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.

Thursday 13th November 2008


I have lived on the lip
of insanity, wanting to know reasons,
knocking on a door. It opens.
I've been knocking from the inside!

Have a good Thursday!

Recycler CI 5:40pm EST

Hi Pro Buddies & Flying Fish!

The clothes washer & dryer for my new condo were delivered today :) For my new place, that's one step closer toward it eventually feeling like home :) I worked 4 hours today and took a half-day of vacation so I could be home for the delivery and set-up.

For my new condo, I did other clean up and settle in projects this morning, such as putting shelf liner paper in even more of the cabinets and drawers. I am trying to do this before the shelves & drawers start filling up ;)

At work I did some projects. I wanted to make sure that someone got their check soon, so I followed up on that several times today. I made sure the deadline project went out.

The combination of activity today wore me out, so I am not going to Mensa Executive Committee tonight. I emailed my status report on the annual Book Drive I co-chair for the Boys and Girls Club, and on the museum outing I hosted this month. Tonight I'm going to pace myself with some projects at the rental condo, then hope to have some wind-down moments before trying to go to sleep on time tonight.

Have a great night, everyone! :)


Recycler

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

ScottK CI :2:13 PM

Never too late to check in!

  1. Do three circles
  2. Print 1st step
  3. Finish & submit press release
  4. More progress on book proposal
  5. Interview source

Hope everybody is having a good one!

ScottK

Sammy ci :: 1:30 pm

Hello all,

Thank you for your prayers. I did have a setback today...A close family friend passed away this morning after a relatively short battle with cancer. I'm still making good progress, though.

Done: Tech Reporting class, grocery shopping done, drivers license renewed, 2 pecan pies made (one still in the oven)

To do: FINISH ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY, "food" photo shoot (pies), web design homework, web design class,  SLEEP! 

Sammy sympathy

So sorry to read of your loss (yesterday's post).  Loss and grief are big issues for me so I know a little of how you must be are feeling. It's sort of surreal to keep going in the face of it. I'll be praying for you and for your friend's folks also to be at peace.

Also wishing you strength

Also wishing you strength Sammy.

Journey 12:30 Update 1 pm 2 pm 4:30

MIT #1 is well underway, about 30 minutes more.  I'm in my lunch and learn right now, and feeling the motivation and focus slipping away.   I think this happens every day around lunchtime, I get tired from getting up early and let the day start to slip away. 

As soon as this lunch and learn is over, I'm going to take a walk over to the bank and see if that gets me back into the motivated state I had when I started this morning.  I know it would be good for me to take a "real" break.

Update 1 pm - I'm *gasp* going outside!

2 pm - yes, it did help to go outside and walk around a bit!  Now, to finish up MIT #1.

2:30 MIT #1 DONE!  yay!  I'm doing MIT #3 next because it will be a quickie, then back to MIT #2, which is to work on the long tedious project P. 

4:30 MIT #3 Done, not as quick as I thought and I took a break after.  So, now MIT #2, to make some progress on P.

Jo  

 

"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

tiptree CI 12;16 pm EST

to do:

most stuff from yesterday carried over (one task ended up taking 6 1/2 hours b/c of additional requirements):
- folder/case/export stuff
x 1433 - public/private case config
- 1436 - tinymce improvement/upgrade
- 1186 -- look at thumbnail impl
- 1376
- slow query log change for up
x ask g. about m.v.c. sync
- fix repo modify
- clock 8 hours
x walk dog
x read 25 pp
x clean for 1/2 hr
x rehearsal

Didn't take my anti-depressants, today. Bit o' a mistake...

Agnus checking in 11am

G'morning friends!  I started nice and early at 6:15 but now having a little trouble staying focused - not enough sleep. Still, this new day shows promise: already had good Step 11, food plan, made grocery list, cleaned kitchen, called sponsor and Mom, pet care, J care, chased the mailman down the block to mail a procrastinated letter (there's my exercise for the day - :-)!), completed a business call, several emails and planned MITs du jour:

  • Review TA docs and call my onsites
  • Propose kickoff logistics
  • Call top 5 DLs-w/APs from w2
  • Folo-up w3 resked
  • X-chk N.O.-W1-W2 lists and prioritize, start DL-TA calls
  • Check AP Inbox and the folder of printed emails
  • Create Prtnrs webinar
  • Retype SoW detailing into xls incl spec tasks/hrs for GG1/GG2
  • Write/post job descrip for GG2
  • Review VA and contrib on 1pm call

I want to check back at 2 p.m. and update on my progress.

