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 3 November 2008

It's Monday
                                                                                  

 

                        

courage wisdom serenity  I can take the next  step 

e's productive monday...

 has meant that I am only now checking in. So far: water, meds, made breakfast for son, washed dishes, visited with sister and mom and shared breakfast and coffee, did laundry, sewed on a button and mended some ripped pants, talked to the admission counselor and am now anxious about talking to my son about it (I don't want to act out on it with any of my compulsive behaviors) straightened living room, discussed renovations with spouse, more laundry, more sewing, errands set up, researched removing oil stains from suede (any suggestions?) and pulled some meat to make stew. 

next:

figure out menu for tonight (salmon, asparagus, rice, salad)

put stuff for errands in car

look up professor's mail room

clear off dining room couch....

switch laundry

two more buttons

discuss hanging pictures....

m 2:01 PM CI

to do:

- 1421
- pdf thang
- upenn thang
- vcu/m thang
- folder export
- clean office
- call office
- replace headphones
- read 50 pp
- read paper
- clock 8 hours
- exercise
- backup files
- case export w/ folder path
- export test
- shave

CL ci?

checking in means admitting that i fell off the wagon yesterday. It was the equivalent of having gotten drunk if i were an alcoholic. I could not get myself to do what i knew i should do.

It is very discouraging after months of "progress" to have been back right where i started. This morning is a little better, but not much.

I really can't believe i wrote all that because i didnt even want to check in and didnt plan on writing anything.

I hope this helps...

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http://www.procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/1114#comment-23050

Thanks friends

The support i feel is tremendous. Usually the support here lifts my spirits and can put me right back on track. I think this day was a worse case. Still, reading these encouraging remarks took the edge off. I am very grateful.

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http://www.procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/1114#comment-23050

Every step counts

clement,

It is discouraging to have progress and then lose your momentum. The key is to pick up where you can and keep moving forward and do not beat yourself up celebrate your success no matter how small or big they may be. Every step counts.

hope-faith

Hang in there...

 I've been just where you are, and I suspect I will again.

Here's where those AA slogans of "Just for today..." and "One Day at a Time" become so important.

And good for you for checking in when you didn't want to, because you knew it might be important to check in just to be accountable to yourself.

 

The Hero's Code:

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

Hang in there Clem. I

Hang in there Clem.

I admire your courage and honesty for posting.

And it is inspiring to hear that you have had months of progress.

Clem

I bet even "normal" people have an off day . . .keep on keepin' on, we're here for you! 
Jo 
"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

Here once again...

Pro reminded me that I also need to do my laundy. I'll start there. I need to finish assignments from my science instructor for an essay that I have due in a couple weeks as well. Then I need to email her about my essay topic. I know she's probably pretty mad at me at this point, but she was really nice about extending the deadline for some of my assignments.

I agree kromer, it's extremely paralyzing to choose one task from many urgent ones. I just hope that I can finish.

pro's 11:30am waffling paralysis

I can't decide whether to do my laundry, work on my accounting, or make GOTV phone calls for Obama. So I'm doing nothing.

What's wrong with this picture...?

I think I'll go do laundry. I hate doing it and have other priorities, but it's urgent. I have no clean clothes left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.

good job choosing a task!

it's paralyzing to have lots of tasks to choose one, good job checking in and choosing do to laundry. Hope everything is going well!

Journey 10 am UPDATE 11:45

Happy Monday everyone!  I've been to the gym, read email, set my MITs, and done MIT #1 which was to cancel a dentist appointment for tomorrow.   Coffee break time!
Update 11:45 Worked on MIT #2 but stuck and need to ask the BIC a question about it.   On the way to Toastmasters now.   I've been working pretty steadily this morning except for about 1/2 hour of news surfing.  One more day of the the political ads! 
Jo
"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

scarlett CI 9:32 am EST

Morning, y'all. Hope everyone had a pleasant Halloween and/or Dia de los Muertos and/or All Saints' Day. And now it's Monday, yet again!

Ta da:
Morning routine

To do:
Prep mtg
Mtg f/u
Monthly report
Visit f/u
Mtg 2 prep

Reviews; BB - plan rm, type up, enter
Ven – Tally surplused furniture and estimate weight (started),revise info from report, include lessons learned
Conf; reg for vol, email coordinator

Personal:
HG; Check to-do, Find MC contact, Write email, TCF in LA?, call MM, [start g-doc (me, JH, DT), minutes to JH, call DT, email AM & TVS]
Email EB re: visit
Resched MS @ HRC
LTV; print out & finish reading
JF re: caricature

The adrenaline you've been living on only leaves you wanting.

scarlett CI 1:50 pm EST

Feeling very discombobulated today - hard to keep up with shifting priorities.

