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.

Monday May 4th 2009

MONDAY MONDAY! HAVE A GOOD ONE!

 

You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by; but some of them are golden only because we let them slip by.  ~James Matthew Barrie

Babarino

Hi all,

Yesterday was averagely productive day. Hope to make today very productive! But I need to remember to keep my list doable, thereby not setting myself up for failure and disappointment.

Project 1 through 7

Convalaria 10am Tuesday morning

Undecided I have recently started to see a psuchologist to help me with my procrastination. We took one session to do my history and I think that she "got me".  Her thoughts are as follows.

  • During my childhood there was a lot of emphais on achivenment and criticism.
  • there was no modelling of how to function normally in the evdery day via routines and baby steps.
  • there was no forgivness of mistakes and very little encouragement of the positive aspects of me.
  • I have difficulties in getting things done across the board and in having pleasure
  • the things that get in the way of action are my thoughts.

We identified some of the thoughts that get in the way of me doing the things I know I need to do and the things I know how to do

  • I will do it later and I will do it tomorrow ar the delayers
  • I am too tired is an example of emotional thinking

The home work she set is as folows:

  • monitor thoughts to ispot the above blockers and identify any others
  • daily at the start of the day pick one task to do (which can ce very small) and do it during the day
  • daily  at the start of the day pick a pleasureable activity and do it during the day.

Progress and observations onday 4 since speaking with her.

  • pleasure task is easy to pick and accomplish
  • It has been difficult to choose and do a work or house related task.  The problem has been the thoughts.....
  • I tend to get overwhelmed with the tasks I have and do not choose any...Undecided

Next ??????

"Recovery from procrastination means doing what you say you're going to do, when you say you're going to do it."

"When we multiply tiny increments of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can acco

Trinity CI 6 p.m.

Okay yesterday was a total failure of a day for me. Just had a huge attack of depression and slept most of the day. Waste of time, I know but I was feel very blue.

 

Today was a lil better. I got to all 4 of my classes on time and I finally mailed out my thank you cards. 

 Here is what I planned to do night:

-Take home adol lit test

-2 lesson plans for adol lit project

-buy or find computer paper and print out.

 

Tomorrow I need to 

-make revisions to linguistics project and print out

-Do 1-2 more days worth of lesson plans for adolescent lit. 

-Do ling worksheet.

-Catch up on laundry and cleaning. 

 

Right now I am fighting the urge to take a nap. It's this weather - very rainy! ugh

Recycler CI 4:55pm EST

Hi Pro Buddies!

This morning I walked to gym, did additional cardio; did ab exercises & stretching.

At work, had staff meeting and got new assignments. Worked on some stuff & communications throughout day.

At lunchtime, went on walk, then had salad. Did an on-line errand.

At the end of the day, I have updated my project list for tomorrow. Next: walk home, then drive to my other 12-step meeting. Tonight I am going to give someone their 19-year chip! :) After meeting, meet with sponsor & have a soft drink.

Have a great night, everyone! :)

Recycler


Recycler

Thank you, gals & guys, for being here! :)

ck in

I did get started and am now in neutral again. It is raining out and I just want to do nothing.

I need to keep going- I took a 1 hr break, so now to make dinner, do items on the list and check in later.

With God, all things are possible.

Thanks.

katia's monday

Okay, it is the middle of the day, but it has been quite busy!
There was a toilet unclogging adventure lol. But I already have some things done!

Today!
-Do wash
-Make dinner
-Latin Ch. 3
-E-mail Physics person (again)
-Contact student
-E-mail RH
-5 chapters of my book
-Master list of goals on PA
-Do some kind of physical activity

Can't think of much else. . .might have to add stuff.

Have a nice day everyone :)

5:17 C-I

Today!
-Do wash
-Make dinner
-Latin Ch. 3
-E-mail Physics person (again)
-Contact student
-E-mail RH
-5 chapters of my book
-Master list of goals on PA
-Do some kind of physical activity

Okay so I am putting off the more time consuming things. . .but things are getting done!

Today! -Do wash -Make

Today!
-Do wash
-Make dinner
-Latin Ch. 3
-E-mail Physics person (again)
-Contact student
-E-mail RH
-5 chapters of my book
-Master list of goals on PA
-Do some kind of physical activity

My boyfriend was on the computer most of today. . .hence why I have not updated. . .I am very excited by what I got done yesterday. I missed two things, but I did LOTS of Latin work today (I am studying it independently).

