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.
huma's April Challenge
Well, March is over and April is here. Let's make some more improvements! Anyone can join me and state a goal here for the month, and then track your progress as April proceeds. Use whatever rating system you want.
Me? I will be grading myself each day on a five-star scale. In March I averaged 2.74 stars per day, missing my goal of 3.0. I really feel that I can do better, so I'm giving myself an April goal of 3.05 stars per day.
* - Totally wasted my day; pathetic lack of effort
** - A small amount done, but procrastinated too much
*** - A satisfactory day; got a few tasks done well, but missed a thing or two
**** - Excellent day, got a lot done, procrastinated very little
***** - Absolutely fantastic day, exceeded my expectations; worked from dawn till bedtime
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huma April recap
4/30: ***
April total: 78 stars/30 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
MARCH FINAL: 2.74 stars/day
APRIL FINAL: 2.60 stars/day
I ended April adequately but the month as a whole was disappointing. I didn't even outpace March.
BUT, I must keep plugging away and hopefully my efforts will improve in May. My biggest problem is consistency. Here is my breakdown per # of stars/day in April:
*****: 1 day
****: 3 days
***: 12 days
**: 11 days
*: 3 days
Realistically, I ESPECIALLY need to have more 4-star days than 2-star days. It's not that hard to do. I need to aim to have a 3-star day accomplished by 6pm, and if I can muster more action at night, that would get me a 4-star day. So the key is to avoid waking up late some days, or the mid-afternoon procrastination I tend to fall into.
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GSD 30
Another 4 star day!!!
63.39 stars/28 days
2.26 stars/day
Overall, 2.26 stars is low, but I feel that I ended April well, and I've learnt more about my procrastination habits.
Huma: Good luck! See you in May! :)
Great finish GetStuffDone!!!
In your honor, I started a May thread in both our names! Thank you for keeping up your daily efforts. It was nice to have your support!
Let's have a GREAT May!
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/29 recap
4/29: ***
April total: 75 stars/29 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.59 stars/day
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
Huma
Good job this month, especially towards the end, with those 4 star and 5 star days! Have a fantastic 30th! See you in May!
GSD 29
Second last day of April! I finally, finally picked myself up today and ACTUALLY GOT STUFF DONE! It's like a miracle!
29: ****
59.39 stars/27 days
2.19 stars/day
Analyzing my habits: I think getting started is the hardest part. Furthermore, if I don't finish a lot of work by noon, I get demotivated and waste the rest of the day...
Good luck Huma! It's almost May! Let's make tomorrow, the last day of April, a fantastic day! :)
Great job GSD!!!!!
Woohoo!!!!
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GSD 28
Today: *
55.39 stars/26 days
2.13 stars/day
I'm going to make sure the 29th goes well...
huma 4/28 recap
Nice day. Worked hard all the way. Even have a little time tonight to enjoy myself.
4/28: ****
April total: 72 stars/28 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.57 stars/day
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
YAY Huma!
Great job with the 4 stars!!!! You're doing really well :)
Good advice, also. I think I have certain habits that cause me to procrastinate... need to work on them.
huma recap 4/26-27
It's hard to believe, but it's virtually impossible for me to beat March's final # by the end of April. Oh well, I need to try to finish the week strong.
4/26: **
4/27: ***
April total: 68 stars/27 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.52 stars/day
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GSD 27
Today: * :(
Hang in there GSD!
We've both struggled a bit in the last 2 weeks. Keep your chin up.
Try to finish April well. Focus on learning WHY you've struggled lately, and think out a REALISTIC plan to recover. What is your typical pitfall? What can you do when you feel yourself falling into that trap each day? That's what I'm doing - I'm trying to learn more so I can shorten my bad periods.
May is coming - we're both going to have a good May. I can feel it!
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GSD 25-26
25: *
26: **** (Finally picked myself up today...didn't complete everything, so I don't deserve 5 stars, but I accomplished some HUGE tasks!!)
April total: 53.39 stars/24 days
April average: 2.22 stars/day
April Week 3 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
GREAT GetStuffDone!!!!
Way to bounce back!!!!! Good for you!!!
"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/25 recap
I had a pretty good night, but did nothingin the first half of the day. Not good enough.
4/25: **
April total: 63 stars/25 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.52 stars/day
'It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
Huma
Good job for the productive night!
Let's aim for the stars, these last five days of April! (At least, I think it's 5 days...subtraction confuses me when I'm sleepy, Lol.
