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.

Saturday 1st September 2012

31 August, 2012 - 5:35pm - movingalong
Saturday 1st September 2012

Today I can growl back at fear and let my light shine.

Thanks to PA member "chickadee" for today's threadstarter idea.
‹ Friday 31 August 2012 Sunday, September 2, 2012 ›

kromer 5 CI

kromer - 1 Sep 2012 - 7:18pm

Today is a short day but I want to make progress. I will:
*Run on gel
*Purify and quantify
*Go through 10 articles (working on this now; 2 done)
*Finish tabulating results
*Request articles on fast cycle

Once I get home, I will:
Clean bathroom
Clean kitchen
Clean my room
Tidy living room and dining room

Alfreda's day

alfreda - 1 Sep 2012 - 3:09pm

Not too bad. except....I am blocked over the the thing.

 

The thing is to look through my files, work out what sickness insurance, pensions stuff, life insurance etc I have (got various policies dating back donkeys years) and email to financial adviser. The person who is going to help me retire  before I get too old to enjoy it. The important job.

 

I have: apart from getting up, spending 20 mins on exercise bike and showering...

loaded dishwasher twice

done 1 load washing

done 1 basic bathroom clean 

taken sandy wetsuits from bath and put away (holidays over :()

decluttered hall

vacuumed stairs

went to vist friend's new baby

hijacked kitchen fitter who was at friend's house and booked him to fix broken drawer Tuesday....extra win there

went shopping for dinner stuff

cooked pizza (properly, like making the dough and everything)

watched Dr. Who while eating pizza. Ok, that last one wasn't a chore exactly. 

 

And have been sitting in front of desk for the last 30 mins trying to start The Thing. In fact, I am posting here...either as a form of continued procrastination, or in desperation, not sure which. 

Must...start...the...thing.....

 

that sounds just like me!

Hypatia - 1 Sep 2012 - 4:01pm

my financial adviser is coming on Thursday, and I'm in about the same situation as you. (except that I've recorded Dr Who to watch later!).  I only have to have the papers for the day though, not in advance.

in Getting Things Done, David Allen recommends asking yourself "what's the very nexct one thing I could do to move this project along".  In my case, I think it is to locate the folder with the insurance policies in- once I've broken into the project the next steps become easier.

 Have you tried using the chatbox for some moral support?

H.

Thanks

alfreda - 1 Sep 2012 - 4:22pm

Hi Hypatia, thanks

I find the chatbox less useful than it could be since your earlier replies get washed away pretty quickly. It makes it hard to follow a thread. Sometimes I forget what i said I would do and have no way of checking back.Must say in general, while it is lovely and reassuring to find others out there like me and get some moral support for getting through stuff, I don't find this website terribly easy to navigate. 

David Allen suggestion makes me smile a little.....I have a copy of his book, but never got around to reading more than the first half of the first chapter. Kept putting it off!

Alf x 

forgot

alfreda - 1 Sep 2012 - 3:11pm

Also got onto flat roof and cleared leaves from the drain and swept all the retained water away.

 

Anyway. the Thing. I will post again in 30 minutes after I have started the Thing. That is by 21.41.

 

Good grief! Tongue out 

Thing done

alfreda - 1 Sep 2012 - 4:18pm

That's it. Done for the day. I had planned to finish the family budget document but I am only human. I expect similar stuggles tomorrow with the budget document. hey ho.

movingalong's Saturday

movingalong - 1 Sep 2012 - 1:10pm

I ask for Greater Wisdom to inspire me to release my unhelpful compulsions.

I ask for Greater Wisdom to guide me how to bring my life into balance.

I ask for simple strength to do whatever will serve best.

I ask for Greater Wisdom to aid me in remembering that sometimes the best service I can give to others ... is to work my own recovery.

V 1-9-12

Vientir - 1 Sep 2012 - 11:01pm
MORNING
  • 30 situps
  • Shower
  • F Oil
  • Mouthwash/brush   
  • Shave
ESSENTIAL
  1. Meet P
  2. Code (20+ minutes)
  3. Chanter practise (10+ minutes or 15 on p) 
  4. Evaluate one vol position thoroughly

ONGOING  

  1. Pet care: afternoon/evening
  2. (research drive unmount for part)
  3. Volunteer search (10+ mins)
  4. Pipes (5+ minutes)
  5. Dishes
  6. Lock up house 
  7. Mouthwash/brush  
  8. Bed before 0100  

- "A procrastinator's work is never done."

