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.
(partway) finish writeup of late combination results
- finish writing discussion of results
X go for a walk or use weights
- start checking over results
k, I've totally screwed myself by not working this past week (quality time with our newborn, notwithstanding). If I don't clock a solid 40+ hours over the next week, we won't have enough for the mortgage and insurance.
next 4 hours: work only on my job clear merge feature work on Fuji integration
1) What do you do when new, time-important tasks keep coming up that have to be done before you're finished with the old ones? I find that making my list longer only makes me more depressed and anxious.
2) Does anyone else get carried away with the list-making and organizational aspect of all of this? If so, any tips on how to avoid obsessing about that?
3) Is there any way to make the edit comment window larger? There's all of this stuff around the window and a teeny, tiny one inch slot available to edit the list. Just trying to navigate in it gives me that overwhelmed feeling of being closed in on. Does anyone else feel that way?
I know what you mean about new stuff coming up and the list getting longer & longer. I use a program called MyLifeOrganized (MLO) in which I keep a fairly complete project & task list (sort of like the Getting Things Done idea of having absolutely everything written down so you don't have to take up brain space remembering to do things or feel anxious about forgetting). I also use MLO to create a daily list of things to do. What I've been doing sometimes recently w/this website is posting a short list for the next little while (hour or so) to keep me focused & not overwhelmed. So I try to add new things to the short list in manageable numbers to not get bummed out.
I do get carried away w/list-making, organizing, etc. I've used many different computer programs over the years, looking for the magical one that would solve my procrastination problem. Of course, the problem was never the computer program. I think the short list mentioned above has been most helpful for me in not getting too crazy about this stuff.
No suggestions about the edit comment window, unfortunately. You could maybe email the owner of the site, Pro, and ask if there's anything that could be done about that.
Thanks for your comments. I am so excited, because this seems to be working very well for me, today! Becuase I get migraines and scrolling aggravates my head, I modified your method of showing progress a bit at a time. Instead of successive postings to show my gains, I am using a different font color with each visit to type "done". It is so great to see my success at making even the smallest of gains! So silly, but each "done" feels like some huge accomplishment.
I just received my work Performance Review in the mail, today (I am a single mom and have to work; my job allows me to work half of the time from home - which can be HORRIBLE for procrastinators as I'm sure many here whould agree.) I received an "Exceeds requirements" in the areas of Job Knowledge and Teamwork =D; "Meets Requirements" in several other areas =) and, no surprise, a "Needs Improvement" in Submits Timely Records =(.
I am using this site as part of my "Future Goals" requirement. I hope to keep making progress and look forward to trading tips and moral support with you all.
Help. I got final exams after 18 days. I got a lot to study. I was doing well keepin track of my studies here for the last couple of days. But today I procrastinated all day. And my whole studying schedule is disturbed. Im so stressed out.
To do list:
1. Calm down
2. Find a solution to problem
3. Reschedule studies
4. Try not to procrastinate ever again until exams are over :/
5. Sleep
"Good timber does not grow with ease, The stronger wind, the stronger trees."
Was just posting my own "help" message and saw yours. I get caught up in the "one step ahead, two steps behind" cycle all of the time. I try a new idea and I do well, at first, and then one or more of the following things happen:
a) I get a headache and lose work time. b) My car breaks down/the work database crashes/a family mamber has an emergency. c) I feel anxious and allow myself to procrastinate. (HA! I'm doing it right now as I write this email.) d) I binge work and get fatigued and lose work time. e) I become obsessesd with a particular job and put WAY too much time into it.
Then I become tired, depressed and/or guilt-ridden and end up feeling hopeless. At such times (and they occur OFTEN) I have to remind myself that guilt is NOT productive, that I am a success at being a good human being, and that I can reach out to someone (like you are doing), try again (like you are doing) and remember that I am already a success at loving my kids, friends and family. I NEVER procrastinate on that last one, even if I do screw up the details. ;)
Reading your post made me feel nice. And I will always try to keep these 3 tips in mind.
1. Reach out.
2. Try again.
3. And remember something you are really successful at.
Thanks again.
"Good timber does not grow with ease, The stronger wind, the stronger trees."
Both things should be done by us. We should keep our priorities right and do the things that are important. More like the principle of "putting first things first".
Also we should not Wait for others to reward and apprecite our work. Just continue working and the satisfaction you get on completing a job is more rewarding.
"Good timber does not grow with ease, The stronger wind, the stronger trees."