Ag 4:20

I am really really procrastinating MIT#1. I am being way too perfectionistic. Also had 2 hours' worth of phone call interruptions and a ton of email with emerging UTs. Feeling anxious. Disappointed at self for not doing better, not checking back at 2 p.m. (plain forgot). But this negativity does nothing toward my goals so I choose to surrender it to my HP and ask for grace to just get back on it. Some of my onsites are in a timezone that continues to work now so I still have time to make good progress (NOT perfection!). status:

  • Review TA docs and call my onsites
  • Propose kickoff logistics
  • Call top 5 DLs-w/APs from w2
  • Folo-up w3 resked
  • X-chk N.O.-W1-W2 lists and prioritize, start DL-TA calls
  • Check AP Inbox and the folder of printed emails
  • Create Prtnrs webinar
  • Retype SoW detailing into xls incl spec tasks/hrs for GG1/GG2
  • Write/post job descrip for GG2
  • Review VA and contrib on 1pm call

Rolzup CI

At 8:20 we're getting the baby ready for his appointment.
After he and his mommy are all set I can do GSG work.

9:40 quiet meditation
10:00 get studying! I want to read some articles today.

--Rolzup

GeorgeSmiley 8 AM + Updates

Signed on my computer at 7:35. Organized my first tasks. Checked email for home and work.

to DON'Ts: Check email every 5 minutes. Surf the same old political sites [or even new ones]. 

MIT#1: Draft and ship Project P0901 [P-1 for short] Update 12:50 PM: FINISHED AND SHPPED!

MIT#2: Transcribe interview for Project D-G

MIT#3: Outline and begin drafting Project D-G

Update 8:50 AM

Well, despite the best of intentions, I still lost the last 50 minutes.

Starting again on MIT#1.

Update 12:50 AM

Finished MIT#1. Lunch, post office, bank, and then onto MIT#2

Update 2 PM

Ate lunch but decided to postpone bank and PO trips. 

Setting forth on MIT #2

Update 5:30 PM

No progress on MIT #2. Again, spent the afternoon dithering. Aargh.

 

 

The Hero's Code:

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

Journey 8:45

Yesterday started with a bang and then fizzled out.  *Sigh* I worked really hard all morning but then let myself get distracted in the afternoon and evening.  I got MITs #1 and #2 done in spite of myself, but totally fell off the wagon in the evening and even left dirty dishes in the sink.   I can do so much better than that, but still I did at least get the two most important things done. 

Today is a new day and I'm starting off strong again.   I've been to the gym and I was early to work.   I've had 5 minutes of quiet time. Now for the day starter activities, and then off to the races.

Jo

"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

jo back on wagon

u seem more 'ok' w/ ur falling off the wagon than i was, which was now 11 days ago. I was devastated. How did you manage to have a reasonably good perspective on it the next day--i mean before u realized you got more done than u thot.

That said, 11 days running and the experiences has made me believe in step 1, and thus given me fuel for step 2 & 3 and maybe, now, even step 4, that was not as strong for me. so maybe all this are working together for good...

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

to clem - getting back on the horse

I'm learning to focus on one day at a time.   If I start thinking about all the stuff that didn't get done yesterday, or last week, or 20 years ago; then  I end up indulging in a completely ego-involved self-pity session.  I'm slowly learning that the time spent agonizing over past failures - even if those failures were 5 minutes ago - is just as surely wasted as the time spent goofing off.  Might as well try to learn something from the failure and move on! 

It helps to come here and confess the slip-up to you guys, and to HP, then forgive myself and just try to do a little better next time.  I don't always succeed in this endeavor, of course, but it's a process . . .

Jo

"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

no self pity

yeah, that makes perfect sense! i pray i can remember it next time i start getting sucked into self pity. or beating myself up. Who does it benefit anyway?

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

re: no self pity

Yep, once I started seeing all that beating myself up as selfish, I began to think of if differently.   It's not fun to go through all that berating yourself, but it's still time and energy spent on thinking about your own egotistical self.   Thanks to HP, who keeps reminding me to "think service not selfishness".  MOST of the time anyway.  lol. 
Jo 
"For myself, I am an optimist--it does not seem to be much use being anything else."- Winston Churchill

beating myself up = selfish

yes, that comes thru now stronger. "service not selfishness." I think i can remember that.