Innertruth's check-in

InnerTruth - 1 Sep 2012 - 10:04am

I seem to waste away most long weekends so I'm determined to be productive this weekend.

Here's my list for today:

  1. Dye hair
  2. Wash one sinkful of dishes
  3. email Ryan
  4. Write city hall letter
  5. Call ME
  6. Pack for work and include energy bar
  7. Work
  8. Pick up SDM flyer
  9. Run
  10. Put away all groceries
  11. Clean out fridge and throw away spoiled food, wrap chicken pieces and put in freezer
  12. Wash work blouse, sweater set
  13. Take pills at 8 pm
  14. Set both alarms
  15. Tidy entrance way (wash floor if time permits)
  16. Make up "to do" list for Sunday

Bed by midnight.

 

My Day Today

lennon - 1 Sep 2012 - 10:50pm

I want to thank my Higher Power for this program, this website, the telephone and online meetings, and my life.

I want to thank movingalong for starting this trend.

Things I will do today

1. Scan computer

2. Test blood sugar twice

3. Cook and eat breakfast

4. TaKe whower

5. Get dressed

6. Wash dishes

7. Clear my tables

8. Wash and dry clothes

9. Prayer and meditation morning and evening

10. Read the meditations

11. Do my 11th Step

12. Do my Sixth Step in NA

13. Cook and eat lunch

14. Go to the store

15. Do numbers

16. Declutter 500 e-mail

17. Go to the 6:45 p.m. telephone OA meeting

18. Go to part of the 8 p.m. telephone CLA meeting

19. Go to the NA business meeting

20. Go to part of the 10 p.m. online EA meeting

21. Get my medicine ready for the next two weeks

22. Call a friend of mine for a ride tomorrow

Thanks for letting me share

Salamander's check in - Sat1Sep12: Small Steps First

Salamander - 1 Sep 2012 - 5:52pm

Today I plan to 

  • Change the bedding
  • Do some washing
  • Put the clean washing out to dry
  • Hoover downstairs
  • Wash up
  • Cook a proper meal for dinner
  • Sort Angels stuff
  • Print out BYY material
  • Tidy and sort desk
  • Read/print out emails from accountant (the first part of my September goal to get my taxes up to date)

 

One of the things I've observed through looking at other people's lists is how long they are (possibly even in some cases, unrealistically so)... And it strikes me that this is more than likely a fault of mine. After all, I do have "Underschedule!" written down as one of my three Guidelines for the Year.

Incidentally, I also have "Stay in the present" and "What is the single next step needed here?" Thinking about it, I should have realised I needed to join PA a LONG time ago, LOL!

Let's see whether or not this list I have for today proves to be unrealistically long...especially since I'm only starting at 1525.

1644: Making progress.

1703: Not making progress fast enough! Looking at my list, I wonder if I am setting myself up to fail. I don't have *hard* deadlines - just "soft" deadlines I've set for myself. So it doesn't matter if I haven't done many of these things by tonight (new Dr Who!). I can always finish them off tomorrow. Monday I really want them done.

Which strangely I find gives me enough energy to get back on with the list! 

1907: Time to put some dinner on before NEW Doctor Who!

Well, I'm done for the day. The rest can be done tomorrow.

 

 

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." (Anais Nin)

Vic 9/1/12

vic - 1 Sep 2012 - 8:26am

Show up (done),calender, swim

"Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark."  —Sir Rabindranath Tagore

So grateful for PA(ers)seems likeby "showing up" here, I can "feel the light when the dawn is still dark"
Thanks for starter MA

Several years ago, I developed a "focus/tracking"system. I use spreadsheets (now with google docs so I can pull them up anywhere). Wanted to share it here because it really helped me.

I insert a small calender for that month  and can keep track of x, y, z, etc.i can insert a spreadsheetanywhere and move it around - I have several spread sheets for the same mo. one personal and one work. Everything is in one place.  It is not my "perfect" solution but, for me, more reliable to get focused  than pocket calenders, wall calenders, daytimers, etc., etc. which  I tend to misplace, lose, etc.

Red's check- in (GMT 1400)

Red - 1 Sep 2012 - 10:49am

Completely new to this site, wonderful!