My procrastinating "binge" of the past week or two has been shwoing its effects this week. It's like going on a drunk almost, and trying to catch up afterwards. I hope next week is normal again. Keeping a daily time log is a good way to help get on track again, so I'm doing that today.
Today:
morning routine
Focus on project B, and try to finish, or get to the finish stage
send fan to repair shop, but see if I can repair it easily
two 15 minute house cleaning installments
two half hour installments on project A
check back to this site after lunch
Keeping track of time through the day is effective, but it often brings one frustratingly bad news at times. I just gotta get through it, and start to do better things. Too often I quit keeping track of time when things begin to go better. Probably it could be a pain if we go too far with it too! Try it for a couple of hours Mollie. Take care.
TO DO:
Shower
Dishes away
Feed cat
Breakfast
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Sign up for CRL class
Call KS
Prep for JA mtg
Bill BM
Send RB stuff
Do DS NOA
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
TO DO:
Shower
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Sign up for CRL class
Call KS
Prep for JA mtg
Send RB stuff
Do DS NOA
Call JM re: KB
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
x Shower & dress
x Call JM re: KB
x Send RB stuff
x Call re: JA CTR
x Go to PO
x Spend afternoon w/MC
x Prep for JA mtg
x Meet w/JA
TO DO:
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Do DS NOA
Prep for tomorrow
DECIDED NOT TO DO:
Sign up for CRL class
ROLLOVER:
Call KS
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Even though a number of things didn't get down, it was a very productive day. The fact that some things didn't happen really wasn't a result of procrastination. :-)
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
x Shower & dress
x Call JM re: KB
x Send RB stuff
x Call re: JA CTR
x Go to PO
x Spend afternoon w/MC
x Prep for JA mtg
x Meet w/JA
x Prep for tomorrow
DECIDED NOT TO DO:
Sign up for CRL class
ROLLOVER:
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Do DS NOA
Call KS
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
* fax Veneman's application DONE * send writing prompts and info. about other portfolio needs * print out Student Agreement page 1's to go with signed pages DONE * send reminder to ES's about Friday's meeting DONE * email questions to Catherine * mail Cathy's stipend form! DONE * mail meeting sign-in sheet DONE * LR Patty * portfolio Lauryn * portfolio Zoe * identify Jan-March enrollees DONE * compare with students tested Jan-March DONE * email ES's/advisors with revised list DONE * answer work emails DONE once/ DONE again/WHITTLED FROM 57 ~13 * cancel POs DONE * pay Cingular and Discover DONE * copy and send in Portfolio Checklists DONE * call ETS about Clarice's March CAHSEE DONE
ADDED THIS MORNING * shop for meeting refreshments DONE * call MM after 1:00 DONE * pull materials to bring to tomorrow's mtng DONE * take agenda quiz DONE * Rebeca's rollsheet DONE * water plants * move trash and recycle bins * water tomatos, marigolds and lawn
up prayer reflection meditation
deal with post phone messages email
out to museum and psychologist
shopping and home
deal with mouse holes
finish letter to landlord
write new email to landlord re mouse
find train times and transport arrangements for Saturday
Decided to go to work for 9 a´clock. There are no more workers available. I have to call RV and start planning a new three year´s project.
After work clean up kitchen after the dinner, also clean the floor clean bedroom floor iron for 15 minutes clean my home office for 15 minutes lead an OA online meeting in Finnish language at 9 pm
EDIT 11.48 pm
I did not do everything today. But I washed bedroom floor also under the bed. Last time I clened under bed is over a year ago. My husbands keeps a lot of things under the bed and I hate to remove them. I am very happy to have a clean bedroon. Great.
ey CI 12pm
- finish writeup of late combination results
- finish writing discussion of results
- go for a walk or use weights
- start checking over results
ey CI 11:35 PM
(partway) finish writeup of late combination results
- finish writing discussion of results
X go for a walk or use weights
- start checking over results
Mark CI 2:05 PM
oh well, today has been wasted so far
to do:
clock 7 hours -- fixing bugs and implementing case rating feature
walk Wiggie
read 50 pp
exercise
M
Mark - new plan
k, I've totally screwed myself by not working this past week (quality time with our newborn, notwithstanding). If I don't clock a solid 40+ hours over the next week, we won't have enough for the mortgage and insurance.
next 4 hours:
work only on my job
clear merge feature
work on Fuji integration
Help -I want to make this work
OK, questions:
1) What do you do when new, time-important tasks keep coming up that have to be done before you're finished with the old ones? I find that making my list longer only makes me more depressed and anxious.
2) Does anyone else get carried away with the list-making and organizational aspect of all of this? If so, any tips on how to avoid obsessing about that?
