A.S.A.P. Means Now, Not Later

 Have you heard of the acronym A.S.A.P. before? If you haven’t, well, I don’t blame you. It is used mostly by adults in business offices. 

It means: As Soon As Possible.

So why am I even talking about it in Big Little People? What do children have to do with A.S.A.P.?

A lot. And with good reasons.

According to many moms and dads, their children like to postpone doing things like homework, house tasks, or errands. Instead of doing a chore right away, they say, “later.” Especially when they are busy playing a video game, watching TV, or chatting with friends.

When I heard this, I talked to five of my young friends separately and asked each one, “When your mom or dad asks you to do your homework, house chores, or any errand, what action do you take?”  I gave them three answer choices:  

1. Do it right away.

2. Do it later.

3. Nothing. 

Four out of five said, “Later.”  One said, “Do it right away.” I was relieved that nobody said, “Nothing.”

ooo

In offices, “later” is not an acceptable word. When the boss says, A.S.A.P. in speech or in writing, he means “right away.” Otherwise, precious time is lost and worse, possible business opportunity could be lost, too. 

The four kids who told me “later” gave me four different reasons why they put off doing things. Want to know what they are? 

1. They don’t think it’s urgent, especially when there is no deadline. “I don’t have to do it now. What’s wrong with later or tomorrow?”

2. They can get away with it, especially if there is no condition set. “I don’t really have to do it. Mama will do it for me if I can’t.” 

3. They’re afraid they’ll do it wrong or badly. “I don’t know how to do it right. I have never done this sort of thing before.”

4. There’s Something Better to Do. “I am busy watching my favorite show on TV.” Or, “I want to better my score in my video game.” Or, this is my only time to play with my friends.”

ooo

I talked further to the only one among my five friends who said she’ll do a chore she is supposed to do right away. “I like finishing things right away so I have time to make them better,” she said.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with her answer and told her, “You will make a perfect boss someday. Even now, many adults can learn from you.”

She gave me a beautiful smile.

ooo

“Later” is nasty habit that can lead to poor performance. For instance, homework begun too late does not allow you enough time to review the work for mistakes or for improvement. That’s why some very smart kids can get poorer grades than they deserve because they said, “later” instead of doing it A.S.A.P.

As early as now, try to bury somewhere in your backyard the word “later” in doing tasks.  Substitute it with the acronym A.S.A.P.

Let me know how successful you are with A.S.A.P. this week. Please email me at gdchong@gmail.com or visit my website www.leavesofgrace.blogspot.com (FREEMAN)