How can I deal with my procrastination problem?
I have a serious problem with under-achievement, enough though I know that I'm capable of achieving a lot.
Are there any effective steps that I can take every day to help me reach my full potential.
I don't want to waste anymore of my life.
25/female/london
(Serious answers only please! Please no smarty pants answers!)
Answers:
make a list of goals small and large goals. make copies of that list and put them where you see them all of the time. - bathroom mirror, automobile, bedroom in your pocket, etc.
if you have this in your face all the time you might not deviate from your responsibilities to yourself.
it's not easy and not 100% effective but i've found that it has helped me very much
I felt that i have wasted some time before i started to do my lists. i was 25 years old 8 years ago and i was in your same situation.
Don't give up on yourself. Make a list! read it every day multiple times per day!
worry about it tomorrow
plan out your day and accomplish your plan. Start with small things that you can finish and move on to larger tasks. Don't stop until you are done
Honestly. Get off your A** and keep it moving. You know what you have to do and your underachievement is your fault only. Just change your schedule and stop lagging. It's easier to be lazy. But you won't get anywhere. If you have something you need to do, then do it right then so you can be lazy later.
get someone to give you a good kick up the a**e
Who judges what is achievement?
What about the thousands of people your life touches in many different ways?
Who can truly say what the net result of your life is?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed about the things that you want or need to do?
You need to pick just one thing that's not been delt with and do it one step at a time. This will give a sence of accomplishment and then when that's done chose another and do the same thing. Reward yourself in some way you would generally not(this could be a motivator).
What you would be doing is starting a new patteren of behavior in the direction you want to go.
M Scott Peck wrote a book.and he says the way is to manage yourself so that you don't get what you want unless you do the hard things first. Like can't watch your favorite tv show until you vacuum. these are rules you make up for yourself. can't go to spain for the summer unless you make a 4.0.
stuff like that. try his book. i think it's
the road less traveled.consider things like the seven habits of highly effective people. and consider nutrition and hydration and sleep and things like that.
http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics.
Check out the link it maybe of help to you.
It is all a state of mind, just do what needs to be done when it needs to be done
I hear where you are coming from. A long time ago i realized I was doing the same thing. Now, I just tell myself to accomplish one project at a time. I tell myself that I need to do that. Sometimes we have so much in our lives that we get overwhelmed. To just get one thing done helps. Baby steps I think they call it..:) But one step leads to another. And before you know it you have accomplished something.
Overcoming Procrastination
Often called the "thief of time", procrastination is the habit of intentionally delaying work on important tasks that need to be done.
While everyone procrastinates to some degree, procrastination becomes a real problem when it starts interfering with your goals and work.
Left unchecked, procrastination can significantly decrease your effectiveness and lead to serious negative consequences in your career and personal life.
These are just some of the costs associated with procrastination:
Poor Quality Work – Procrastinating on important tasks means that you have less time in which to complete them, which invariably leads to rushed poor quality work.
Time Pressure – Leaving things until the last minute results in anxiety and time pressure as you go all out to complete tasks before the deadline.
Failure to Achieve Important Goals – This can be one of the most depressing and frustrating aspects of procrastination. Earl Nightingale has said that success and happiness can be defined as the progressive realization of a worthy goal. The problem is that while procrastinators have goals and aspirations like everyone else, they never get around to pursuing or realizing them.
Missed Opportunities - Procrastination causes you to miss wonderful opportunities that you never even consider or explore. This can lead to guilt and regret as you realize what you are missing.
Waste of the Present – Michael LeBoeuf makes the point that wasting the present is probably the biggest cost of procrastination. According to LeBoeuf, consistent procrastination leads to an unfulfilled life lacking in accomplishments and enjoyment.
If you are struggling with procrastination, this article provides several strategies and tips to help you overcome it.
First Diagnose, Then Prescribe
One of the keys to overcome procrastination is to realize that its causes can vary from one situation to the next. You can put off a chore for a completely different reason than you delay work on an important work project.
Imagine if you went to see your doctor, and without even examining you, she gives you a prescription for an antibiotic. The antibiotic would work if you have an infection, but won't do any good if you have a rash from poison ivy.
Similarly, there is no one single solution to the problem of procrastination because each strategy only works for some of the causes.