Until tomorrow! Hope everyone is well! XOXO

e on monday

things are okay, but I want to start here to be clear on what needs to happen today.

tax prep for Tuesday meeting
dinner plan and cook
physical therapy exercises
12 step meeting
resume draft

to the chatbox I go

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Mark Twain

byGodsGrace todays CI

 Busy Monday – several things I can no longer avoid that I have danced around really doing– Gods grace is with me, has been all along, thankful God is changing me daily to seek him earlier and earlier – not where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be!

Word and prayer for the day:

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Remember, you must constantly renew your mind with these encouraging scriptures. Just as you would not expect one bath to keep you clean for the rest of your life, so you must not expect one review of these scriptures to maintain your confidence.

My to do list: 

Dd school, call T, call f office, Ck balance, bills

jobM email sample, order supplies/ck inventory

Job2 FINISH today -design plan, sample, invoice, emails (or not... still working on it)

jobFS order, email jobC about phone mtg, email jobAT, email P, email MC

finish planning jobM, job2, plan week, plan bills/expenses

dd school, p.office, f office

Thank you notes, photo cds / photo gifts, (started finally – finish by wed)

Journey 9:30

The weather is bad here and traffic was pretty awful, so I was about 10 minutes late to work this morning.  

Today is the first "normal" day after losing my Daddy last week, so my objective for the day is just to survive without collapsing into a sobbing heap on the floor in front of God and everybody.  If I get some work done too, that will be a bonus.  I have one meeting today.   I am not going to Toastmasters today.   I may just stay in my office with the door closed all day.   Thank goodness we haven't moved into the new building yet, where we'll be back in cubicles, and there is no hiding :)

Jo

There is a proper balance between not asking enough of oneself and asking or expecting too much.  - May Sarton

(((jo)))

Hope your day goes ok! My thoughts are with you.

ditto!

Kromer, thanks for expressing the thoughts of all of us.

I am also sending hugs to Journey.

Recycler


Recycler

Thank you, gals & guys, for being here! :)

thanks kromer

I'm doing okay now that I've gotten through the morning and the inevitable condolences.  

Jo  

There is a proper balance between not asking enough of oneself and asking or expecting too much.  - May Sarton

and gratz on the 20 mile walk!

There is a proper balance between not asking enough of oneself and asking or expecting too much.  - May Sarton

I tried getting up early

I tried getting up early today - honest I did!  But sadly I did not go to bed until 2:55am so of course the 5:55am alarm got snoozed, and snoozed again...finally was up by 6:35. Had prayer, shower/dress and fun new makeup stuff from yesterday's home party - usually hate these but this one was fun - and I definitely recommend the occasional extra make-up time for self-esteem building. I may be dysfunctional as heck, but damn I look good! 8)  Also had sponsor and sponsee calls, planned the day's food, ate breakfast in the sunshine, and did a little packing. Next up: 

  • AP spreadsheet work
  • AP 1-sheet
  • Call KT, book hotel and rental car
  • Call DH, finalize software order
  • Call an AP or two and say hi
  • Call MA re: fax and .eps; did she mail the form I need?
  • Call MckWIB
  • lunch - pack dinner and oatmeal
  • Call RF
  • Call NJ
  • Call ME
  • Call IN
  • 3pm final check of emails and clean inbox
  • pack suitcase and briefcase
  • 3:50 log on for dry run
  • 4:30 leave for airport
  • On plane: timecard and expense report
  • Really got sidetracked by a software concern and the dry run, which was actuaslly at 1 (surprise) not 4...so now I am out the door, most of the above MITs undone. Again. Sigh....maybe I can make some calls en route to the airport...

    Made the plane with time to spare - that's real progress! But was not very productive enroute. Also I notice with chagrin that I did not put as MITs two of the three most important things I needed to do today: solve a critical software issue, and create the presentations that I am giving tomorrow on my business trip.  Amazing that I could overlook those when scheduling my day -they have been major time-consumers and I still need to wrap up the presentation tonight. 