Ta da:
Morning routine
Email EB re: visit
Prep mtg
Conf; reg for vol, print sched, email office
Mtg f/u
Email SB & DR re: OT sched
LtV; print out, email to SB

To do:
Monthly report
ENROLLMENT
Email hw to RM

Visit f/u
Reviews; BB - plan rm, type up, enter
Ven – Tally surplused furniture and estimate weight (started),revise info from report, include lessons learned

Personal:
Resched Dr. P appt
HG; Check to-do, Find MC contact, Write email, TCF in LA?, call MM, [start g-doc (me, JH, DT), minutes to JH, call DT, email AM & TVS]
Resched MS appt @ HRC
LTV; finish reading
JF re: caricature

The adrenaline you've been living on only leaves you wanting.

scarlett CI 3:50 pm EST

Got done what I had to today, though it wasn't what was on my calendar to do necessarily. Ah, well.

Ta da:
Morning routine
Email EB re: visit
Prep mtg
Conf; reg for vol, print sched, email office
Mtg f/u
Email SB & DR re: OT sched
LtV; print out, email to SB, add segment, Email hw to RM
Monthly report
ENROLLMENT
HG; Find MC contact, email AS re: TCF
Add necklace to budget

To do:
Visit f/u
Reviews; BB - plan rm, type up, enter
Ven – Tally surplused furniture and estimate weight (started),revise info from report, include lessons learned

Personal:
Resched Dr. P appt
HG; Check to-do, Write email, TCF in LA?, call MM, [start g-doc (me, JH, DT), minutes to JH, call DT, email AM & TVS]
Resched MS appt @ HRC
LTV; finish reading
JF re: caricature

The adrenaline you've been living on only leaves you wanting.

GeorgeSmiley, 8:30 AM

Well, I slept a little late this am and have been dithering.

First thing to do: Shower  DONE

Next thing: fix a bagel and get coffee. DONE

My task list is already set, so I'll set that down now:

MIT#1: Finish project K-4

MIT#2: Work on project P-0901

MIT#3: Choose a priority item among several for Client C.

 9 AM UPDATE

Now to work.

 

 

 

The Hero's Code:

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

GS 10:15 AM

 Making progress on MIT#1.

And I've also encountered a recurring reality for me:

Part of my freelance work involves editing the work of others.I do it well and enjoy it, but I also find a flag quickly... and then become subject to other distractions.

And once I let myself get distracted I can easily chew up huge chunks of time as one distraction leads to another

I'd appreciate info/insights on how to avoid that happening. This is a very long-time problem.

 

The Hero's Code:

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

GS 3:30 PM/4:15 PM

A number of errands that I had to run, and some necessary business housekeeping tasks.

Now I'm hungry for a snack so I'm going to get one.

Then return to working on MIT#1.

Update, 4:15 PM

Well, that was a long snack.

Beginning again...

 

 

The Hero's Code:

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

re:distractions

Well, of course I have the same problem!  And I'm still subject to it, but I have gotten better at getting back to work after getting distracted.   That is by "just keep starting".   I used to get distracted, get annoyed with myself for getting distracted, which led to more distraction, etc.   Now I think of it like meditation.  Meditation instructors will say that when you get distracted by a thought, acknowledge it, and return your thoughts to your breath.  When I get distracted now, I tell myself, 'ok, I got distracted.  Now, where was I?".  Sometimes I have to do this every five minutes! 
Jo
"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

kromer 7:15 CI

Up a little late, but close to my goal of 7...going to get breakfast now, then check in with a plan.

Update 7:55--dawdling a bit, but I've had breakfast and am dressed. Today I need to:
*Finish implementing clustering
*Try out c-t-f idea for PF's project
*Probability class 2:30-4
*Plan for Harambee
*Go to Harambee
*Spend 30 min gathering lit search results (I've been putting this off for weeks, this will at least get me started)
*Make a schedule for the week
*1-2 and 4-6 start new project w/CJ

I'm going to go get a soda, then I'll finish implementing clustering...should take 1-2 hrs. Then I'll prep for Harambee. I'll work in the chatbox to keep myself focused.

Update 12--I prepped for Harambee, made schedule for week, and am mostly done with clustering (but I still have a few bugs I'm trying to iron out). Right now I'm going to make one correction to clustering code, do my dishes and head to campus. I'll walk there (to get some exercise), so should arrive around 1, and can talk to CJ about project. If I have time after that I'll check on clustering code and work on gathering lit search results, then I'll go to prob. class, then I'll go work with CJ 4-6, then I'll head to Harambee.  

 

kromer 2:15 CI

Making pretty good progress...walked to campus and met w/ CJ.

I found out that clustering code is still buggy, so I'll try and fix that in the next 10 min, then go to class, then go meet with CJ again, then pick up stuff I need to gather lit. search results, then go to Harambee, then go home, take notes from mtg w/CJ and check in again.  

kromer 9:35 CI

OK, I've had a fairly productive day, but I still have big chunk of work to get done before bed, and I'm lacking in motivation to do it.

I worked with CJ, went to class and Harambee, came home and had a healthy dinner.

Clustering code is *still* failing for some reason, so my first task is to fix that.

I have some household tasks that need doing--tidying room, laundry, taking out trash. These should take <1 hr

I need to take notes from mtg w/ CJ, otherwise I'll forget how do do everything he showed me.

And I'll try and get to my other 2 tasks if I can, but this is the bare minimum.

