Category: Safe Haven
Hello everyone,
This is Cali Girl. I have a very big problem with procrastination. I always leave every single thing until the absolute last minute, without considering the consequences until it's too late to change anything about the situation. I've tried to manage my time, but every time I begin to start that, I lose heart in it and let it go. I would very much appreciate it if anyone would share some ways that they have used to conqquer or this problem. Even just simple tips would be useful. Thanks for reading.
Hi. I have the same problem. The messed up thing is that after I miss turning in something or getting it done, is that I feel really guilty about it and think how dumb and irresponsible I am for having not gotten that thing done because of the procrastinating. But yet, the next time, I end up procrastinating again. Because of this, I sometimes get feelings of "why even try" or I just give up when I know I'm not going to get something done on time, especially if I know I could've done better on it. The weird thing is that while procrastinating , I don't use that time to socialize, go out, or play. I get other things done, other than what I should be doing. So, I'm not sure what to do either. The only thing I can think is to mentally motivate myself, but I'm not even sure how to do that. What I have tried is writing down different kinds of schedules. Some are where I will actually try to schedule how I will spend each day, and some are where I'll write down each thing or assignment that needs to be done and then erase or get rid of that thing when I do it or the time has passed on it. That's the only thing I can think of, that and the self-motivating like I have mentioned. So maybe you can try that. As for me, I still have trouble but I think it's because of what I mentioned before. So I don't know. Sometimes I think it's actually both because of boredom and worrying or something. But anyway, hope any of this helps. *smile*
I was going to answer this a couple of days ago but couldn't get around to it. <lol>
I don't have any solutions, but check this previous board topic out:
Are you a procrastinator?"
Bob
I have the same problem, and I do not have any tips on how to get rid of it or to make it seem less of a problem. I'm sorry if I can't help you.
Yeah all you do is... Ah sod it I'll do this later.
I say that a lot. LOL.
OK, seriously then. This is off the top of my head so dont' blame me if it doesn't make sense. First of all it may be important to find out the reason for the procrastination. Daunted by a large task, or a large amount of them? No motivation to do what it is you're procrastinating over because you simply dont' have an interest in it? Is there something cooler you'd rather be doing, rather than what you *should* be doing? Let's tackle them one at a time.
1. Daunted by a large amount of tasks, or one large one:
(large amount of tasks: split them up, tackling each in turn, until everything is done).
One large task: if possible split that up into smaller, manageable chunks, again tackling each bit as you go.
2. No motivation due to lack of interest in the task:
Fair enough. Do you though like the idea of having achieved what you set out to do? And is the end result of doing the task justification for doing it? For example. I hate doing dishes, but like eating off clean plates. If I do the dishes I have clean plates.
3. Something cooler holds your interest:
Another fair comment. But I refer you to my answer for number 2 for this one. Recently I did a taster course in philosophy which touched upon this very subject as it relates to freedom. It was argued, in the course, that we have a higher and lower self. The lower self likes to watch t.v come on the zone, get smashed down the pub, etc etc. The higher self is more concerned with long-term more benificial goals such as a good education, good job, nice home, yacht in the bahamas lol. The trick here is to become master over your higher self and to ignore, when necessary the lower self. Not always easy to do, but can be done, and is done on a regular basis by so many.
All in all, the trick is to do things according to your abilities both physical and mental. We are all different, and so all work at different paces. Some of us can work for 4, 5, 6 hours straight with minimal breaks and study till our heads fall off. Others, (me included), have to work in sperts, sp, taking frequent breaks. Some work best in the morning, others in the evening. I'm a morning person myself, so perhaps moving your tasks to a time wherein you are more productive would benifit you also. Above all Bianca, do your best. That is all you should ask of yourself, and all others can ask of you. None of us can do any more than that.
Good luck with your endeavours then, and here's hoping that at least something I said here was helpful.
Cheers,
Simon
I like the tips, and I totally agree with them! Thanks for the tips!
Bianca,
Here is one trick that really isn't a trick. Goal setting is a great way to motovate yourself. When you have something that needs doing, break it up into more manageable chunks. Then, establish a time for each chunk. For example. I might have a 3 page paper due. I might tell myself that I might write one page then take a break. That break will be no less than 5 minutes, and no more than a hour. Here comes the trick. At the end of the task, in this example the writing of the paper, I would celerbrate. Reward myself for a job well done. This reward I would tell myself at the beginning what it was. In the paper example I might say that my reward is reading a chapter in my favorite book, or a nap, or whatever appeals to me. Nothing too extravagant but something that I can do.
Nem's two cents.
That sounds like a good tip. I'll try it out!
generally the time you take to talk about procrastination; you're procrastinating!
You know, I never thought about that. lol But, it certainly makes sense.
I'm sure it does.
Thank you everyone who has replied with tips. I'll put some of those in to affect ASAP, like tonight when I get home, as I have an essay due by the end of the week. Thanks again everyone.
Ooh you'd better get crack-a-lackin' on your essay!