    But I am very sleepy...I'm going to check what time the event starts tomorrow, review the agenda goals and decide if I can catch a few winks before completing the presentation....it starts at 10 am thank you God!  I'm going to sleep until 6:30 am then pray, dress, eat and I'll still have an hour and a half to finish it - this is risky behavior but I am so tired I can hardly function tonight.

    kromer 8:50 CI

    Yesterday I did a 20 mile charity walk...so today I'm very tired! Slept a bit late, now it's time to start working.

    Scheduled: Class 9:50-1, journal club 1-2

    MITs:
    *Prep for journal club
    *Get list of TFs
    *Write code for computing covariances in GNF
    *Make a schedule for the week
    *Email RH, reply about quals lunc, call friend with bday wishes. 

    Other tasks:
    *Background reading plan
    *ID sig. changed TFs
    *Notes on down-reg genes from 3 timepoints
    *1 hr brainstorming how to analyze MC's data

    Breaks:
    *Lunch with brother 2-3
    *Square dance class
    *Call AG (quick)

    OK, going to prep for journal club now

    Update 12:40--prepped for journal club,  went to class, got out a little early, now I'm going to make a schedule for the week and then go to journal club.

    kromer 3:20 CI

    Started making a schedule for the week, went to journal club, had lunch with my brother, then zoned out for about 20 min.

     Now, I'm going to head to lab to finish schedule, finish code for computing covariances, get list of TFs, take notes on down-regulated genes.

    GeorgeSmiley 8 AM

    Greetings, all.

    For a variety of reasons the last week has had a lot of ups and downs. My schedule has tended to be more scattered because of outside events. I have been fairly successful at staying on task but it has fallen short of my ideal.

    This weekend I devoted a lot of time to working w/ No. 2 son to get his room--which had been a disaster area--cleaned and orderly. The big challenge will be to constantly and firmly but gently remind him to keep it that way now. We've been here before, but I hope that this time we manage to make some new practices.

    Today is a new day and a new week and (almost) a new month.

    I've cleared out enough of a backlog in my work that I can more easily undertake my long-planned strategy of using any particular day to focus mostly or exclusively on one or at most two projects.

    Today's big MIT is project E.

    I'll also need to advance the ball on Project K-2 and on Project E-Y.

    My day will be interrrupted in the early afternoon for errands and some time w/ my No. 1 son.

    Now, on with the day, starting with mediation reading, which has fallen off the radar screen recently.

     

    The Hero's Code:

    Show up. Pay Attention. Speak the Truth. Let Go of the Outcome.

    Sammy ci :: 7:40 am

    good morning everyone.

    I have been up all night trying to get this stupid Zimbabwe paper done.... unfortunately its about economics and government...neither of which are my strong points. Feeling frustrated. x.x

    Needs to be done by 11 so i can proofread and email it to my instructor before noon. Then I'm going to bed!

    Today I am thankful that my client presentation went so well on friday, that our puppet performance went very well on saturday, and that God has given me great weather to enjoy today as soon as I'm done with this paper! 

    vic - ck in

    Start of a new week.

    1. do basics (meditation and plan)

    2. walk with friend at 9am

    3. shop

    4. get stuff to help son hm wk

    check in later

    Journey to self-esteem - 21 days

     
    I came up with a list of toplines to help me feel better about myself.  Because what I need is self-esteem.

    The rules:

    • brush my teeth and use listerine every morning
    • brush my teeth, use a periodontic toothbrush, use listerine for 30s and use a periodontic brush every night
    • avoid
      stalking Jon and Chris and Dusty and Matt and any other people online,
      whom I wanted to date at one point or another. Avoid their blogs,
      websites, facebooks, and avoid googling them. This will only lead to
      disappointment, as they are for whatever reason not showing me the behavior I want to see, and it's no use chasing anyone who disappoints me-- starting with myself.
    • avoid public blogging and dating sites.
    • limit Facebook use to 15 minuts every two days.
    • avoid the Peet's coffee shop in the university center
    • take the stairs and not the escalator or the elevator
    • eat no processed sugars (except that which is left in the waffle mix)
    • use exfoliator brush in the shower, every single time I take a shower
    • apply toner every single time I change intimate garments
    • apply msm everyday
    • take vitamins everyday
    • swim
    • run, but no need to start off fast, even if I restart the 8-week running plan it's okay
    • leave the house everyday before 12noon, even if it is just to run or swim
    • do one hour of work per day toward my school work
    • apply to ten jobs per day
    • be on time to appointments, job interviews, meetings
    • do what I say I am going to do for this one 21-day period.