Today I chose to:

  1. book Pa's course
  2. gym routine (1 hr). 
  3. plan the time & week schedule excercise will take long term
  4. rehab exc (with trigger): 15 min
  5. sea swim AM  &  PM(try with goggles)
  6. SpLd courses: credits, time taken, cost
  7. email CS with course info
  8. find photos / form for railcard.  book tickets
  9. contact MM re ETA
  10. AngL - TB4 finance & plan
  11. washing  &  pack
  12. make Master project list
  13. write to 3 people
  14. answer 3  2 old emails
  15. start 24hr fast @ 8pm
  16.  5om breath
  17. SC re nxt session
  18. post paste n chq
  19. post DVD
  20. VI comp

 (cxl dentist, book dr appt, prescriptions)

 

wow -looks a look!!

 

 

 

Red

Hypatia's check-in (1400BST)

Hypatia - 1 Sep 2012 - 4:09pm

What a waste of a Saturday morning!  I didn't do anything useful, although I have enjoyed watching some of the paralympics.  I'm really finding it difficult to get anything done at home - my depression takes over and I just "don't wanna" do anything.  Last Saturday I was 5 hours late in arriving at a friend's house for the weekend.

Anyhow let's see if I can get something done

  • cut long grass
  • write revision notes for units 1 and 2
  • challenge for the day - bake some scones
  • put clean clothes away
  • empty dishwasher
  • mow back lawn
  • ring B

I've managed a very special task today.  For the first time since my husband died eight months ago, I've baked his favourite cheese scones.  They're my favourite too, but I couldn't face making them before now.  In fact it's the first time I've done any baking, rather than just cooking dinner, for 8 months.  I think I'll take some to work to share them - I'll feel too sad if it's just me eating them.

H.

Lavida CI Sat. 9/1

RisingUp - 1 Sep 2012 - 7:59am

 

Here's what I want to do today:

START 9AM - END 5PM

  • Write 1 at a time -- get each done as quickly as possible

SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN -- 10 MINUTES EACH MAX:

  • Exercise: at least 1 DVD, preferably 3, just half an hour total
  • Continue taking more of my supplements and water
  • Continue eating more fruits/vegs with each meal
  • Read Bible
  • Spend time with HP praying
  • GET CASH & PAY BILL BEFORE MIDNIGHT

 

JOB SEARCH TASKS WILL BE DONE SUNDAY AND MONDAY:

  • Set myself up with agencies online and look for jobs on their sites
  • Look for jobs on LinkedIn via groups and agencies 
  • Apply to jobs I find: Emphasis on REAL, PERMANENT JOBS
  • Start getting online portfolio together now that agency wants it

(CAll SM / Dentist / Clinic / Court ???) TUESDAY 

 

"If you feel you're about to drown, remember Tool 1 and Break .. It .. Down"

Elvira's Saturday (12.19 BST)

elvira - 1 Sep 2012 - 9:58am

Feeling a bit strange to have a weekend at home after 3 on the trot away ... all my motivation seems to have gone out of the window and I just want to sit and stare into space.

 However, there are things that need doing ... break them down into steps, so I'll feel I've achieved something:

 

  • catch up on sleep I can cross that off already - that's why I'm starting at 12.19! :)
  • check diary and emails to correlate and give myself an idea of the programme for the next few weeks yeah! I can do it! 8)
  • run the dishwasher
  • tidy the junk mail off the doormat
Those are fairly modest ambitions (except for the diary bit ... that's a job I'm dreading!) but I hope they'll get me started

 

EleanorBE Sat check in

EleanorBE - 1 Sep 2012 - 1:23am

Morning everyone! Or what ever time it is for you. It's exciting posting with people from other time zones. Many thanks for the opening. 

So, I often won't do a list at the weekends as working through weekends is definitely part of  procrasintination for me. If I know I'm going to do it, I sort of resentfully slow down all through the week knowning I'm not going to get any time off! But I also think I should make the most of my early rising habit (lateness and late rising being the only common procrastinating habits I don't have) and get some things done that will get the way of writing if I don't do them. And then my partner gets a lie in and everyone's happy. 

Get up W/B application draft

Finish draft

Send draft to PH

Send draft to  PS

Send draft to J with explanation

Send draft to C with explanation

If time - find diary

Send email with meeting date to J

Write biog for PB

Send Biog to PB

Write broader list for next week. 

Some time today - clear big pile of clothes from bedroom.

Hm, that's a lot! I am beginning to learn why things take longer than I think they will. It's that there's so  many of them. Most of the 'things' I want to do involve lots of tasks. So usually I'd be thinking 'must get that draft business done' - and in fact that involves finishing the draft and sending 4 emails, two of which involve some thought and explanation. I don't know whether to find this enlightening or overwhelming!