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

i need this now

i have work left over from yesterday, and new work today, and an outstanding task that's risen in importance/urgency and i feel overwhelmed. That's probably why i surfed online for an hour, and now i feel even worse.

So what was it we were saying here just recnetly in the last 2 days?

beating myself up (which i am doing) is selfish? service not selfishness?

It's true, tho. the berating comes from this idea underneath:

"i'm better than this"

At least i feel that in myself underneath. well i guess i am not better than this. i guess this is, indeed, who i am.

And, yet, (i'm working this out real time) to be upset about that is to be upset about the goodness or worthiness of me. And that is one option. another is to ignore that question, and do the best with what i have. to serve as effectively as i can, even if that does not meet some arbitrary threshold.

Thanks, jo. Thanks HP. I feel like i've turned the corner of this one.

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

glad it helped Clem

Although in this case I can take no credit for the idea, just passing it on :)
"For myself, I am an optimist--it does not seem to be much use being anything else."- Winston Churchill

one more self pity comment!

A buddy of mine at work, speaking about a mutual friend who's always agonizing over every little thing, once said "She's completely self-absorbed."  When I see myself heading down that self-pity path, I think of someone saying that about me.  That will usually snap me out of it!  Heheh
Jo 
"For myself, I am an optimist--it does not seem to be much use being anything else."- Winston Churchill

Journey 10 am

Feeling a little bit better about yesterday after I reviewed my task list.  I got more done than I realized, although I did large amounts of goofing off.  It's funny that how we feel about what we have accomplished can differ greatly from how we actually performed though, isn't it?   I read on here somewhere that procrastinators are poor self-observers.   Hmmmm.  
So, anyway, today.   I have set my MITs and done my usual day-starter activites.  Time to start on MIT #1. 
Jo
"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

CL ci

8:25 : already caught up here. I kno what MIT 1 is, so start it.
9am (35min) : MIT 1 well underway. nearing completion.
10:10 (70min) : wow took much longer than i thot, but i do feel i have a good plan. Now i have to email that to coworkers.
10:15 (5min) : actually there's a 2nd part of mit 1 i'm working on now.
10:30 (15min) : i give all credit to my HP for keeping me on schedule today. I am blessed today. Working on mit 1 part 2, still. c u at 1045, HP willing.
10:45 (15min) : still mit 1 part 2.
11:15 (30min) : mit 1 part 2 done, just need to email results.
12pm (45min) : mit 1 all done. now quiet time. stress because "i'm not getting anything done." HP pls take this away.
*** mit 1 has taken 3.5hr when all done, part 2 itself has taken 1.5h. interesting. 3.5hrs is almost 10% of my week.
12:15 (15min) : started quiet time. an interruption happened.
12:30 (15min) : quiet time part 1 done, now pray / med.
1:30 (1hr) : quiet time part 2 done, too. distracted. thot i had a mtg. now onto next MIT.
3pm (1.5hr) mit 1 & 2 done. mit 1 had left overs which are done. mit 3 started. working in chat. ag is there keeping me company.

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

kromer 7:40 CI

Another very busy day! (On the plus side, the past couple days I've barely had time to procrastinate:) )
Scheduled:
*Genetics class 9:30-11:30
*Lab mtg 3-5
*Data and drinks 5-6 (if time)
*Dinner with dad 7-8:30

MITs:
*PCR/ethanol precip./transformation
*Read SS's paper, make a list of questions, interview SS, write one page
*30 min work on writeup for PT's project

Other tasks:
*Gather PSCOMM treasurer stuff
*list of Qs for lab member
*Email CY
*Get office key

OK, I'm going to head out the door now, so I have time to start PCR/transformation before genetics class.

Update 2:35--doing pretty well! I'm almost done with PCR/ethanol precip./transformation, I went to genetics class, I read SS's paper and started prepping questions. Now I'm going to go finish transformation, go to lab mtg, go to data and drinks, have dinner with dad, finish list. of Qs and interview at 9:30, go home and spend 30 min on PT's writeup, quickly write one page for SS's assignment.

I don't think I'll get to any of my "other tasks" today, but that's OK.  

kromer 6:45 CI

OK, doing pretty well.

