Procrastinators Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from chronic procrastination.
Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.
Journey 5 pm A Good Day
I'm satisfied with my work day today. I did all my MITs and most of the other things on my list. I checked in here at transitions and only goofed off a little bit today. The check-ins really, really help! It's partly the accountability, because when I say I'm going to do something in here, I like being able to come back and say that I did it. But more than that, there's something about articulating what I'm planning to do next that clears my mind of all the dithering and indecision and helps me to focus on that one task.
Thanks for being here you guys!
No checkins tonight because no chores on Friday night - Have a great weekend and see you in the am.
Jo
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
way to go, Journey!!!! :)
Good job! You used check-ins in exactly the way they work best. :)
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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.
Thin ice ahead. Lark @ 4:45
Since this evening's forecast is snowy, I "heard" myself tell myself that it'll be too bad to go out tonight, so I'll slack this afternoon and do the tasks which need to be done this evening.Too often I slack, and then go out anyway. Alarm, alarm! Does anyone else do this? I'd appreciate any thoughts.
thin ice
oh, absolutely! I think "I'm too tired tonight, I'll do it in the morning" Then in the morning: "I don't have time this morning, I'll do it tonight" Repeat ad infinitum.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
gratitude lists
I like reading your gratitude lists: it makes me realize that there are lots of good things going on. As a procrastinator I often feel that I focus on the negative, which perpetuates my feelings of not living up to my own expectations. In OA people used to say "act as if", meaning that if you act as if something were true, it will become true. If I start to smile, even when I am down, I find that happiness will follow.
Grateful for: seeing other people's posts
Journey 1 pm
I've done a good bit of thinking about the support model thing and I invited myself to a meeting on Monday. Looks like some other people are thinking the same way as me so this should be getting off the ground soon.
My next door neighbor Ron has had his door closed for the last couple of hours so I felt justified in sending him an email instead of talking to him in person. I'd much rather go the email route myself!
The following may be too much information so stop reading now if you don't want to hear about my restroom experience lol!
I just had the weirdest experience in the restroom. We have this kind of developmentally disabled janitor lady and while I in one stall she took the toilet tissue thing off the wall in the stall next door and reached her hand through the hole to replace my roll. It was creepy. All of a sudden this hand comes through the wall.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
Getting caught with your pants down
Now the old saying "Getting caught with your pants down" really makes sense. Duh, me. I think you should've grabbed her hand! Take care.
lol lark
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
Journey 1 pm ps
and I forgot to add, next thing to do is write up my thoughts on the support model.
Jo
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
journey 2:45
done, now for the trouble ticket.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
N CI
Hi Everyone,
Good idea Elisaveth.
I am grateful for:
the fact that I can post here.
that I got some work done yesterday and established a decent rhythm
that I do like what I do -- when I get down to it.
to do:
5 hours dissertation work
I'm bookending a 10 minute web-surfing break. Will check back in 10.
Best,
N
N's CI
Okay, did 10 minute web surfing break. I am committing to 10 more minutes. . .
N's bookend
Okay, time to get back to work.
Thanks everyone on this forum!
Journey 10:15
A good day so far. I'm feeling back to normal and my family is almost well.
X - Gym - TEN minutes late - gotta work on my ontime performance again!
X - Read email
X - Daily Planning
X - AO
- time sheet *MIT
- Check CDT for this weekend *MIT
- Check budget/balances
- spend 10 minutes on "pile"
- Ask Ron about the plan he needs *MIT
- Think thru the "support model" problem and come up with a few ideas - schedule time to discuss with managers from various areas to ask advice - this will be difficult and challenging but is a good opportunity for me to get involved in a project I want to work on! *MIT
- order checks, call about new bank program
- make a list of people who need a dues notice from Toastmasters
- trouble ticket follow up
- try the VM console
- Read about OPM
- Start grocery list (check ad online for sales)
- tax thing - have not worked on this at all this week! *MIT
- Practice new yoga move for class tomorrow
- script updates - find my notes and prepare to work on this next week
- pick up dinner - yay take out night!
- do something nice for em for helping me fix healthy economical dinners at home all week.
Most of these tasks are short so there will be a lot of transitions today. I will check in at transition time so I don't fall into the the procrastination trap. And use my timer.
Have a great Friday and great weekend everyone.
First up:
time sheet, then check stuff for this weekend.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
Journey 11:30
Two MITs and one small task done. Took a 10 minute break - next up, spend 20 minutes thinking about the s.m. problem, then try to catch Ron at his desk - he hates email :)
Jo
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
Journey's Gratitude List
What a great idea Elizaveth!