)
GSD 20-24
I've been having a horrible, stressful week. I have exams next month, and I just start to worry whenever I think about them, instead of actually studying...
Sorry, Huma, for not posting here regularly. I plan to post regularly from now on.
April 20-24: *
April total: 48.39 stars/22 days
April average: 2.2 stars/day
April Week 3 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
huma 4/24 recap
4/24: *
April total: 61 stars/24 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.54 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
Huma
Let's aim for the stars, these last four days of April!
GetStuffDone, I agree!
Let's do our best! And we have more than 4 days left, my friend!
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/23 recap
4/23: ***
April total: 60 stars/23 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.61 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/22 recap
Crap.
4/22: *
April total: 57 stars/22 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.59
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/21 recap
4/21: *** (goofed off late, could have been a 4)
April total: 56 stars/21 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.67
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/20 recap
Decent day, started well, procrastinated a lot late in the afternoon and early evening, but rebounded a bit late.Could have been better though.
4/20: ***
April total: 53 stars/20 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.65
I did some math tonight -- it's going to now take spectacular performance for 10 days to hit my April goal, thanks to my horrible start. I still am aiming for it, but I at least need to make a significant gain over my March average.
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
Huma
Regarding this: Maybe we should check in with each other each day? A convenient time for me is the chat room between about 6-7pm EST US? That might help us to motivate each other. Your thoughts?
Yes, I think it's a great idea!
The only problem is the timezones. 6-7 pm EST is about 5.30-6.30 am for me, so too early. (I'm following IST - Indian Standard Time)
I might be able to check in at 7.00 am (my time), which would be 7.30 pm for you. I will definitely be able to check in during the evenings (however, that would be morning for you...)
Your thoughts?
GetStuffDone -> time zones
Hi GSD,
I checked here: http://www.houseofhum.com/asha/EDT-IST_time_table.pdf
I incorrectly stated our time here in the Eastern US. It is EDT for the next 6 months, not EST. So you are 9 1/2 hours ahead of me, as shown on the chart. This is unfortunate as I am waking up when you are going into evening.
So, I could check in with you when I wake up or arrive at my office in the morning. That might give you a boost for your late afternoon/early evening. During Monday-Friday, it is difficult for me to check in until 6pm (after I check in the AM), so during those days we wouldn't communicate much. Saturday morning I always have a meeting, so I would only check-in before you are going to bed, likely. On Sunday though, I am usually working in the AM, so we could use the chat room or a thread. That is probably our best day to support each other.
(Although -- I am often up late Friday and Saturday evening, so perhaps you will see me in your morning...)
For now, let's stick to this thread. If I see you in chat, great! We'll see how it develops.
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GetStuffDone April 15-19 (Oops!)
So...I've procrastinated about posting here, again. I'm frustrated about my procrastinating, and the fact that I'm nowhere near my expected productivity.
Huma: Congratulations on your 5 STAR DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a similar day tomorrow!
April 15: **
April 16: **
April 17: **
April 18: ****
April 19: ***
April total: 43.39 stars/17 days
April average: 2.55 stars/day
April Week 3 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
huma 4/19 recap
Big day today. I worked my butt off from 730am-830pm. I didn't get everything from my list done, but I did truly maximize effort. This is the first time in a long time that I wrapped up early. I can enjoy an hour or two before bedtime without guilt.
4/19: *****
April total:50 stars/19 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.63 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
CONGRATULATIONS, Huma!
Great job today!
Keep up the good work!
huma 4/18 recap
Did OK tonight, but not much done earlier. I actually feel good about the upcoming week though, as I have a sincerely improved, thought-out plan ready - I just need to implement it.
4/18: **
April total: 45 stars/18 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.50 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/15-17 recaps
I fell off the wagon a bit. Haven't posted here in 3 days. I had one good day, which should have been a great day, but I imploded at night. That carried into two more days of doing the minimum others expected of me, but not doing the necessary "self" things to get my life improving -- the things that no one else really sees.
Just as I advise others -- I need to come here every day to feed off the energy of my peers. We're all here to help each other. Not coming here compounded my issues.
4/15: ***
4/16: **
4/17: **
Good luck to you GetStuffDone
- let's try and get back on track. Maybe we should check in with each other each day? A convenient time for me is the chat room between about 6-7pm EST US? That might help us to motivate each other. Your thoughts?
April total:43 stars/14 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.53 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GetStuffDone April 14
An okay day...nowhere near 5 stars though.
Still, I'm aiming for a 5 or 4 star day on the 15th.
Good luck HUMA!