You first need to diagnose the reasons why you are procrastinating on a particular task, and then apply the right strategies for those reasons. You first diagnose, and only then prescribe the solution.
Major Causes of Procrastination
Below are the main causes of procrastination. In all likelihood, you may be facing several of these causes at the same time, which means that you may need to use multiple strategies to overcome your procrastination habit.
1. Avoiding an unpleasant task
2. Lack of energy/motivation
3. Escaping from an overwhelming project
4. Don't know where or how to get started
5. Don't know what to do next
6. Overwhelm created by too much work
7. Unclear goals and priorities
8. Urgency addiction
9. Psychological defense mechanism to protect your from fear of failure, fear of criticism, or fear of success
In addition to these common causes, several psychological factors may also be fueling your procrastination habit. If you can eliminate, or even reduce, these factors you'll find it much easier to conquer your procrastination habit.
Look at the differences in thought patterns and self-talk between a procrastinator and a highly productive person.
See if you can recognize some of these patterns in your own thoughts and self-talk.
Procrastination Thought Patterns and Self-Talk
Procrastinator
Productive Person
I don’t really want to do this task, but I HAVE to do it or I will… (get into trouble, fail, disappoint my spouse, lose my promotion, etc.)
I CHOOSE to do this task now because it will… (help me get a promotion, help out my spouse, avoid tax penalties, etc.)
This task is HORRIBLE. It will be such a pain to have to do it, I can’t even begin to imagine it.
Yes, this task is a bit unpleasant, but I’ve seen worse. It’s actually NOT THAT BAD, I’ll just GET IT DONE quickly and be rid of it.
This task is so BIG, I don’t know if I’ll EVER be able to FINISH IT!
This is a big an exciting project. I just need to figure out WHERE TO START and what to DO NEXT. I can’t wait to GET STARTED.
You can see how moving from procrastination patterns to productive patterns could make a significant difference in your approach and results.
Five Tips to Overcome Procrastination
Here are five simple tips to help you overcome procrastination:
1. This is a task that I CHOOSE to do, not a task I HAVE to do
Shift your thinking away from a "have to" mentality into a "want to" mentality. Make a conscious choice and commitment to either do the task now, or do what is necessary to get out of it. Don't let it linger around in the back of your mind.
2. I don't have to FINISH this task now, I just have to BEGIN the task now
Don't get overwhelmed by the idea of having to complete the task. Instead, focus your thoughts and energy on getting it started and let your momentum carry you through.
3. I don't have to be PERFECT, I'll do the best I can
Don't let perfectionism ruin your productivity. Accept that you are human and that there is no such thing as PERFECT. Focus your efforts on tasks where excellence will make a difference. All the other tasks just need to get done.
4. I don't have to do this task all at once, I can break it up into smaller steps
Break large on complex projects into smaller steps and focus on taking each individual step. Treat each step as a mini-goal. Don't worry about taking future steps, just focus on getting started on the current task and take time to celebrate after completing it.
5. I don't have to work all day on this task, I can set time limits and take breaks when I need to
Scheduling breaks and other recreational activities in your schedule will help you see that your life is not all work. If you want, you can set time limits to help you get started on a particular task.
Commit to work for 30 minutes on the task and then give yourself permission to take a break. If you feel inspired to continue with the task, go for it and allow your momentum to carry you through. Otherwise, just take a guilt-free break. You deserve it for getting started.
The time management eBook contains much more information on procrastination, including specific strategies and tactics you can use to combat each of the major causes of procrastination.
think of the consequence. The more you procastnate, the poorer you become!
Keep a diary and use it every day.
It'll make you want to fill it with variety, that will be your inspiration!
It may be that efficiency is the root of the problem. Sometimes I plan out my day and things just come up and I have to put something off because it is just impossible to do everything. Of course, I put off the things I don't want to do and add in things that I'd rather do. Well, I have to remember what things really need to be done and just make myself do them, knowing that I'll be glad later.
I was going to give an answer but I keep putting it off
I understand what you're going through, b/c I've been the same way, and I am like that every now and then still, too. But, seriously.the best way to overcome this (and they have done a study on college students that do this) is to actually 'write down' goals or what it is you know you need to do. this is a proven way to actually do what you say you're going to do.it doesnt matter if you dont always get it done that day, unless it really needs to be, but you have to make yourself go through with what you say you are going to do or know you should do. You will be so proud of yourself even after just accomplishing a few small things. Good luck! dont stress!