3) Is there any way to make the edit comment window larger? There's all of this stuff around the window and a teeny, tiny one inch slot available to edit the list. Just trying to navigate in it gives me that overwhelmed feeling of being closed in on. Does anyone else feel that way?
Thanks! I want SO much for this to work.
Glenna
Making it work
Hi Glenna,
I know what you mean about new stuff coming up and the list getting longer & longer. I use a program called MyLifeOrganized (MLO) in which I keep a fairly complete project & task list (sort of like the Getting Things Done idea of having absolutely everything written down so you don't have to take up brain space remembering to do things or feel anxious about forgetting). I also use MLO to create a daily list of things to do. What I've been doing sometimes recently w/this website is posting a short list for the next little while (hour or so) to keep me focused & not overwhelmed. So I try to add new things to the short list in manageable numbers to not get bummed out.
I do get carried away w/list-making, organizing, etc. I've used many different computer programs over the years, looking for the magical one that would solve my procrastination problem. Of course, the problem was never the computer program. I think the short list mentioned above has been most helpful for me in not getting too crazy about this stuff.
No suggestions about the edit comment window, unfortunately. You could maybe email the owner of the site, Pro, and ask if there's anything that could be done about that.
Good luck and hang in there.
Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for your comments. I am so excited, because this seems to be working very well for me, today! Becuase I get migraines and scrolling aggravates my head, I modified your method of showing progress a bit at a time. Instead of successive postings to show my gains, I am using a different font color with each visit to type "done". It is so great to see my success at making even the smallest of gains! So silly, but each "done" feels like some huge accomplishment.
I just received my work Performance Review in the mail, today (I am a single mom and have to work; my job allows me to work half of the time from home - which can be HORRIBLE for procrastinators as I'm sure many here whould agree.) I received an "Exceeds requirements" in the areas of Job Knowledge and Teamwork =D; "Meets Requirements" in several other areas =) and, no surprise, a "Needs Improvement" in Submits Timely Records =(.
I am using this site as part of my "Future Goals" requirement. I hope to keep making progress and look forward to trading tips and moral support with you all.
zingyprince 11:15 pm local time
Help. I got final exams after 18 days. I got a lot to study. I was doing well keepin track of my studies here for the last couple of days. But today I procrastinated all day. And my whole studying schedule is disturbed. Im so stressed out.
To do list:
1. Calm down
2. Find a solution to problem
3. Reschedule studies
4. Try not to procrastinate ever again until exams are over :/
5. Sleep
"Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees."
--Douglas Malloch
Was just posting my own
Was just posting my own "help" message and saw yours. I get caught up in the "one step ahead, two steps behind" cycle all of the time. I try a new idea and I do well, at first, and then one or more of the following things happen:
a) I get a headache and lose work time.
b) My car breaks down/the work database crashes/a family mamber has an emergency.
c) I feel anxious and allow myself to procrastinate. (HA! I'm doing it right now as I write this email.)
d) I binge work and get fatigued and lose work time.
e) I become obsessesd with a particular job and put WAY too much time into it.
Then I become tired, depressed and/or guilt-ridden and end up feeling hopeless. At such times (and they occur OFTEN) I have to remind myself that guilt is NOT productive, that I am a success at being a good human being, and that I can reach out to someone (like you are doing), try again (like you are doing) and remember that I am already a success at loving my kids, friends and family. I NEVER procrastinate on that last one, even if I do screw up the details. ;)
Good luck!
zingyprince 6:00 am local time
Thanks Gmarie!
Reading your post made me feel nice. And I will always try to keep these 3 tips in mind.
1. Reach out.
2. Try again.
3. And remember something you are really successful at.
Thanks again.
"Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees."
--Douglas Malloch
It feels to me that we are
It feels to me that we are not reminded enough of what is really important nor does society reward such things, does it?
Both things should be done
Both things should be done by us. We should keep our priorities right and do the things that are important. More like the principle of "putting first things first".
Also we should not Wait for others to reward and apprecite our work. Just continue working and the satisfaction you get on completing a job is more rewarding.
"Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees."
--Douglas Malloch
8;25am CI for Lark
My procrastinating "binge" of the past week or two has been shwoing its effects this week. It's like going on a drunk almost, and trying to catch up afterwards. I hope next week is normal again. Keeping a daily time log is a good way to help get on track again, so I'm doing that today.