April today: 3.3
April total: 30.39 stars/12 days
April average: 2.53 stars/day
April Week 3 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
huma 4/14 recap
A decent day today.
4/14: ***
April total: 36 stars/14
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.57 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/13 recap
Had a good day today. Feel proud of myself for the first time in quite a while.
I am facing the most massive financial difficulties of my life in the months ahead, but I need to keep positive and work a solid plan. If I do so, I will be ok. This will be a huge test for me.
4/13: ****
April total: 33 stars/13 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.54 and climbing
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
YAY! HUMA!
Great job with the four stars!!!
Let's keep up the momentum!
Huma
You are doing so well. I admire you and wish I had your energy and determination.
Helen
Helen, I struggle like crazy. Almost every day. If I was doing great my score would be higher.
But I'm sure you'll agree -- this site helps a lot. We all pull for each other - I've never seen a site with collection of people who are so positive in their comments toward each other. It's fabulous.
Keep up your hard efforts too. I know you can be even better than you are now. Have a wonderful week!
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/12 recap
4/12: ***
April total: 29 stars/12 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.42 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GetStuffDone April 13
MUCH better day today! I could have gotten 4 or 5 stars if I'd pushed myself, but I'll have to settle for a 3.5
Still, I'm very inspired to do my best tomorrow. I'm aiming for the full 5 stars...let's see what happens!
GOOD LUCK HUMA! :)
April today: 3.5
April total: 27.09 stars/11 days
April average: 2.46 stars/day
April Week 3 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
I'm really proud of you GetStuffDone!
It's great to see you doing well! Let's keep the momentum going and have the April result we desire!
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GetStuffDone April 11,12
Huma: Good job with the 3 stars :) , but I agree with Helen about the sleep thing... Get some sleep, you'll feel better. :)
11th: * (I had a huge pile of work to finish, and I let myself watch a movie...not clever.)
12th: *** (Okay day. Didn't meet all my goals...but didn't procrastinate a lot either...)
April total: 23.59 stars/10 days
April average: 2.36 stars/day
April Week 2 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
Note: I'm going to update everyday now, as you said, Huma, because it forces me to be honest about my productivity...especially since I have exams next month.
huma 4/11
I gave myself a 3, but it took me until 5am to achieve it. Not good, hopefully it doesn't ruin my Monday.
4/11: ***
April total: 26 stars/11 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.36/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
5 am?
Staying up to 5am for any reason other than an emergency sounds extreme to me. I don't know why you did that and of course you may have great reasons but I am wondering if there is any perfectionism involved in your decision to miss out on sleep.
Hope you have a good Monday regardless and reccover quickly from your marathon.
huma 4/10 recap
Started way too late today. I feel some momentum coming though, hopefully tomorrow.
4/10: **
April total: 23 stars/10 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April average: 2.3 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
GetStuffDone April 8,9,10
I was sick from April 6th to 7th, so not counting those days. I'm now updating for April 8th, 9th to 10th. Although I hate to see my number of stars slip, I have to be honest with myself, right?
April 8: *
April 9: *
April 10: **
April total: 19.59 stars/8 days
April average: 2.45 stars/day
April Week 2 goal: 3.5 stars/day
April monthly goal: 3.7 stars/day
Update: Realized that April 8th was also a 1 star day. I have to start keeping track of things!! Wow, my average just dropped lower...
You'll get there GetStuffDone!
Keep coming back each day. You'll get some momentum. I have confidence we'll both have a good April -- but we need to have a good week this week! Let's do it! :)
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/9 recap
4/9: **
April total: 21 stars/9 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.33 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/8 recap
Though I missed out on some tasks today, I overcame some fears/pride and took some important steps to try to solve my current financial bind.
4/8: ****
April total: 19 stars/8 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.38 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb
huma 4/7 recap
I'm just having a horrible start to April. I had such high hopes coming in. Day after day of disappointing myself. And now I'm going to force myself to get up at 5am to catch up a little on what I have not accomplished lately. Very discouraging.
I consistently start strong in the AM, then lag between about 3pm-8pm. Some days I rescue myself after 8pm. It is very rare that I can avoid the mid-day mishaps.
I'm going to brainstorm the "Three Circles" approach to addiction tomorrow and see if I can build a daily system that avoids certain triggers I fall prey to. I need to do something different.
4/7: **
April total: 15 stars/7 days
April goal: 3.05 stars/day
April so far: 2.14 stars/day
"It is never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot
"Fall seven times. Stand up eight." - Japanese proverb