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.
An alternative to book-ending
I am a new member here and this is my first post. However, I am not new to procrastination. I 've been fighting against it (or myself) for many years. I've read almost all the popular books on it; I searched the Internet for an effective solution; I implemented the Getting Things Done system; I also tried various tricks and tips.
Some of these are very helpful, but none of them can really "cure the disease". It seems that I am always in a cycle:
feeling good and being effective
feeling less pressure
put off non-urgent/unpleasant tasks
deadlines are approaching
try to avoid thinking about them
panic and escape (by surfing the Net, playing computer games, etc.)
finish the task just before deadline, with low quality
blame myself and vow to change
feeling good and being effective again
After so many years, I realize that it is very difficult, or even impossible, to conquer procrastination by myself. I considered book-ending, but I don't want my boss to know I visit this site regularly. Also, it appears to me that there is a lack of social support and everyone is just self-talking.
As an alternative approach, I am suggesting having PA partners. It can be a one-to-one (or small group) relationship in which PA members encourage and help each other, preferably via e-mail. Just like book-ending, each day you email your partner what you want to accomplish and report the progress later. If you are feeling bad or are procrastinating, you can also get understanding and support from your partner. In such a relationship, I believe there would be more responsibility and trust.
I want to know what you think about the suggestion. I also would like to find my partner here. I have a dedicated email address xp.gtdtw@gmail.com for this. If you would like to try this idea, you can reply to this post and leave your email address. I'll pick the first member who does so as my partner.
Thank you and good luck!
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PA partners or support
Good post xp. Alot of folks belong to this group, but precious few have been posting. I often get the feeling I'm casting my posts to the wind at times, but the bookending is really helping me. There have been a few instances in the past here where replies have hit a nerve or so, and everyone who's been here a while tends to be very cautious with feedback these days. I think our intentions have all been good, however. Having an online partner or sponsor is a great idea. At the very least, it would be a good idea to mention we'd like some group support in our post when we're receptive to it. Take care.
If you haven't found a PA partner yet...
I'd also like to have one. Although I am only a college student, I procrastinate like a madwoman.
When I do join anything like a book end, I can grantee you that I would be updating and checking it at least twice on a daily basis.
However, I don't necessarily like to give away my e-mail address this freely so it'd be great if you'd just tell me on this page and I'll get back to you through e-mail. Otherwise, if you already have a partner or are looking for one who is more resourceful about procrastination, then it's completely fine with me. I can simply stick to the regular check-ins. =)
Or you could still do a book-end, but I'll make sure to check your post everyday and do what I can to help. (Since joining this site a couple days ago) I normally check everyone's anyway to see if they have a problem. For me, posting it online makes it easier for me to refer back to my checklist. I used to write them down before, but I'd always loose them.
Good luck!
nightwing
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"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."
nightwing, thank you for
nightwing, thank you for being interested in the idea. I just noticed that you mentioned in an earlier post that you wanted "a procrastination buddy", so it is actually your idea :D
I was out of town this past week. Today I found that I got an email from one of our members! Now I have a procrastination partner! 8)
However, I certainly would love being your procrastination buddy too. Like I said, it could be either a one-to-one relation or a small group. Also, I don't have any requirement for accepting a partner, except:
"S/He must be a genuine procrastinator and understand the problem."
So feel free to send me an email and I will try not to procrastinate on replying ;-)
Good luck!
hi
i could use a partner... but i dont know how this works.
To answer your question
While it certainly depends on the individuals who are participating in the group/couple, it is often simply like a book-end except each person keeps a closer eye on the other party by sending them reminders to finish their work, making sure their partner isn't struggling with their work and so forth.
And some people find this helpful for the proximity somehow urges them to complete their checklist because there is someone who is keeping a very close eye on their progess on a daily basis and provides a safety net (i.e words of encouragement, advice, etc.) for them whenever they fail.
Also, this option is great for people who have issues with trust - they have to build a relationship with the other party before they can completely rely on and open up to them.
For me, I'm fine with sharing facts about my personal life... except I hope that none of the people I know very well in real life knows I'm here. Though I have no problem with meeting an online friend in real life.
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"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."
self-talking?
Hi xp,
What is 'self-talking' it's not an expression I know in British English so assume it is American English.
Hope you find the support you want.
Regards Rexroth
Self-talking
Living here for 18 years, I can say it isn't something you'd easily find in the American dictionaries.
It's a recent term developed to describe the internal dialogue you use to explain your situations, opinions of others/world and overall, communicate to yourself.
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"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."
I might have misused the word
nightwing, thank you for the explanation.
Rexroth, English is not my native language and I am sorry for causing the misunderstanding. I did came across the word in some books where it was used to describe a dialog with oneself.
In my post, what I wanted to say was that sometimes people post their checklists but get no response. With a dedicated partner, there might be more attention and support. I also think book-ending works better for a relatively small group.
Thanks nightwing
Thanks nightwing. That's clear and helpful, particularly as I thought it might mean something slightly different i.e. boasting or being obsessed with oneself.
Regards Rexroth
No problem, Rexroth
No problem. ;-)
Though I guess you can boast about yourself ... to yourself (in order to raise your self-esteem)! :grin:
Except that here, if you do, others would be hearing it as well.
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"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."