Today:
morning routine
Focus on project B, and try to finish, or get to the finish stage
send fan to repair shop, but see if I can repair it easily
two 15 minute house cleaning installments
two half hour installments on project A
check back to this site after lunch
I can relate
Hi Lark,
I'd been on a really long procrastination binge--weeks? months? But (knock on wood), yesterday was a lot better & today is OK so far.
Glad to hear the daily time log is helping. Maybe I'll try that at some point. Good luck today!
Time logging does help.
Keeping track of time through the day is effective, but it often brings one frustratingly bad news at times. I just gotta get through it, and start to do better things. Too often I quit keeping track of time when things begin to go better. Probably it could be a pain if we go too far with it too! Try it for a couple of hours Mollie. Take care.
Mollie's CI 7:10am
TO DO:
Shower
Dishes away
Feed cat
Breakfast
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Sign up for CRL class
Call KS
Prep for JA mtg
Bill BM
Send RB stuff
Do DS NOA
Molllie's CI 8:30am
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
TO DO:
Shower
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Sign up for CRL class
Call KS
Prep for JA mtg
Send RB stuff
Do DS NOA
Call JM re: KB
Mollie's CI 10:20am
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
x Shower & dress
x Call JM re: KB
x Send RB stuff
x Call re: JA CTR
TO DO:
Go to PO
Spend afternoon w/MC
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Sign up for CRL class
Prep for JA mtg
Meet w/JA
Do DS NOA
ROLLOVER:
Call KS
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Mollie's CI 9:30pm
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
x Shower & dress
x Call JM re: KB
x Send RB stuff
x Call re: JA CTR
x Go to PO
x Spend afternoon w/MC
x Prep for JA mtg
x Meet w/JA
TO DO:
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Do DS NOA
Prep for tomorrow
DECIDED NOT TO DO:
Sign up for CRL class
ROLLOVER:
Call KS
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Mollie's missing final CI
Even though a number of things didn't get down, it was a very productive day. The fact that some things didn't happen really wasn't a result of procrastination. :-)
DONE:
x Breakfast
x Dishes away
x Feed cat
x Wash dishes
x Bill BM
x Shower & dress
x Call JM re: KB
x Send RB stuff
x Call re: JA CTR
x Go to PO
x Spend afternoon w/MC
x Prep for JA mtg
x Meet w/JA
x Prep for tomorrow
DECIDED NOT TO DO:
Sign up for CRL class
ROLLOVER:
Spend 15 mins on RG
Finish clearing desk
Read T2 for MC
Do DS NOA
Call KS
Call D @ D - need to get info from MC before calling
Newest List
* fax Veneman's application DONE
* send writing prompts and info. about other portfolio needs
* print out Student Agreement page 1's to go with signed pages DONE
* send reminder to ES's about Friday's meeting DONE
* email questions to Catherine
* mail Cathy's stipend form! DONE
* mail meeting sign-in sheet DONE
* LR Patty
* portfolio Lauryn
* portfolio Zoe
* identify Jan-March enrollees DONE
* compare with students tested Jan-March DONE
* email ES's/advisors with revised list DONE
* answer work emails DONE once/ DONE again/WHITTLED FROM 57 ~13
* cancel POs DONE
* pay Cingular and Discover DONE
* copy and send in Portfolio Checklists DONE
* call ETS about Clarice's March CAHSEE DONE
ADDED THIS MORNING
* shop for meeting refreshments DONE
* call MM after 1:00 DONE
* pull materials to bring to tomorrow's mtng DONE
* take agenda quiz DONE
* Rebeca's rollsheet DONE
* water plants
* move trash and recycle bins
* water tomatos, marigolds and lawn
Rexroth 06.58 BST
Morning everyone
Todo today
up prayer reflection meditation
deal with post phone messages email
out to museum and psychologist
shopping and home
deal with mouse holes
finish letter to landlord
write new email to landlord re mouse
find train times and transport arrangements for Saturday
rest and think
Rexroth 22.12 BST
Went out to see a friend this evening so didn't get letter to landlord finished. Will do that tomorrow.
And so to bed.
Night Folks Rexroth
Ritva in the morning 8:34
Decided to go to work for 9 a´clock.
There are no more workers available. I have to call RV and start planning a new three year´s project.
After work
clean up kitchen after the dinner, also clean the floor
clean bedroom floor
iron for 15 minutes
clean my home office for 15 minutes
lead an OA online meeting in Finnish language at 9 pm
EDIT 11.48 pm
I did not do everything today. But I washed bedroom floor also under the bed. Last time I clened under bed is over a year ago. My husbands keeps a lot of things under the bed and I hate to remove them. I am very happy to have a clean bedroon. Great.