suko | Procrastination-Nation

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Procrastination Nation

Category: Miscellaneous

(Updated 24 Days ago)

suko says:

05/20/09

I`m wondering if anyone has general advice about overcoming procrastination. I love to imagine myself doing things but sometimes I can`t quite bring myself to actually get up and take action. Any thoughts or advice?

xtina says:

05/20/09

Stay away from the internet! This is a great site but also a great way for me to dodge writing essays.

Otherwise simple daily goals are a good way not to feel overwhelmed. When you`re thinking about something just get up and do it. it`s easier and a lot less stressful than thinking about it for hours/day/weeks.

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lporcano says:

05/20/09

I think the answer is somewhat dependent on why you procrastinate. It can come from insecurity or fear, from lack of focus, or simply from bad habits. Practicing meditation can certainly help with the first two. Even as little as 10 to 15 minutes each morning can help focus you, and calm your mind and nerves. If you make it a habit to do this each morning, you will also be developing good habits which can keep you on track.

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Becs says:

05/20/09

I too have issues with procrastination. I have found that when I make myself start a task - even if I only dedicate 5 minutes to it in the beginning - I am much more likely to finish it though. I guess working on stuff incrementally helps me feel as though I don`t have this huge thing looming before me - it makes it more manageable. Maybe if you made it your Someday to reduce procrastination, it might help too?

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zachwashere says:

06/03/09

I posted this link in the publishing a novel thread, but I think it has very real relevance here as well. This site profiles many writers and other famous figures around the framework of their work habits. Very interesting stuff:

http://dailyroutines.typepad.com/

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Becs says:

06/04/09

That`s an interesting website zachwashere!

Reading Simone de Beauvoir`s daily routine reminded me of another thing that really helps me reduce procrastination - taking breaks! If I start a task knowing that in 20 minutes (or whatever time interval I choose) I get to go get a coffee, take a walk around the block, or call a friend etc., I`m much more likely to not only get to work over those 20 minutes but get back to work after my break...and then work until the next break.

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azhure says:

06/04/09

Break up the task into the smallest portions you can. Then tackle those micro goals one at a time, giving yourself a pat on the back for every one completed. It`s like going to kindergarden again - your teacher/parent probably taught you how to tie a shoe in small steps, clapping along the way when you got it. We are hard-wired to accomplish tasks in small steps, and feel happy when we have accomplished a lot of things - even if they are small and easy. Google this idea and you will find a lot of experts and professionals saying the same thing.

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AndrewM says:

06/06/09

Very interesting post Zach. My fave:

He took a pragmatic attitude toward amphetamines, regarding them as a "labor-saving device" in the "mental kitchen," with the important proviso that "these mechanisms are very crude, liable to injure the cook, and constantly breaking down."

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zachwashere says:

06/06/09

Here`s an interesting article about being productive as it relates to your workspace/livingspace:

http://zenhabits.net/2009/06/feng-shui-on-steroids-design-your-space-to-achieve-your-goals/

I`ve never bought in much to feng shui personally, but I definitely agree with a lot of what this article has to say.

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globehound says:

06/27/09

Whatever your Somedays are on the site, building a Plan will actually help you get some momentum going. And that can make all the difference.

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Becs says:

07/20/09

Making a Someday will definitely combat procrastination - I can attest to that! Here are some more tips on the affliction:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/07/20/10-tips-for-getting-it-done-today/

I especially like the last tip:

10. Take back control and reward yourself when you finish a task.

Procrastination is a means of letting our assignments, projects, meetings and due-dates get the better of us. Instead of being in control of our lives, we let our life`s responsibilities take control of us. By combating procrastination head-on with tools and strategies, you`re taking back control of your own life. The feeling of having this renewed sense of control can be empowering and re-energize you, even allowing you to consider taking on more in the future.

A part of feeling empowered is also to reward yourself when you complete a task. Because life isn`t simply about getting things done, but enjoying the process too. Even if you can`t enjoy every task needing to be done, you can at least enjoy the sweet success of completing it with a token reward (such as buying yourself a small gift, indulging in something you wouldn`t ordinarily eat, etc.). It also gives you something to look forward to in completing the next task on your list.

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jyeung says:

07/21/09

Leave Post-Its around to remind you. Put notifications on devices to remind you. The more you are reminded, the least likely you will also forget. Also, make your goals reasonable to attain instead of far-fetched.

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carpediem says:

12/31/09

Write in your journal.

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Kahlana says:

01/01/10

Start with steps to the steps. Take one class instead of a full course load. Clean off your desk instead of tackling the whole office much less the whole house. Even baby steps on the baby steps help lots (and thats from personal experience not a website although websites are great help too)

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JoeSomebody2 says:

08/12/10

Internet is the killer of procrastination...or an amazing tool to help you with your goals. in the end, it`s all on you. Shame that it`s so easy to lose control over something as the Net. ;)

As mentioned, one method is keeping a journal, or even blogging. will track your progress, and you can reference notes of the past to work with the future (a company meeting with the self). Friend has recommended this to me, and I may take up the offer.

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