Make 5 decisions per day and don't change your mind, follow them through. Be positive
You need to look deep inside yourself and find this reason for not reaching your potential. I did it and found I had a fear of faliure. If you can get over that then you can work on your life and make it what you want.
*never take no for an answer
*work as hard as you can to prove work mates and friends you can do it
*Look back on your day and see what you have acheived not what you didn't do
*lastly build on every acheivement and forget every failiure
25 to you are a C UNT!
I'll tell you tomorrow.
I'm intrinsically lazy and can procrastinate forever but it certainly doesn't pay.
You need to write goals and lists of what you need to do to achieve them. That way you can tackle each thing on the list and abracadabra, goal achieved!
The real trick after that is to completely ignore what you've achieved and instead of sitting back proudly increase goals, drive and ambition and drive yourself and others crazy with your bug full of juice attitude.
You'll probably die of a heart attack but it'll help pass the time.
Try the following but you should dedicate a time to do them:
1) sit and start writing down the things you want to accomplish (your listing);
2) on each task, write beside it how would you like them done;
3) schedule a time of completion for each task;
4) start deciding when you should commence the first task;
5) keep your listing somewhere you can easily find or see and check what you have accomplished so far everytime;
6) leave spaces as you might want to add other tasks later on.
Having a time frame for each task in your list will enable you to determine how much extra time you have after accomplishing them one at a time. that extra time will serve as your time for. what. going idle or how ever you want it spent. However, you should discipline yourself into sticking firmly to your schedules as you assigned them.
Good luck!
I do know what you are talking about, I am the same. The trick I learnt is to set myself a target. For example if I have an essay I need to write instead of doing it tomorrow (We both know tomorrow never comes) I set a date and a time and I plan. You just have to learn discipline. This way I get the best of both worlds.
I bought a book called "Do it now" the trouble was I did not get around to reading it past page four.
i really dont know the answer but would love to know too,my brother is an under achiever even though he is much brighter and more intellegent than me. I'd love to understand how some people can let life pass them by, watching from the wings but not really participating.
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Are there any effective steps that I can take every day to help me reach my full potential.
I don't want to waste anymore of my life.
25/female/london
(Serious answers only please! Please no smarty pants answers!)
Answers:
make a list of goals small and large goals. make copies of that list and put them where you see them all of the time. - bathroom mirror, automobile, bedroom in your pocket, etc.
if you have this in your face all the time you might not deviate from your responsibilities to yourself.
it's not easy and not 100% effective but i've found that it has helped me very much
I felt that i have wasted some time before i started to do my lists. i was 25 years old 8 years ago and i was in your same situation.
Don't give up on yourself. Make a list! read it every day multiple times per day!
worry about it tomorrow
plan out your day and accomplish your plan. Start with small things that you can finish and move on to larger tasks. Don't stop until you are done
Honestly. Get off your A** and keep it moving. You know what you have to do and your underachievement is your fault only. Just change your schedule and stop lagging. It's easier to be lazy. But you won't get anywhere. If you have something you need to do, then do it right then so you can be lazy later.
get someone to give you a good kick up the a**e
Who judges what is achievement?
What about the thousands of people your life touches in many different ways?
Who can truly say what the net result of your life is?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed about the things that you want or need to do?
You need to pick just one thing that's not been delt with and do it one step at a time. This will give a sence of accomplishment and then when that's done chose another and do the same thing. Reward yourself in some way you would generally not(this could be a motivator).
What you would be doing is starting a new patteren of behavior in the direction you want to go.
M Scott Peck wrote a book.and he says the way is to manage yourself so that you don't get what you want unless you do the hard things first. Like can't watch your favorite tv show until you vacuum. these are rules you make up for yourself. can't go to spain for the summer unless you make a 4.0.
stuff like that. try his book. i think it's
the road less traveled.consider things like the seven habits of highly effective people. and consider nutrition and hydration and sleep and things like that.
http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics.
Check out the link it maybe of help to you.
It is all a state of mind, just do what needs to be done when it needs to be done
I hear where you are coming from. A long time ago i realized I was doing the same thing. Now, I just tell myself to accomplish one project at a time. I tell myself that I need to do that. Sometimes we have so much in our lives that we get overwhelmed. To just get one thing done helps. Baby steps I think they call it..:) But one step leads to another. And before you know it you have accomplished something.