I finished transformation, went to lab mtg and data and drinks, then took a 20 min break (unplanned, but OK) Meeting my dad for dinner in 5 minutes, back around 8:30 to work on MIT #2. 

kromer 11:20 having trouble

Had dinner with dad, finished list of questions and interviewed, got home 10:40, then just collapsed for a bit. Now I'm exhausted and am having a lot of trouble working.

Still, I want to at least make progress on my MITs. So I'm going to reduce my goals but not eliminate them. I'm going to try writing 1/2 page on SS's paper, then I'll take a shower, then I'll microburst PT's writeup (10 min max). Then I'll get up by 6:45 and start working by 7:30.  

Monica's picture

Monica CI - 6:55 am, 1:25 pm, 9:20 pm

I know this is a long list. Don’t worry. I’m not being unrealistic. While I will attempt to do as many items as I can, this list is more of an inventory of what I need to get done over the next couple of days. I’ve learned not to set myself up for failure by putting on more than I can chew; that only causes me to spiral down into depression. And, my depression always manifests itself in the form of procrastination. So, today I plan on plotting along at a reasonable pace, taking mini breaks in between, getting as much done as is feasibly possibly and then leaving the rest for another day.

All the best,
Monica

To Do:
[x] CI
[x] Clear email
[x] Devotional time
[x] Shower & dress to shoes
[x] Make breakfast
[x] Empty dishwasher
[/] Juice apples & freeze fruit (only froze the fruit)
[x] Pickup 3 boxes from work
[x] Make bed (Husband did this once he felt well enough to get out of bed)
[x] Rescue room for 5 min. (that was hard, everything in me wanted to procrastinate on this one, but I did it anyway)
[x] Make a small grocery list of items I’ll need for dinner
[x] Go to grocery store
[x] Cook dinner
[x] Shine sink & cleanup kitchen after dinner
[x] Help son with homework
[x] Clean bath tub & give son a bath
[x] Layout outfit for me & my son for tomorrow
[x] Put clothes I wore today in the hamper
[x] Review Calendar & make new CI list for tomorrow
[x] CO


If I can't do it perfectly, I'll do it anyway. If I can't do it all, I'll do some. If I do nothing, nothing gets done.

"I don't feel like it" is a poor excuse for sacrificing your dreams.




Monica's picture

Monica CO 9:40 pm

Well, I actually managed to finish everything on my list. My husband and daughter were a great help. While my family was still eating dinner I started cleaning the kitchen for the night. My husband said, "you've been going all day. Why don't you relax?" But I said, "I really want to stay focused and finish my evening routine. So, both my husband and daughter helped me finish cleaning up. It took no time with all three of us working together and the best part is, it freed me up to do the rest of the things on my list. While I am feeling very good about my day, I am also very tired, so this is goodnight.

All the best,
Monica


If I can't do it perfectly, I'll do it anyway. If I can't do it all, I'll do some. If I do nothing, nothing gets done.

"I don't feel like it" is a poor excuse for sacrificing your dreams.




Chotrain CI 6:10 AM

First and Foremost, I gratefully thank the Energy Source that has returned my soul back to me with compassion and has given me the ability to rise and jump into a Proactive Day.

Thought of Project + focused Action=Desired Result

Thought of Project +More Thougth of Project + Anxiety+More Thinking of Project+Web Surfing+Additional Thinking to Get the Job done+Phone Call +TV+Food+Thinging About New project to start+More Anxiety=Sh*t.......I'll do it tomorrow. Surprised

Carry a note pad to capture all new ideas and do not become side tracked with too much stinking thinking. DOOOOOOOOWIT!!

  • 6:00-6:30 Spend 30 Minutes in Prayer and Meditation
  • 6:30-6:50 Electric Stimulation for my Back (To Much Carpet Cleaning Yesterday)
  • 6:50-7:20 Jump on the treadmill for 30 minutes while I flip through CNN, local news etc
  • 7:20-8:00 Shower, eat some breakfast
  • 8:00-8:30 Take child to school.
  • 8:30-10:00 Clean Refrigirator in Rental Property
  • 10:00-11:00 Just Be 
  • 11:00-1:00 Clean out Garage 
  • 1:00-1:30 Get Oil Changed
  • 1:30-3:00 Surf the new and just be
  • 3:00-4:00 Take down wallpaper in vanity bathroom
  • 4:00-5:30 Meet with CT
  • 5:30-6:30 P/U Child
  • 6:30-7:15 Prepare Dinner/Eat Dinner
  • 7:15 Until Enjoy the remaining days away from work