     

    How to Love yourself

    I found this in my other 12 step group and found it helpful becuse I did not have a clue of how to love myself. It really helps when I practise it

    Ten Ways To Love Ourselves

    ~ Dear Friends on our Journey ~

    DAY ONE

    ~ ~ STOP ALL CRITICISM ~ ~

    CRITICISM NEVER CHANGES A THING.
    REFUSE TO CRITICIZE YOURSELF.
    ACCEPT YOURSELF EXACTLY AS YOU ARE.
    EVERYBODY CHANGES.
    WHEN YOU CRITICIZE YOURSELF,
    YOUR CHANGES ARE NEGATIVE.
    WHEN YOU APPROVE OF YOURSELF,
    YOUR CHANGES ARE POSITIVE

    DAY TWO

    ~ ~ DON'T SCARE YOURSELF ~ ~

    DON'T SCARE YOURSELF.
    STOP TERRORIZING YOURSELF
    WITH YOUR THOUGHTS.
    IT'S A DREADFUL WAY TO LIVE!
    FIND A MENTAL IMAGE THAT GIVES YOU PLEASURE
    ( MINE IS A WATERFALL),
    AND IMMEDIATLEY SWITCH YOUR SCARY THOUGHT
    TO A PLEASURABLE THOUGHT.

    DAY THREE

    ~ ~ BE GENTLE AND KIND AND PATIENT ~ ~

    BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF.
    BE KIND TO YOURSELF.
    BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF
    AS YOU LEARN THE NEW WAYS OF THINKING.
    TREAT YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD
    SOMEONE YOU REALLY, REALLY LOVED.

    DAY FOUR

    ~ ~ BE KIND TO YOUR MIND ~ ~

    SELF HATRED IS ONLY HATING
    YOUR OWN THOUGHTS.
    DON'T HATE YOURSELF
    FOR HAVING BAD THOUGHTS.
    GENTLY CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS.

    DAY FIVE

    ~ ~ PRAISE YOURSELF~ ~

    CRITICISM BREAKS DOWN THE INNER SPIRIT.
    PRAISE BUILDS IT UP.
    PRAISE YOURSELF AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
    TELL YOURSELF HOW WELL YOU ARE DOING
    WITH EACH AND EVERY LITTLE THING.

    DAY SIX

    ~ ~ SUPPORT YOURSELF ~ ~

    FIND WAYS TO SUPPORT YOURSELF.
    REACH OUT TO FRIENDS AND
    ALLOW THEM TO HELP YOU.
    IT IS BEING STRONG
    TO ASK FOR HELP
    WHEN YOU NEED IT.

    DAY SEVEN

    ~ ~ BE LOVING TO YOUR NEGATIVES ~ ~

    ACKNOWLEDGE THAT
    YOU CREATED THEM
    TO FULFILL A NEED.
    NOW YOU ARE FINDING NEW,
    POSITIVE WAYS
    TO FULFILL THOSE NEEDS.
    SO, LOVINGLY RELEASE
    THE OLD NEGATIVE PATTERNS.

    DAY EIGHT

    ~ ~ TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY ~ ~

    LEARN ABOUT NUTRITION.
    WHAT KIND OF FUEL DOES
    YOUR BODY NEED TO HAVE FOR
    OPTIMUM ENERGY AND VITALITY?
    LEARN ABOUT EXERCISE.
    WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE CAN YOU ENJOY
    AND TOLERATE ACCORDING TO YOUR ILLNESS?
    CHERISH AND REVERE THE TEMPLE YOU LIVE IN.

    DAY NINE

    ~ ~ MIRROR WORK ~ ~

    LOOK INTO YOUR EYES OFTEN.
    EXPRESS THIS GROWING SENSE OF LOVE
    YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF.
    FORGIVE YOURSELF,
    LOOKING INTO THE MIRROR.
    TALK TO YOUR PARENTS AND LOVED ONES,
    LOOKING INTO THE MIRROR.
    FORGIVE THEM TOO.
    AT LEAST ONCE A DAY SAY:
    "I LOVE YOU.
    I REALLY LOVE YOU"

    DAY TEN

    ~ ~ LOVE YOURSELF ~ ~

    DO IT NOW!
    DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU GET WELL,
    OR LOSE THE WEIGHT,
    OR GET THE NEW JOB,
    OR THE NEW RELATIONSHIP.
    BEGIN NOW....
    AND DO THE BEST YOU CAN!