Overcoming Procrastination
Often called the "thief of time", procrastination is the habit of intentionally delaying work on important tasks that need to be done.
While everyone procrastinates to some degree, procrastination becomes a real problem when it starts interfering with your goals and work.
Left unchecked, procrastination can significantly decrease your effectiveness and lead to serious negative consequences in your career and personal life.
These are just some of the costs associated with procrastination:
Poor Quality Work – Procrastinating on important tasks means that you have less time in which to complete them, which invariably leads to rushed poor quality work.
Time Pressure – Leaving things until the last minute results in anxiety and time pressure as you go all out to complete tasks before the deadline.
Failure to Achieve Important Goals – This can be one of the most depressing and frustrating aspects of procrastination. Earl Nightingale has said that success and happiness can be defined as the progressive realization of a worthy goal. The problem is that while procrastinators have goals and aspirations like everyone else, they never get around to pursuing or realizing them.
Missed Opportunities - Procrastination causes you to miss wonderful opportunities that you never even consider or explore. This can lead to guilt and regret as you realize what you are missing.
Waste of the Present – Michael LeBoeuf makes the point that wasting the present is probably the biggest cost of procrastination. According to LeBoeuf, consistent procrastination leads to an unfulfilled life lacking in accomplishments and enjoyment.
If you are struggling with procrastination, this article provides several strategies and tips to help you overcome it.
First Diagnose, Then Prescribe
One of the keys to overcome procrastination is to realize that its causes can vary from one situation to the next. You can put off a chore for a completely different reason than you delay work on an important work project.
Imagine if you went to see your doctor, and without even examining you, she gives you a prescription for an antibiotic. The antibiotic would work if you have an infection, but won't do any good if you have a rash from poison ivy.
Similarly, there is no one single solution to the problem of procrastination because each strategy only works for some of the causes.
You first need to diagnose the reasons why you are procrastinating on a particular task, and then apply the right strategies for those reasons. You first diagnose, and only then prescribe the solution.
Major Causes of Procrastination
Below are the main causes of procrastination. In all likelihood, you may be facing several of these causes at the same time, which means that you may need to use multiple strategies to overcome your procrastination habit.
1. Avoiding an unpleasant task
2. Lack of energy/motivation
3. Escaping from an overwhelming project
4. Don't know where or how to get started
5. Don't know what to do next
6. Overwhelm created by too much work
7. Unclear goals and priorities
8. Urgency addiction
9. Psychological defense mechanism to protect your from fear of failure, fear of criticism, or fear of success
In addition to these common causes, several psychological factors may also be fueling your procrastination habit. If you can eliminate, or even reduce, these factors you'll find it much easier to conquer your procrastination habit.
Look at the differences in thought patterns and self-talk between a procrastinator and a highly productive person.
See if you can recognize some of these patterns in your own thoughts and self-talk.
Procrastination Thought Patterns and Self-Talk
Procrastinator
Productive Person
I don’t really want to do this task, but I HAVE to do it or I will… (get into trouble, fail, disappoint my spouse, lose my promotion, etc.)
I CHOOSE to do this task now because it will… (help me get a promotion, help out my spouse, avoid tax penalties, etc.)
This task is HORRIBLE. It will be such a pain to have to do it, I can’t even begin to imagine it.
Yes, this task is a bit unpleasant, but I’ve seen worse. It’s actually NOT THAT BAD, I’ll just GET IT DONE quickly and be rid of it.
This task is so BIG, I don’t know if I’ll EVER be able to FINISH IT!
This is a big an exciting project. I just need to figure out WHERE TO START and what to DO NEXT. I can’t wait to GET STARTED.
You can see how moving from procrastination patterns to productive patterns could make a significant difference in your approach and results.
Five Tips to Overcome Procrastination
Here are five simple tips to help you overcome procrastination:
1. This is a task that I CHOOSE to do, not a task I HAVE to do
Shift your thinking away from a "have to" mentality into a "want to" mentality. Make a conscious choice and commitment to either do the task now, or do what is necessary to get out of it. Don't let it linger around in the back of your mind.