Peace,

 

Chotrain

Chotrain CO 7:20 PM

  • 6:00-6:30 Spend 30 Minutes in Prayer and Meditation
  • 6:30-6:50 Electric Stimulation for my Back (To Much Carpet Cleaning Yesterday)
  • 6:50-7:20 Jump on the treadmill for 30 minutes while I flip through CNN, local news etc
  • 7:20-8:00 Shower, eat some breakfast
  • 8:00-8:30 Take child to school.
  • 8:30-10:00 Clean Refrigirator in Rental Property
  • 10:00-11:00 Just Be 
  • 11:00-1:00 Clean out Garage 
  • 1:00-1:30 Get Oil Changed
  • 1:30-3:00 Surf the new and just be
  • 3:00-4:00 Take down wallpaper in vanity bathroom Add:Wifey will help me this weekend with this task.
  • 4:00-5:30 Meet with CT
  • 5:30-6:30 P/U Child
  • 6:30-7:15 Prepare Dinner/Eat Dinner
  • 7:15 Until Enjoy the remaining days away from work

I've gotten so much accomplished since joining the group. One task at a time, one day at a time. Please keep me in your prayers for continuous motivation and I will make sure I do the same. Enjoy the evening.

 Peace to all,

 Chotrain

 

lol chotrain

Thought of Project +More Thougth of Project + Anxiety+More Thinking of Project+Web Surfing+Additional Thinking to Get the Job done+Phone Call +TV+Food+Thinging About New project to start+More Anxiety=Sh*t.......I'll do it tomorrow. Surprised

That is so true that it made me laugh out loud right here in the office.

 

Jo

 

"I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different." - Kurt Vonnegut

re: lol chotrain

me too!  It actually sounded a bit like my last 24 hours - uurgh...Undecided ... Thank God that each day is a new beginning! Thanks for the grin, cho.

Chick CI

a late start (due to cold) and lost time yesterday. that's okay-just go step by step now

[x] b

[x] st m b

[x] do

[x] ih; [x] rg

[x] order future ps

[]c m plans -worksheets

[ ]p tix

[]mut1

[]mut2

[x]afternoon meeting

Roses CI 10:12

Today has started well. I feel motivated to practice! Perhaps more so for listening to Chris Thile, nothing like bluegrass to give spirit.

Tasks for today:

  • Get up before 9am.
  • Eat breakfast away from pc, and drink ginger tea.
  • Check-in here.
  • Practice drums for an hour.
  • Exercise.
  • Shower, clean teeth and dress.
  • Practice songs and covers.
  • Check emails, myspace.
  • Eat a good lunch.
  • Record some ideas to fill up a song - I lost an adaptor, so I can't do this until I find it/ purchase a new one!
  • Eat a good dinner.
  • Draft main project on paper - oh man. This is overwhelmingly huge.
  • Watch a single episode of House.
  • CI on paper.
  • Feel peace.

Sammy ci :: 4:00 am

Well, its early, but I'm looking for a short break from the annotated bibliography I've been working on all night (no, really. all night...) Might as well get this out of the way.

MIT/MUT :: Finish bibliography......ugh.

Go to Tech. Reporting class

MUT :: Get drivers license renewed

MIT :: Spend time in photo studio,....get perfect food shot. (haha) 

MUT :: Finish web design homework

TAKE A NAP 

Go to Web Design class

MIT :: Leave class asap to get to bed early!!

 If any of you are praying people will you please pray for me? I'm taking 6 classes (plus working) right now, and I'm feeling really overwhelmed... I need help staying on track... 

Thanks,

Sammy 

sending a prayer, too :)

Hi Sammy!

I'm sending a prayer for you, too! Hugs!


Recycler

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

a big thanks to all of you!

I'm very thankful for your prayers.

i'll pray for you

My Vision for Sammy

I see Sammy coming back to PA tonight saying "I Did It!" More of the "I did its" will equate to completing the Web Design Class and moving you closer to your desired goal. I will add you to my prayers. I'm sooooo proud of you!

Cho-

I will. Peace to you sister.

I will.
Peace to you sister.

Thank you, Roses

That means a lot to me. :-)