    Dear God,
    Please help me to be kind to myself.
    To be gentle with my thoughts and feelings.
    I know that the more I can love myself ...
    And the more honest I can be
    With my own emotions ...
    The freer I can be
    To love and give joy to others.

    awesome! thanks vic

    Thanks for posting this Vic!  Days 9 and 10 really struck me as HARD - so that helps me know where to focus my prayer - I believe self-esteem, insecurity and unrealistic standards are at the root of all my avoidance and every other addiction I have had... grateful to FINALLY be in a place where God can help me get to the root of this and be healed and FREE!  I have started the work with God many times, but allowed other things to get in the way - I am out of other things now - right where God wants me!

    I love it, vic! Thanks for

    I love it, vic! Thanks for sharing!

    And thanks to pro's efforts to set up a real meeting in NYC - inspired me to look into self-help groups in my hometown. There aren't any on procrastiantion/distraction addiction, there is one on internet addiction, though, and I've contacted them (haven't heard back yet).

    Maybe I can start my own group - I myself know enough people who have a problem in that area, but maybe not to the extent that I "practise" procr. I live in a big city though, some people should feel the need for a meeting, I guess ...

    Constance 

    -------------------------------------

    "if i feel guilty about my procrastination, i will get LESS done, if i dont feel guilty, i will get MORE done." - Clement

     

    Sarito CL 8h00

    Hi All,

    I'm finding it easier and easier to get the "little stuff" done (household chores, errands, etc.), but having a much, much harder time tackling the meaty stuff (practice, studying). 

    Okay, to that end, here is my CL:

    self-care: spiritual reading: run in park; floor exercises

    school: Mo (review pp 1-2 coaching corrections, consolidate last part); Bl (listen, work on pp 1-2); review Pro & Ba; Dech (last one); choose more So Dis to rewrite/review; practice So int; So writing assignment.

    household: pay 1 bill; post office errand; fold & put away laundrytend to email request; load photos

    Closest I've Ever Gotten to Completing Daily CL!

    SurprisedHi all,

     Wow, this program really works.  This was a very good day for me in terms of pro recovery.  On my pro recovery days, I see that I am getting closer and closer to:

    1. Completing my daily CL

    2. Coming up w/realistic CL

    Progress, not perfection.  I realize that I absolutely need more sleep than I need.  Regularity and routine seem to help. 

    Outreach and support from other members is extremely helpful (chatbox, daily CL postings, my first online meeting on Sun which helped me mentally prepare for Mon through fellowship and additional support). 

    Protein for breakfast carries me through a productive morning.  Lighter lunch prevents me from getting after-lunch slump.  Self-care tasks are just as important as school and household tasks, if I want to stay in pro recovery. 

    To that end, I'm headed to bed.   

    I would love to hear people share about "micro-bursting."  I keep hearing the term around...

    Cheers,

    Sarito

    Deej CI 04/05

    Well I didn't achieve or even start my MUST DO for the weekend so I will send an hour reviewing my legal will tonight.

    As for today...

    1. write news article (this could be challenging) - partly done
    2. attend EDMS teleconference
    3. finalise contact webpage

    Busy day full of unavoidable work distractions. Did give consideration to my legal will but not finished

    After wasting 5 weeks on

    After wasting 4 weeks on watching TV shows I want to get back on track. I have finally set myself a date for my final exam.I have to give myself credit for 2 accomplished things, though: I updated my resumee and sent it out to 10 companies, some of them are very interested (yay) and I have found a wonderful daycare spot for my daughter when she turns 3 (she can't stay where she is after turning 3)

    - Read T.R.

    - Check notes on T.R.

    - Read 1 (ONE) full article on T.R.

    - call 2 real estate people, (3 would be even better)

    - resend Prof. H. mail (out-of-office-problem)

    ------------------------------------------------------------

    done nothing so far, 11:30 am, favorite show is on ... feeling bad and guilty won't get me nowhere ...

    mh, what's to do?

    first, get some coffee ...

    Constance 

    -------------------------------------

    "if i feel guilty about my procrastination, i will get LESS done, if i dont feel guilty, i will get MORE done." - Clement