Today I am grateful for:
The fact that it's Friday and payday!
Central Heat
My family getting over the flu
Clif Bars (awesome partly organic reasonably healthy chewy goodness)
Journey
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
8:53 CI for Lark(and 1:02pm)(and 4:40pm)
Good morning everyone. The weather lately is really hindering things around here. There's a "white out" now, so perhaps I'll postpone my errands this morning. I bought a bunch of cheap pocket folders and put all my paperwork from around here in them. Cool. Try this for your piles.
Today:
(X) morning things
spiritual time
finish putting laundry away
(broken) check windshield wipers (frozen?)
(X) pay supplier bill
(X)collect or arrange payment from client
use timer for some various tidying periods
(X) begin two next projects
(X)check in around lunch
studiosity
A pretty simply day, and it looks like I can get a solid 5 hours of studying, maybe a little more.
In five minutes I'll start studying
[ ] Study till 10
(classes)
[ ] Come home for lunch
[ ] Get to the train to go to SMU
[ ] Get books from SMU library
[ ] Study till 5
freer 7
I'm in rushing to get out the door, but here's my quick c/i:
plug in final tax numbers
engage in and enjoy shoot
enjoy hanging out with J
finish well with G
freer
kromer 8:00 CI
I'm dawdling a bit this morning (got up at 6:45, and all I've done so far is have breakfast + deal with email)
To do:
MUST
*Do expt
*Go to biochem lect.
*Finish methods section
*Do prelim. run on CBP data
*Finish methods section rough
*Prep and give Lenten reflectection
*Go to youth group
*Talk to CS office
SHOULD
*Go to biochem recit.
*Read Rodina paper
*Filter EGF data by expr
*Make a list of 4 ideas for min. # coregs
*Fill out FAFSA for grad school
WOULD LIKE TO:
*Do laundry
*Read 1 chpt. of macroecon.
*Go running or swimming
*Make travel arrangements for interview
That's a bit overwhelming...
To start: the things that I'm scared about:
1)At least look over the FAFSA/figure out when it's due (!)
2)Write thesis section on prot-prot connections (1/3 pg)
My motivation: If I work very hard today, I can take a half-day off tomorrow with no guilt. (OK, perhaps not the biggest reward, but I'll take what I can get)
kromer 8:05 FAFSA!
OK, apparently it's due March 2 !!!
I think I'll move that into the "must do" category...
I'll work on that now.
Remind me that "checking deadlines" is not a good thing to procrastinate on...
not checking deadlines
It is ridiculous: I am afraid to find out when deadlines are because I am afraid that they are almost coming up! This goes for things like bill payments, financial aid forms, checking on when my medicine has to be refilled! Microsoft Outlook is helping because I enter things there, but this still haunts me. Does anyone else do this?
Me! I'm scared to check deadlines, too.
I do (or don't do) it, too. It's part of the whole avoidance thing.
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Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.
kromer 8:40 CI
OK, plan for getting the FAFSA done:
I've looked over all the questions and answered the easy ones.
Next I need to:
*Fill out federal income tax forms for 2007
*Call and ask a question about worksheet B
kromer 10 CI
OK, I gathered my tax documents, walked to campus and printed out my tax form, but now I'm stalled out. I'm going to stend 20 minutes filling out 1040A and then take a break if I need to.
UPDATE 10:40--I filled out most of my tax form (though I forgot to bring one of my documents to campus, will have to finish this evening) + looked up more info for FAFSA + called to ask FAFSA question
Now, I need to:
*Email my parents to ask FAFSA question (DONE)
*Fill out more of FAFSA (DONE)
*Endorse checks (DONE)
*Print out all tax forms (DONE)
*Go to biochem at 11 (DONE)
*Go do expt. at 12 (Off to do that now, 10 min late)
And then I'll finish the rest of the FAFSA this evening, after youth group (at about 8:30)
I think this is going to get done, yay!
Check in after expt, around 1:30
kromer 1:40 CI
OK, done w/ biochem, now to work on thesis:
Up next:
Prelim run on CBP data
Write up methods section on protein-protein interactions
Talk to CS office
Write up methods section on protein-DNA interactions
kromer 2:30 CI
OK, have failed to work...turns out there's a problem with the CBP data, and I've been using it as an excuse to procrastinate. Which I really can't afford to do!
Step-by-step plan to get out of this hole:
1)Go ask K about data
2)Email supervisor for advice
3)Print out thesis intro
4)Go talk to CS office
5)Check back it
kromer 3:15
Got a bit side-tracked (my friend needed emergency dating advice), but I've done the first 3 items on my list and am off to the CS office. Check in when I'm back (around 3:45 I think)
kromer 3:55--good news!