E.EB. 

EleanorBE - breaking down tasks into actions

pro - 1 Sep 2012 - 1:48am

That's a good insight you had about why things take longer. Research says that to-do lists work best (and procrastination decreases) when abstract tasks are broken down into action steps. That forces you to think out what you actually need to do to accomplish the task.

Thanks pro - and Crossings Off

EleanorBE - 1 Sep 2012 - 4:22am

Thanks pro. I think that if i get into the habit of making lists with actual tasks rather than big, vague projects on them - or even small projects that involve more than one task - then I'll gradually get a better sense of how long things take and be less inclined to say yes to things I haven't got time for.

Am beside myself with excitement about how the last 3 hours went! As well as doing all of what I've crossed out below, I still had breakfast in bed with partner and read some of the more rubbishy bits of the paper!

Get up W/B application draft

Finish draft

Send draft to PH


Send draft to  PS


Send draft to J with explanation


Send draft to C with explanation


If time - find diary


Send email with meeting date to J


Write biog for PB

Send Biog to PB

Write broader list for next week. 

Some time today - clear big pile of clothes from bedroom.

Now partner is off to get a hair cut so I can probably do the last two things before the weekend begins and we go and see our football team thrash a club against which they have a long running vendetta...oh dear, hope there's no violence. Football is quite a scary business. 

E.BE.

Saturday

frogprincess - 2 Sep 2012 - 8:50am

Thanks for posting this early.
Laughing

 

Actions for the day:


1. Complete reading assignment


2. Draft research paper

Mole at midday

Mole - 1 Sep 2012 - 3:36am

Washing: sheets are outside and drying, 2nd load on.

Gate: Man didn't turn up at appointed time. Rang him instead of hanging around and getting cross. He'd forgotten and came straight away.

Writing: 540 words - I'm very pleased about this as I had an inauspicious start. Kept notebook by my side to keep an eye on when I prOcrastinate.

This afternoon a walk with C 4-6

Now wash up and have lunch, then tackle weeds. 

Mole at dusk:

Zforgot to hang out second wash - it is draped limply over my furniture

Luckily my only sheets were in first wash and are now on my bed smelling of sunshine.

Got most of bindweed off apricot tree.

Washing up done

Good walk

I haven't managed my emails and don't think I will tonight . 

Saturday

jalla - 1 Sep 2012 - 3:55pm

Thanks moving along for the great starter! Coolgrrrrrrr thats me growling back at fearand the light is shining!! Fear has been too present lately so great to read that quote!(and yesterdays quote!!)

 

  • up early
  • ring dentist to change appt
  • get ready
  • readings
  • ring sponsor
  • go to uni
  • put last nights hard copy edits in
  • print out
  • proof and proof and proof 
  • final edit
  • send to M, N, M and E
  • go home and sort references
  • go through doc and cull cut reference list
  • check off data and reference
  • copy of references used in file
  • go to meeting 
  • make list for holiday
  • journal
  • skype AM
  • make dinner 
  • bed early for big sleep prior to getting edits back.
  • praniyeama 
  • rehab excercise

 

Welcome newcomers to the Saturday "check-in" thread

movingalong - 31 Aug 2012 - 6:39pm

There are some tips and guidelines on how to post on the Daily Check-in thread.
See this post:
http://procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/4332

Starting thread

Mole - 31 Aug 2012 - 10:14pm

Thank you Movingalong. that explains it well. I should be able to manage to start a day next time though lovely pics may be a challenge. Having to start a daily thread is ipretty likely to fall on ANZ members, I guess.

graphics for daily thread starters

pro - 1 Sep 2012 - 1:23am

I posted a huge page of graphics for thread starters and posts, with instructions (the usual link is in the left sidebar). It takes a while to load because of all the pictures, so be patient.

I added this link to a post on the front page since people don't seem to see this.

additional easy graphics for thread-starters

movingalong - 1 Sep 2012 - 1:46am

Graphics contributed by PA members here:
http://procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/2041

@Mole re: thread-starters

movingalong - 1 Sep 2012 - 8:42am

Hunting for pretty pictures is not required Laughing

How to start a thread in a simple quick mediocre way
http://procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/2907

Mole's plan 1st sept 2012

Mole - 31 Aug 2012 - 6:39pm

1st check in plan 

Do washing

Talk to man about fixing gate 

Write 10 -1

Wash up and organise food

Remove morning glory from apricot tree

Start work on weed control

Long walk

Food shooping

Emails to J, G and V