I’ve been dealing with procrastination for so long, it used to be a goal of mine years ago but I took it off because I thought I’d never overcome it and that I was wasting energy on trying to. I can see how much time I am wasting though and I need to do something about it so I re added it.
I procrastinate in a lot of areas, but for different reasons. For example when I was learning to drive I put off learning to park for almost a year because of fear of embarrassment if I made a mistake. I put off studying because of fear of failure. At times I procrastinate because I have zero interest in what I have to do, other times as strange as this is, if I know I will enjoy the task I put it off so that I will have something to look forward to, which doesn’t make sense because I never actually get around to it. Other times, I know the big task that needs to be done, I have the resources to complete it, but I don’t know how to break it down into smaller parts like I can with other tasks, sometimes it is unclear to me or even an overwhelming amount of information that does it.
I once had an important assignment due that I had three months to work on, I spent only one night working on this assignment which was the night before it was due. I remember feeling motivated and focused because I had to get it all done in one night or I’d fail. I was not motivated at all during those three months other than that one night. I am the same way with my course studies now, sometimes I do two weeks of studying in three nights when the deadline is close, but I stay up all night to do it. When I have close deadlines I’m somehow able to concentrate and focus in a way that I can’t when I know I have longer to complete a specific task.
I have thought about studying all day today and yet I cannot make myself just do it already. I have a feeling there will be things in there that I don’t understand so I’m hesitant to begin. There are times when I know I need to study, but instead I will deep clean the kitchen (unusual for me) or de-clutter rooms in the house lol. It’s almost like I have a way of tricking my mind into believing that the deep cleaning is important so that I can justify not studying lol.
I’m unsure as to how to overcome procrastination, but it has to be done. It’s not as easy as just doing it when I want to, it doesn’t work like that unfortunately. I am also a perfectionist which I think has something to do with why I procrastinate. If I think I can’t do something perfect, I won’t even attempt it. I’ve thought about getting self-help books regarding procrastination but because I have so many reasons behind why I do it I don’t think one book will be helpful. I honestly think that the biggest reason behind why I procrastinate is fear of embarrassment, so if I were to get a book it would be based in that area. 2 weeks ago
Tired of putting important decisions on hold. It’s time to take back control!
I am currently reading a book about overcoming procrastination, and I hope that the book will help me with this task. 7 months ago
I admit, it takes me a while to get going on some things. I will think and list and ‘mean’ to do things, and if I am not careful I give in to laziness and the general drained feeling I have after my souless job.
In the past month or 2 I have notably fought my procrastination.
I signed up to the gym again instead of thinking one day I will get back in shape.
I made myself go 3 x a week.
I started dancing again, joining a great new dance school in London and learning with some of the best and admired teachers around.
I come home enormously drained as my day job completely sucks. But I find things I love and try to do them whenever I can during the day: I read something interesting at lunch, I study Spanish..
I have stayed up many late nights entering writing competitions. Since it is not my career background and an area I want to get into, I am looking for any opportunities to write. I am building a presence as a writer and feel like I have grown with every piece. I get a lot of enjoyment out of this and at 29 I have decided to embrace my inner artist rather than try to be something I am not.
When I get round to studying Spanish I feel better for it, the dream is to go travel but since I want to save as much as possible I am learning via self-study and classes. 21 months ago
I have major work to do for this report. I can’t afford to stare at the numbers and keep checking facebook to see if anyone’s replying to my messages.
I worked really hard and was very focused all day yesterday, but I’m dragging my heels, now that I have the report to start writing.
I have to go to class tonight, too.
So, to try to beat this procrastination, I am going to swear off checking on the survey until after class. I am going to give myself 40 minutes to skim my 3 articles before class, then I’ll get dressed and motor out of here.
Present-tense, positive language!
I AM READING MY ARTICLES. I am focused and interested in these articles.
2 years ago
I have this new self-help book about procrastination that uses the Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde metaphor for the part of us that doesn’t want to work and the part that does.
My Ms.Hyde side pretty much has her boot firmly planted on my neck. I am losing this battle with procrastination, big time.
Oh! But according to the book, I’m not supposed to say that. I’m supposed to say (preferably out loud) “I am working on my final project.” “I am working on my final project.”
Clear, positive (as in affirmative), present tense language. I have to cut this crap where I tell my unconscious mind that this is a lost cause.
Okay. I am WORKING on my final project. (out loud this time!) I am working on my final project. I am working on my field methods survey. I am writing survey questions. I am coming up with a very adequate survey.
and so on.
(If you are reading this, and you have a personal relationship with a God(dess), or Higher Power (HP if you like), or, Allah, or anyone who might be able to intervene on my behalf … please pray for me. Please. Call in a favor. I need help.
3 days, 17 hours, 37 minutes to final project deadline.2 years ago