I'll work in the chatbox to keep myself focused.  

Hope Faith CI 5:55 am

Goodmorning everyone. 

Running a little later then what I was Hoping for but will have the faith that I can still accomplish my to do list. So here goes.

Monday-Friday am

  • Put a load of clothes on  
  • Wash clothes
  • Check In
  • Breakfast
  • E-mail sons teachers
  • Get ready before 6:00 am Monday-Friday
  • Feed animals/Hang out clothes
  • Get kids up
  • Mail 
  • Pick up coffee 
  • Leave drop kids off

School

Updated 9:15 am

  •  Coffee (Yes got to have it)
  • Finish Monday's plans
  • Email students  Email down need to send to 4th
  • Baseball camp registraion for s
  • Find recipt for beads and tattoos
  • File SGA 15 min
  • Plan for Tuesday before leaving
  • SGA elections time line
  •  E-mail Planning Period info for Tuesday
  •  Email g about unknown user.

CI 3:45 I forgot to look at my calender when I made my plans for the day. I  have to stay at school until 6:00 for report card pick up.::jawdrop::

So now I have to readjust my plans for the rest of the day. But first I just need to take a break and be frustrated.

Between home and school

  • Insurance Form/Check Deductions     
  •  Bank
  • Get Van Inspected buy tags

Monday-Friday pm

  • Maintain Van - Maintain state of unclutterness
  • Take clothes in
  • Supper/Dishwasher Egg Project
  • Fold and put away clothes
  • Get clothes for next day
  • Kids bath/Homework
  • Kids paino/computer
  • Work 1/2 on declutter project
  • Thank you notes/pics to go with
  • Make plans for Tuesday/ballet
  • Intel 15 min

hope-faith

Hope-Faith CI Update -- Not Happy

CI 3:45 I forgot to look at my calender when I made my plans for the day. I  have to stay at school until 6:00 for report card pick up.::jawdrop::

So now I have to readjust my plans for the rest of the day which means I will not be able to mark items off of my To Do List. Being able to make things off of my To Do list motivates me and now I have just lost some of that motivation. I have to take a think break now and regroup.

4:30 Spent a few minutes of down time then spent 15 min grading papers. Next step is to plan for tomorrow.

5:00 Plans for tomorrow are done. :) next I will work on these items.

  • Find recipt for beads and tattoos/File SGA 15 min set timer
  • SGA elections time line
  • Intel 15 Minutes set timer
  • 5:50 I can leave in about 10 so I will get my stuff together and go home and spend some time with my children. I will try to make it quality time and not just busy time. A little discouraged. I only had one parent show up to pick up report card. How sad is that. :?I know when students get to high school the need to be more responsilbe but in the same hand the students need to know that their parents are interested.

    Update 8:15

    • Maintain Van - Maintain state of unclutterness
    • Take clothes in
    • Supper/Dishwasher Egg Project
    • Fold and put away clothes
    • Get clothes for next day
    • Kids bath/Homework
    • Kids paino/computer
    • Work 1/2 on declutter project
    • Thank you notes/pics to go with
    • Get tooth fairy coins -- son lost tooth
    • Make plans for Tuesday/ballet
    • Intel 15 min I did it.

     Update 10:00 despite my minor set I accomplshed most of my list today. My final dash will be to update my to do list and project list. Work on Intel for 15 min. Check back in when it is done.

    Update 10:15 updated to do list and project list now for Intel 15 min. I do not want to do this but I am going to at least make myself open the files and look at them for 15 min if nothing else. Going to Chat.

    Worked on Intel for 15 min. Call mom, watch a few minutes of tv and off to bed.

    hope-faith

    chick CI

    Starting now...aiming to stay focussed, productive and accountable...


    now on an easy UT
    , will aim to alternate stints of non-scary IT with the searching for stuff from scary MUT

    now: folder search ;I am setting myself 3 easy and limited search tasks NOW; These are done. They got me started, all the anxiety of the first step. Now I just need to keep going. I am committing to a 25 minute microburst of paper-sorting. Got side-tracked once, but...did it. Now: keep going with microbursts and breaks...now: 30 min, one corner: stress. I know that if I can keep going it will really change what else I can do,

    One small corner cleared, things sorted and filed :D :laugh:


    Now commit to 30 min. w/o interruption,
    then short break. Back on task. Still at it: :grin:

    Losing momentum. I want to take some quiet time to think about what it will mean to be able to find, things, not have chaos, be more proactive.... rekindle motivation and belief that I can get this problem in shape by a few more hours effort TODAY.

    This has turned into time-binging. But instead of blaming myself for not starting sooner, I think: it is a gift from HP that I have had the courage to do all this today. Being able to find the things I need is one of the steps along the way to a less reactive last-minutism. There is a lot more to sort and file. So I am going to put some food on, and keep going!!....

    update: I eventually lost steam through tiredness; the big clean-up isn;t finished but it's well on it's way. Now I know it's possible. I hope I can hang onto microbursts and the knowledge that it is possible and keep going, although today (now Tuesday)'s schedule means I'll need to be content with a shorter stint.