2. I don't have to FINISH this task now, I just have to BEGIN the task now
Don't get overwhelmed by the idea of having to complete the task. Instead, focus your thoughts and energy on getting it started and let your momentum carry you through.
3. I don't have to be PERFECT, I'll do the best I can
Don't let perfectionism ruin your productivity. Accept that you are human and that there is no such thing as PERFECT. Focus your efforts on tasks where excellence will make a difference. All the other tasks just need to get done.
4. I don't have to do this task all at once, I can break it up into smaller steps
Break large on complex projects into smaller steps and focus on taking each individual step. Treat each step as a mini-goal. Don't worry about taking future steps, just focus on getting started on the current task and take time to celebrate after completing it.
5. I don't have to work all day on this task, I can set time limits and take breaks when I need to
Scheduling breaks and other recreational activities in your schedule will help you see that your life is not all work. If you want, you can set time limits to help you get started on a particular task.
Commit to work for 30 minutes on the task and then give yourself permission to take a break. If you feel inspired to continue with the task, go for it and allow your momentum to carry you through. Otherwise, just take a guilt-free break. You deserve it for getting started.
The time management eBook contains much more information on procrastination, including specific strategies and tactics you can use to combat each of the major causes of procrastination.
think of the consequence. The more you procastnate, the poorer you become!
Keep a diary and use it every day.
It'll make you want to fill it with variety, that will be your inspiration!
It may be that efficiency is the root of the problem. Sometimes I plan out my day and things just come up and I have to put something off because it is just impossible to do everything. Of course, I put off the things I don't want to do and add in things that I'd rather do. Well, I have to remember what things really need to be done and just make myself do them, knowing that I'll be glad later.
I was going to give an answer but I keep putting it off
I understand what you're going through, b/c I've been the same way, and I am like that every now and then still, too. But, seriously.the best way to overcome this (and they have done a study on college students that do this) is to actually 'write down' goals or what it is you know you need to do. this is a proven way to actually do what you say you're going to do.it doesnt matter if you dont always get it done that day, unless it really needs to be, but you have to make yourself go through with what you say you are going to do or know you should do. You will be so proud of yourself even after just accomplishing a few small things. Good luck! dont stress!
Make 5 decisions per day and don't change your mind, follow them through. Be positive
You need to look deep inside yourself and find this reason for not reaching your potential. I did it and found I had a fear of faliure. If you can get over that then you can work on your life and make it what you want.
*never take no for an answer
*work as hard as you can to prove work mates and friends you can do it
*Look back on your day and see what you have acheived not what you didn't do
*lastly build on every acheivement and forget every failiure
25 to you are a C UNT!
I'll tell you tomorrow.
I'm intrinsically lazy and can procrastinate forever but it certainly doesn't pay.
You need to write goals and lists of what you need to do to achieve them. That way you can tackle each thing on the list and abracadabra, goal achieved!
The real trick after that is to completely ignore what you've achieved and instead of sitting back proudly increase goals, drive and ambition and drive yourself and others crazy with your bug full of juice attitude.
You'll probably die of a heart attack but it'll help pass the time.
Try the following but you should dedicate a time to do them:
1) sit and start writing down the things you want to accomplish (your listing);
2) on each task, write beside it how would you like them done;
3) schedule a time of completion for each task;
4) start deciding when you should commence the first task;
5) keep your listing somewhere you can easily find or see and check what you have accomplished so far everytime;
6) leave spaces as you might want to add other tasks later on.
Having a time frame for each task in your list will enable you to determine how much extra time you have after accomplishing them one at a time. that extra time will serve as your time for. what. going idle or how ever you want it spent. However, you should discipline yourself into sticking firmly to your schedules as you assigned them.
Good luck!
I do know what you are talking about, I am the same. The trick I learnt is to set myself a target. For example if I have an essay I need to write instead of doing it tomorrow (We both know tomorrow never comes) I set a date and a time and I plan. You just have to learn discipline. This way I get the best of both worlds.
I bought a book called "Do it now" the trouble was I did not get around to reading it past page four.
i really dont know the answer but would love to know too,my brother is an under achiever even though he is much brighter and more intellegent than me. I'd love to understand how some people can let life pass them by, watching from the wings but not really participating.
The answers post by the user, for information only, UKQnA.com does not guarantee the right.