Entropy

I’m writing this to prevent myself from being entropic. What is "entropy"? This word has never crossed my mind until an evening’s lecture few years ago. An author, Kirschenbaum, called it the inclination to initiate doing things and give up eventually.

That was exactly how I saw myself about 6 years ago. In fact, it still happens occasionally. I recalled such an incident. I once saw a beautiful paper tote handicraft at a friend’s house. It was a fine and intricate piece of art, beautifully and painstakingly crafted. Intrigued by the masterpiece, I was very sure and confident that I wanted to do something like that. My friend asked me “Are you serious about paper tote? It’s not as easy as you think.” I gave her a very emphatic “Yes!” I pestered her and she finally relented.

She brought me to this shop and I bought the whole range of tools and materials which cost quite a bomb. Sensing my enthusiasm, the sales assistant gave me quite a few tips and instructions on how to construct a finer art. I put aside my other work and started beginning on the new craft. My friend was right. It was a lot of effort. I have to do fine cutting, pasting, painting, arranging and brushing. The first work of art was quite scruffy. Not satisfied with it, I began on the second one. I thought it would be a good idea to make something for friend as a birthday present. Once again, I told myself that I would do a good job and complete the next masterpiece. The cutting was the most elaborate and complex. A mistake made can ruin the art. I stayed late at night up, sometimes till the wee hours just to complete the cutting. As time passed, I became a little tired doing it and interest started to wane. I had intended to give it to someone as present. As I could not finish it on time, I ended buying a birthday present. The paper tote became an unfinished project and the tools have transformed into white elephants.

In yet another instance, I chance upon an ex-colleague who was using some interesting software for designing newsletters and artwork. I was totally impressed by the exciting graphics and urged him to show me. I was marveled by the results and that evening, I hurried to the computer shop and purchased the software. I rushed home to experiment with my new software. Once more, I spent late nights inserting striking graphics to make the company newsletter look more attractive. Of course such enthusiasm cannot stand the test of time. After a couple of months, I gave the software away to another friend who needed it more than I do.

In order to overcome entropy, I realised that exercising protracted self-control is imperative. We must constantly build a strong resistance to temptation. In the above instances, I lacked self-monitoring and had unrealistic expectations. Becoming aware of the entropy issue has helped prepared the management of such concern in work, sports and daily tasks. Helping myself to develop into effective tactician would alleviate imprudent actions, procrastination and obstacles.