positive professional state, +24, which is your most positive and productive doing state, performing at your professional best. You may use more ego and negative energy in the professional state and end up at -24; +24 is more productive.

Let's look at the example Lilly gives in his book. A downhill skier has spent his career in +48 learning how to perform his sport and time in +24 state practicing his sport; now he is discussing the conditions and challenges the course presents with his coach as he waits for the green light at the top of the hill. He and his coach are in +/-48. When the light turns green the skier must quickly enter state +24 and execute his professional plan all the way down the hill, his body executes in fluid motion without thinking. If he returns to +48 state even for a fraction of a second, he will fall. If he drifts into +12 state, enjoyment and euphoria, he will fall. Think of it like a tight rope high wire walker, same thing.

What does this have to do with procrastination, efficiency and success you ask?  The goal is success which is defined by achieving a hard to reach professional goal. You, the professional, must spend time in the creative state, +48, resisting the pressure to enter the professional state full tilt too soon; you must procrastinate until you are sure of your success. Once you commit all your energy to +24 you are burning time and money toward a professional goal. If you have not procrastinated just right your cash and energy spent in the professional state many run out or at least be greatly reduced in value. Thus balance between +48 and +24 means procrastination, efficiency and success are maximized.