OK, went and talked to someone in the CS office about an extension on my thesis--and it turns out that, by "due on March 7", they meant "due in mid-May, no one actually pays attention to the due date on the forms"
I'm going to get it done enough to turn in by next Friday (ie, write up all the methods and the results I have so far, get as many results as I can), then I can work on getting more results in the next few weeks.
I'm so glad for this reprieve :) I'm going to make sure I'm not in this boat again come mid-May...
To accomplish that, up next:
Write section on protein-protein interactions.
Outline section on protein-DNA interactions.
And then I'll figure out what the heck to say at church service tonight...
kromer 9:40
Didn't get much work done this afternoon...but it was because I got good news from a grad school :grin: So I'll excuse myself for being all excited and not getting much done.
Just back from church (helped run service+youth group), now I will finish the FAFSA and *finally* get to work on the methods section of my thesis.
10:10 update: submitted FAFSA! Short break (5 min), then write about prot-prot connections.
FABULOUS, KROMER!
I'm putting money on more than one chocie of grad school!
fafsa empathy....
Good luck with the FAFSA, kromer, I shiver every time I think about it!
e's c/i
I spent the night thinking about how much I don't want to go to work, and I still feel that way this morning, but it is all about fear and hiding. For today, I want to take care of myself by remembering the serenity prary: accept what I cannot change, change the things I can, and be wise enough to know the difference.
today:
waterx
medsx
teethx
reading
breakfast x
shower x
walk to work x
melatonin to RA ?
letter through Nick to RA
chapter of ka
abstract
fax/check on w2
one little task at a time....
computer guysx
christina x
haircut message
elvira x
I actually started on the abstract and then got pulled away. All things considered, I am moving along, but not necessarily on what I want.
today: 15 minutes on preparing for practicum
15 minutes on abstract
pay bills?
make hummus
Hi elisaveth!
Hi to elisaveth from "movingalong". Noticed you'd posted you were moving along, so ... I felt compelled to respond <grin>.
Even if you aren't accomplishing the tasks you set out to do, at least you are doing something.
I don't post very often, but I do read the daily check-in threads every day (for inspiration). I always enjoy reading your 12-Step approach to life. It helps me.
I am sure most people here have seen this, but I just discovered this link yesterday. It's about micro-bursts. Perhaps it will help get you through the day:
http://tinyurl.com/yr2ne4
-- movingalong
Thanks for microburst link!
Oooh, I like the microburst idea! Thanks for posting, movingalong!
Falcon
moving along with movingalong
hello! thank you for your link! I had not seen it, and it looks EXTREMELY helpful for me. (dread is my other middle name after fear and loathing, LOL. It is nice to hear that what I say, which can seem so self-seeking to me, is helpful to someone else. I used to attend 12 step meetings for a few years in Boston, but there really isn't anything that I can fight my way through traffic to here. I have considered starting a multi-addiction 12 step meeting at the college where I work, but, culturally, it would not go over very well that an administrator would 'come out' about her procrastinative nature! I find that for me to make progress I have to get rigorously honest somewhere, and this place is my 12 step meeting for now.
Keep posting: other people's posts are key for my recovery, too!
suffering preliminary empty nest syndrome
even though I still have two children at home, my eldest had to register for the Greek Military service today: all males who turn 18 this year must do so, all serve. I also had to register him for selective service in the States in order to qualify for financial aid. My pacifist father is turning over in his grave, and I am realizing that he will be away from home next year and I am not ready! They say that this sneaks up on you, and boy it did! For today, I am going to stay in the day and not fret about the implications of these actions....
mid day gratitude list
my anxiety keeps reving up, so I thought I would think about what is going well.
grateful for my husband's emotional support this week
grateful that my son stayed up and got his homework done because I set the limit
grateful that my son has the opportunity to serve in the Greek military for 6 months which will eliminate his need to serve in the US if they start implementing the draft
grateful that today I fit in a dress that didn't fit last summer
grateful for clean clothing in my closet that fits correctly, is comfortable, yet dressy enough to be able to go to an impromptu business meeting
grateful that I survived the scrutiny of some big donors (I think I survived)
grateful that my boss has a good sense of humor
grateful that I have two or three people I genuinely like and trust here
grateful that in 18 minutes I get to go home
grateful that I am asking for and getting my needs met without being bitchy (I hope)
grateful that I can move ahead with projects that had been stuck
more to come....