Description of the compulsive procrastinator in AA Big Book

Hi all -

this morning, as I was reading chapter two of the AA Big Book, I came across this description of the Alcoholic.

“He has a positive genius for getting tight [drunk] at exactly the wrong moment, particularly when some important decision must be made or engagement kept. He is often perfectly sensible and well balanced concerning every­ thing except liquor, but in that respect he is incredibly dishonest and selfish. He often possesses special abilities, skills, and aptitudes, and has a promising career ahead of him. He uses his gifts to build up a bright outlook for his family and himself, and then pulls the structure down on his head by a senseless series of sprees.”

What struck me so keenly was - if we exchange the words Alcoholic for Compulsive Procrastinator, and alcohol/drunk for procrastination/avoidant - I think this little passage would describe almost ANY member of PA. Let's try it:

“He has a positive genius for procrastinating compulsively at exactly the wrong moment, particularly when some important decision must be made or engagement kept. He is often perfectly sensible and well balanced concerning every­ thing except meeting deadlines or accomplishing tasks, but in that respect he is incredibly dishonest and selfish. He often possesses special abilities, skills, and aptitudes, and has a promising career ahead of him. He uses his gifts to build up a bright outlook for his family and himself, and then pulls the structure down on his head by a senseless series of avoidant, time-binging sprees.”

Anyway, just caught my eye, and wanted to share my thoughts.

Wishing all well -

MC

"[People] need to be connected to each other. Courage comes out of relationship; it doesn’t come out of willpower." Peter Block, author of Servant Leadership: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest.