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.
Had another long interview day today, but there are a couple things I must must must get done tonight and just can't get off my butt and do: *pack *clean up room *leave instructions for roommate on turning in proposal
Sinkhole syndrome? I haven't read the book yet but I'll betcha I know the feeling! Feel myself beginning to sink this week. In the next hour I will pick up my office so that it doesn't feel so overwhelming, then begin to grade the exams that I've been putting off by unproductively-procrastinating all day. (The productive type of procrastinating doesn't sting quite so much; the black hole that swallowed my week feels like prison.)
Finished my stuff ya'll! Yeah!!!!! Today: Employee: Make presentation to client - DONE! (and I won the project!) Husband: clean bedroom for my spouse - I even vaccuumed! Brother: Send thank you's to G. for his encouragement.DONE! teacher: research studies for all small groups - Working on it now!!!! Father: Call L & I, to see how week went (My Kids think I'm organized...(lol) Friend: Se is B wants to do lunch... (I BOUGHT lunch and B said I've changed)
Today I am grateful for great coworkers my alarm clock the immigrant cleaning women at work who encourage me to speak in Greek keeping my promise to call the tax guy today the willingness to give things away the pharmacists here, who know so much about so many things the ability to enjoy being a tourist where I live (new taste today: Thesoloniki creme filled almond covered baklava!) my boss eating my stew accidentally and really liking it! having a really good friend who I can share anything with the willingness to take responsibility for my behavior, good or bad knowing I don't have to do it all at once
This MIT setting thing may be a life changing experience for me. This is AWESOME. There are still 2 or 3 million things on my to do list, but it's only 4:00 and I have completed ALL of my MITs. I feel successful. This feeling of accomplishment has been missing, as no matter how much I do, there is always more. It's just endless. I haven't had the feeling of FINISHING my work for years. But, today, no matter how may little pissant chores may still be on my project list, I have completed the MOST IMPORTANT Tasks. This feels pretty good. I may keep this up.
X - read and organize email - 1 hr. X - daily planning - 1 hr. X - continue getting misc lists into Action Outline - 30 min X - register for P. class X - organize desk X - print updated phone list and put a copy in my computer bag - Check on access needed for P. class - prepare deposit for club dues X - take money laundering class X - plan on call duties for next week * MIT X - submit change control today for next weekend * - make a decision about tomorrow's baby shower - add network cloud to visio diagram and post X - Update SAD doc and email to K. * X - Call SL board about SSN info * X - Call credit union (or email instead if I can) - find my keys - put AAA batteries in purse - if time, read VM Basics book and H.sockets book - maybe work with S. on security - ? - submit FSA - check in here at each transisition to avoid falling into procrastination
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
After a bit of a rough start, my day is moving along now. My schedule has changed a bit, I went to the gym last night with my daughter instead of going this morning. I really like starting out the day with exercise, but I really want to encourage her to develop the exercise habit so I don't mind changing up my schedule for her. I don't handle changes in routine all that well, but there you go.
My todo list for today:
X - read and organize email - 1 hr. X - daily planning - 1 hr. X - continue getting misc lists into Action Outline - 30 min X - register for P. class X - organize desk X - print updated phone list and put a copy in my computer bag - Check on access needed for P. class - prepare deposit for club dues X - take money laundering class X - plan on call duties for next week * MIT X - submit change control today for next weekend * - make a decision about tomorrow's baby shower - add network cloud to visio diagram and post - Update SAD doc and email to K. * - Call SL board about SSN info * - Call credit union (or email instead if I can) - find my keys - put AAA batteries in purse - if time, read VM Basics book and H.sockets book - maybe work with S. on security - ? - submit FSA - check in here at each transisition to avoid falling into procrastination
A lot of small tasks can be marked off my list today if I can keep the momentum going.
Journey
Update 1:00
Ah I am indeed beginning to see the benefit of setting MITs for the day. (thanks Leo!) Although I have done several tasks so far, none of them were the most important tasks. Next I am going to take the money laundering class (actually that should be the ANTI money laundering class) and then choose one of my MITs to do next.
Jo
1:15
Course done - now a 15 min. break then change request.
Jo
1:30
back from break
2:30
2 MITs done! Now to update that horrid documentation. I've got the momemtum going now, it's kinda fun to check off one of a FEW MITS rather than one item in a cast of thousands. I'll continue to check in here at each transition.
Jo
There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
Hi everyone. The day began early this morning. My car sunroof leaked and soaked my seats, and I left it inside with a fan and the garage heat ($!) on last night. Whether it's dry will be a factor as to how pleasant my errands will be today. I should've gone to the bank yesterday, and NEED to go today. First thing is to try to combine as many errands as possible. Today: (X)morning things (X) Errands: bank , friends' computer , noon meeting(?) . food clean out car (X) return movie (X)mail to brother minor house cleaning arrange next work project something spiritual (not "me") (X) check back in here
I'm seeing how important it is for me to check in here at least a couple times a day. I need to balance that with not using it to procrastinate. Thanks to all for the support!
haircut complete demo elements and mailer leave work on time (this may be difficult) conscious breathing
My big work project has hit a huge snag, and we have to wait a couple of weeks for some network changes before we can proceed. I still have plenty of work that needs to be done, but nothing exciting. I feel at loose ends and don't know what to work on. I'm also a bit depressed because I had a little personal disappointment that I just need to get over. I couldn't find my keys this morning and had to use my spares, I forgot my banana, and I'm just generally pissed off this morning.
You guys will probably be hearing from me frequently today as I struggle to regroup and get it together. I'm going to get a big cup of water and a half cup of coffee and then come back with a to do list for today.
Journey
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
Feeling... pretty awesome, actually. Really productive morning, good meeting w/ my boss. About to go to a lunch meeting.
Ta da: Eat breakfast Take pills Check voicemail Call A re: Remove links in report Leave slip Plan vacation time Check req Submit ticket for login Email B re: pres on web Fill out conf reg Email GG re: mtg
MITs I want to get done: Check flags/schedule Review
Other: Sched f/u on equip Type up edits on brochure Funding letter
Pebbles: Email M re: GM site Fill out coaching form Feed collective Set trip to OCL w/ A Check on concr. re Dishes
Ta da: Eat breakfast Take pills Check voicemail Call A re: Remove links in report Leave slip Plan vacation time Check req Submit ticket for login Email B re: pres on web Fill out conf reg Email GG re: mtg
MITs I want to get done: Check flags/schedule Review Send out email
Other: Sched f/u on equip (next week) Contact M re: f/u on brochure and committee Funding letter
Pebbles: Email M re: GM site Fill out coaching form Feed collective Set trip to OCL w/ A Check on concr. re Dishes
Today: Employee: Make presentation to client Husband: clean bedroom for my spouse Brother: Send thank you's to G. for his encouragement. teacher: research studies for all small groups Father: Call L & I, to see how week went Friend: Se is B wants to do lunch...
What a great way to plan things! I feel that I don't have as much to do when I think about what I need to accomplish according to roles. If I do a little bit of each I make headway and keep my life in balance. Thanks for the idea, Douglas, it really feels good today.
Today I feel like my energy is up from the past few weeks. The trees are beginning to bloom and there was a man planting pansies on my way to work. My room is neater, I have the correct level of medication and I drank water today. I am feeling good! Roles:
Parent: get new alarm clock for C, check on gym uniform receipt, write to counselor re. science, cooperation from A on ironing, Spouse: plan a cost free vacation, Sunday outing Worker: get on with the abstract!!! more publication, label shelving, Dr. P stuff to library, Gabriel stuff to photocopy and send, Megakles equipment, photography estimate, cleaner: dust mop, buy detergent and fabric softener, new clothes pins, cook: plan menus for the week: grocery shop, soak chickpeas for soup friend: Invite Cindy or Electra over, exchange baby gift for Christina, call Katrina Self care: haircut!!!!, new razors, pharmacy stuff
As I mentioned to Douglas, there is a lot to be said for the nature of this game plan for me. I am liking having so many tools in my toolbox, thanks to all you fellow procrastinators! I don't always use them all, but since I have been posting here I have learned to: use a timer chunk bigger projects Use MIT's to priorities Instant Boss to poke myself GTD two minute rule: if I can do it in two minutes I should just do it Top Goals Listing, to positively reinforce myself Role playing: to create a balance in my life Checking in: to keep myself honest build fences with pebbles: by creating momentum I get lots of little tasks done 12 step tools: reading 12 step literature, journaling, quiet time/meditation, take the first three steps each day, provide service, turn things over use EFT to move past past pain/fear/anxiety or any other emotion that is keeping me stagnant sign up for flylady posts to help myself take baby steps towards organization through hotspotting, 27 fling boogies, decluttering, with heavy usage of a timer relentlessly use microsoft outlook use allrecipes.com to build an online cookbook, shopping lists and meal plans When I reflect back on how far I have come I am amazed, but at how much worse things were, and how far I still have to go. I still procrastinate, but this toolbox has given me a hand up out of the hole I am in! Roles:
Parent: get new alarm clock for C gave him mine, check on gym uniform receipt, write to counselor re. science, cooperation from A on ironing 1/2 hour today, Spouse: plan a cost free vacation, Sunday outing: oh, the joys of frequent flyer miles! Worker: get on with the abstract!!! more publication x, label shelving, Dr. P stuff to library,x Gabriel stuff to photocopy and send,x Megakles equipmentx, photography estimate x cleaner: dust mop, buy detergent and fabric softener, new clothes pins, cook: plan menus for the week: grocery shop, soak chickpeas for soup friend: Invite Cindy or Electra over, exchange baby gift for Christina, call Katrina x Self care: haircut!!!!booked it for tomorrow, new razors, pharmacy stuff
kromer evening CI
Had another long interview day today, but there are a couple things I must must must get done tonight and just can't get off my butt and do:
*pack
*clean up room
*leave instructions for roommate on turning in proposal
CI for Friday, part 1
Sinkhole syndrome? I haven't read the book yet but I'll betcha I know the feeling!
Feel myself beginning to sink this week.
In the next hour I will pick up my office so that it doesn't feel so overwhelming, then begin to grade the exams that I've been putting off by unproductively-procrastinating all day. (The productive type of procrastinating doesn't sting quite so much; the black hole that swallowed my week feels like prison.)
This must be a charmed day!!!!
Finished my stuff ya'll! Yeah!!!!!
Today:
Employee: Make presentation to client - DONE! (and I won the project!)
Husband: clean bedroom for my spouse - I even vaccuumed!
Brother: Send thank you's to G. for his encouragement.DONE!
teacher: research studies for all small groups - Working on it now!!!!
Father: Call L & I, to see how week went (My Kids think I'm organized...(lol)
Friend: Se is B wants to do lunch... (I BOUGHT lunch and B said I've changed)
Now friends, that just feels good....
Douglas
way to go!
Douglas, what a great day! A day I aspire to! Congratulations!
Congratulations
You won the project! Great way to start the weekend!
attitude of gratitude
Today I am grateful for
great coworkers
my alarm clock
the immigrant cleaning women at work who encourage me to speak in Greek
keeping my promise to call the tax guy today
the willingness to give things away
the pharmacists here, who know so much about so many things
the ability to enjoy being a tourist where I live (new taste today: Thesoloniki creme filled almond covered baklava!)
my boss eating my stew accidentally and really liking it!
having a really good friend who I can share anything with
the willingness to take responsibility for my behavior, good or bad
knowing I don't have to do it all at once
Journey 4:00 MITs rock!
This MIT setting thing may be a life changing experience for me. This is AWESOME. There are still 2 or 3 million things on my to do list, but it's only 4:00 and I have completed ALL of my MITs. I feel successful. This feeling of accomplishment has been missing, as no matter how much I do, there is always more. It's just endless. I haven't had the feeling of FINISHING my work for years.
But, today, no matter how may little pissant chores may still be on my project list, I have completed the MOST IMPORTANT Tasks. This feels pretty good. I may keep this up.
X - read and organize email - 1 hr.
X - daily planning - 1 hr.
X - continue getting misc lists into Action Outline - 30 min
X - register for P. class
X - organize desk
X - print updated phone list and put a copy in my computer bag
- Check on access needed for P. class
- prepare deposit for club dues
X - take money laundering class
X - plan on call duties for next week * MIT
X - submit change control today for next weekend *
- make a decision about tomorrow's baby shower
- add network cloud to visio diagram and post
X - Update SAD doc and email to K. *
X - Call SL board about SSN info *
X - Call credit union (or email instead if I can)
- find my keys
- put AAA batteries in purse
- if time, read VM Basics book and H.sockets book
- maybe work with S. on security - ?
- submit FSA
- check in here at each transisition to avoid falling into procrastination
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
Terrific!
I'm so glad that concept is working for you! I'm still struggling, probably b/c I don't treat them like MITs.
Become aware of resistance, and let go.
Journey 11:15 updated 1:00/ 1:15/ 1:30 /2:30
After a bit of a rough start, my day is moving along now. My schedule has changed a bit, I went to the gym last night with my daughter instead of going this morning. I really like starting out the day with exercise, but I really want to encourage her to develop the exercise habit so I don't mind changing up my schedule for her. I don't handle changes in routine all that well, but there you go.
My todo list for today:
X - read and organize email - 1 hr.
X - daily planning - 1 hr.
X - continue getting misc lists into Action Outline - 30 min
X - register for P. class
X - organize desk
X - print updated phone list and put a copy in my computer bag
- Check on access needed for P. class
- prepare deposit for club dues
X - take money laundering class
X - plan on call duties for next week * MIT
X - submit change control today for next weekend *
- make a decision about tomorrow's baby shower
- add network cloud to visio diagram and post
- Update SAD doc and email to K. *
- Call SL board about SSN info *
- Call credit union (or email instead if I can)
- find my keys
- put AAA batteries in purse
- if time, read VM Basics book and H.sockets book
- maybe work with S. on security - ?
- submit FSA
- check in here at each transisition to avoid falling into procrastination
A lot of small tasks can be marked off my list today if I can keep the momentum going.
Journey
Update 1:00
Ah I am indeed beginning to see the benefit of setting MITs for the day. (thanks Leo!) Although I have done several tasks so far, none of them were the most important tasks. Next I am going to take the money laundering class (actually that should be the ANTI money laundering class) and then choose one of my MITs to do next.
Jo
1:15
Course done - now a 15 min. break then change request.
Jo
1:30
back from break
2:30
2 MITs done!
Now to update that horrid documentation.
I've got the momemtum going now, it's kinda fun to check off one of a FEW MITS rather than one item in a cast of thousands. I'll continue to check in here at each transition.
Jo
There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
9:30am CI for Lark(and 3:37)
Hi everyone. The day began early this morning. My car sunroof leaked and soaked my seats, and I left it inside with a fan and the garage heat ($!) on last night. Whether it's dry will be a factor as to how pleasant my errands will be today. I should've gone to the bank yesterday, and NEED to go today. First thing is to try to combine as many errands as possible.
Today:
(X)morning things
(X) Errands: bank , friends' computer , noon meeting(?) . food
clean out car
(X) return movie
(X)mail to brother
minor house cleaning
arrange next work project
something spiritual (not "me")
(X) check back in here
freer 8:20
I'm seeing how important it is for me to check in here at least a couple times a day. I need to balance that with not using it to procrastinate. Thanks to all for the support!
haircut
complete demo elements and mailer
leave work on time (this may be difficult)
conscious breathing
Have a great day!
using this site for procrastination
that's ironic isn't it?
I do have to limit my time on here sometimes . . . but normally I think the time I spent here adds to my productivity.
Journey
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
Journey 9 am
Happy Friday!
My big work project has hit a huge snag, and we have to wait a couple of weeks for some network changes before we can proceed. I still have plenty of work that needs to be done, but nothing exciting. I feel at loose ends and don't know what to work on. I'm also a bit depressed because I had a little personal disappointment that I just need to get over. I couldn't find my keys this morning and had to use my spares, I forgot my banana, and I'm just generally pissed off this morning.
You guys will probably be hearing from me frequently today as I struggle to regroup and get it together. I'm going to get a big cup of water and a half cup of coffee and then come back with a to do list for today.
Journey
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
glad to read your c/i
Journey,
It looks like an easy day to procrastinate. I'm glad you checked in. I'll be thinking of you today!
freer
Thanks freer
Journey
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
scarlett CI 8:25 am EST
Good morning! Time for that burst of productivity...
MITs I want to get done:
Check flags/schedule
Review
Call A re: Remove links in report
Other:
Sched f/u on equip
Type up edits on brochure
Funding letter
Pebbles:
Email M re: GM site
Fill out coaching form
Set trip to OCL w/ A
Check on concr. re
Dishes
Become aware of resistance, and let go.
scarlett CI 12:30 pm EST
Feeling... pretty awesome, actually. Really productive morning, good meeting w/ my boss. About to go to a lunch meeting.
Ta da:
Eat breakfast
Take pills
Check voicemail
Call A re: Remove links in report
Leave slip
Plan vacation time
Check req
Submit ticket for login
Email B re: pres on web
Fill out conf reg
Email GG re: mtg
MITs I want to get done:
Check flags/schedule
Review
Other:
Sched f/u on equip
Type up edits on brochure
Funding letter
Pebbles:
Email M re: GM site
Fill out coaching form
Feed collective
Set trip to OCL w/ A
Check on concr. re
Dishes
Become aware of resistance, and let go.
scarlett CI 3:40 pm EST
Most of what's below is going to have to wait for next week. But that's okay, it's been a really good day.
Focus: Meeting f/u (10 min)
Review
Return call
Dishes
Prep for Monday
Ta da:
Eat breakfast
Take pills
Check voicemail
Call A re: Remove links in report
Leave slip
Plan vacation time
Check req
Submit ticket for login
Email B re: pres on web
Fill out conf reg
Email GG re: mtg
MITs I want to get done:
Check flags/schedule
Review
Send out email
Other:
Sched f/u on equip (next week)
Contact M re: f/u on brochure and committee
Funding letter
Pebbles:
Email M re: GM site
Fill out coaching form
Feed collective
Set trip to OCL w/ A
Check on concr. re
Dishes
Become aware of resistance, and let go.
gratz scarlett
on feeling awesome and having a productive morning!!
“There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.” - Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
Thank you!
It's been a great day, really
Become aware of resistance, and let go.
I'm going to tag along Elisaveth...
Today:
Employee: Make presentation to client
Husband: clean bedroom for my spouse
Brother: Send thank you's to G. for his encouragement.
teacher: research studies for all small groups
Father: Call L & I, to see how week went
Friend: Se is B wants to do lunch...
Doug
enjoying the company
What a great way to plan things! I feel that I don't have as much to do when I think about what I need to accomplish according to roles. If I do a little bit of each I make headway and keep my life in balance. Thanks for the idea, Douglas, it really feels good today.
e's finally friday c/i
Today I feel like my energy is up from the past few weeks. The trees are beginning to bloom and there was a man planting pansies on my way to work. My room is neater, I have the correct level of medication and I drank water today. I am feeling good!
Roles:
Parent: get new alarm clock for C, check on gym uniform receipt, write to counselor re. science, cooperation from A on ironing,
Spouse: plan a cost free vacation, Sunday outing
Worker: get on with the abstract!!! more publication, label shelving, Dr. P stuff to library, Gabriel stuff to photocopy and send, Megakles equipment, photography estimate,
cleaner: dust mop, buy detergent and fabric softener, new clothes pins,
cook: plan menus for the week: grocery shop, soak chickpeas for soup
friend: Invite Cindy or Electra over, exchange baby gift for Christina, call Katrina
Self care: haircut!!!!, new razors, pharmacy stuff
e/s almost Saturday c/o
As I mentioned to Douglas, there is a lot to be said for the nature of this game plan for me. I am liking having so many tools in my toolbox, thanks to all you fellow procrastinators! I don't always use them all, but since I have been posting here I have learned to:
use a timer
chunk bigger projects
Use MIT's to priorities
Instant Boss to poke myself
GTD two minute rule: if I can do it in two minutes I should just do it
Top Goals Listing, to positively reinforce myself
Role playing: to create a balance in my life
Checking in: to keep myself honest
build fences with pebbles: by creating momentum I get lots of little tasks done
12 step tools: reading 12 step literature, journaling, quiet time/meditation, take the first three steps each day, provide service, turn things over
use EFT to move past past pain/fear/anxiety or any other emotion that is keeping me stagnant
sign up for flylady posts to help myself take baby steps towards organization through hotspotting, 27 fling boogies, decluttering, with heavy usage of a timer
relentlessly use microsoft outlook
use allrecipes.com to build an online cookbook, shopping lists and meal plans
When I reflect back on how far I have come I am amazed, but at how much worse things were, and how far I still have to go. I still procrastinate, but this toolbox has given me a hand up out of the hole I am in!
Roles:
Parent: get new alarm clock for C gave him mine, check on gym uniform receipt, write to counselor re. science, cooperation from A on ironing 1/2 hour today,
Spouse: plan a cost free vacation, Sunday outing: oh, the joys of frequent flyer miles!
Worker: get on with the abstract!!! more publication x, label shelving, Dr. P stuff to library,x Gabriel stuff to photocopy and send,x Megakles equipmentx, photography estimate x
cleaner: dust mop, buy detergent and fabric softener, new clothes pins,
cook: plan menus for the week: grocery shop, soak chickpeas for soup
friend: Invite Cindy or Electra over, exchange baby gift for Christina, call Katrina x
Self care: haircut!!!!booked it for tomorrow, new razors, pharmacy stuff