Introductions and Procrastination Discussion

Hi everyone.

I was excited to find this forum, as I've been having major problems with procrastination. This week I finally realized I had a problem.

I'm working on a large project for a publishing company. I write ESL books from home. I was given the job of writing 6 books in 4 months... Not an easy task, but somewhat doable. They are ESL books for young leaners -- nothing too academic.

and I'm a compulsive procrastinator. I'm also active in three 12-Step recovery programs as an alcoholic (27 years sober), compulsive eater (10 years) and living with another's alcoholism (20 years). I admit I am powerless over my lifelong addiction to procrastination and demand resistance, and that my life has become unmanageable...again.

And to our inactive members

We don't bite!

This is a very kind and supportive group so don't hesitate to post.  We're understanding and friendly, so if English isn't your native language, or if you feel foolish posting about your fears and frailties, DON'T WORRY!   We'll be nice.

Jo

Hello all, i created an account here a couple of weeks ago, but this is my first act of posting to a forum with the declaration of my weakness...my inability to get anything done immediately

I could spend a great deal of this post detailing the many faults i have and the consequences ensuing from them, but i'll let them come out drip-drip fashion as i contribute to this forum...that is if i have the doggedness to persist with this

I've become aware of the fact that I rarely visualize the task I am avoiding when I procrastinate. It seems like there is a mental block where the mind rejects every thought related to the task, and turns the attention to something else. It feels like there is anxiety, fear, and other emotions which act to steer the mind away from thinking about doing the task. Does this kind of thing happen in other people too?

I read a story the other day that really spoke to me that I want to share with you.

“There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. Therefore, he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

It's about time I said "hi" to you all. I've put that on hold for long enough. :-) I've recently found this forum after... you guess it, procrastinating once again on an important activity and just surfing the net. I think this is a great place with some fascinating discussions, tips, and personal feedback. I am still finding my way around this website, there's quite a lot of resources like articles, chatbox, etc. Hopefully I can make improvements with my procrastination just by visiting here regularly. I like the idea of the daily check-ins and hope to do that in the future.

Hi again,

I left sometime last year and I'm back again and I need to be. I have lost
a great deal through procrastination and I've a long way to go. If I don't
get my act together again soon I shall be in line to lose another few £10Ks
and I would prefer not to.

Regards Rexroth

I enjoy playing pc video games and I used to waste a LOT of time playing games instead of doing the stuff I wanted/needed to do. 

However, since I have been on this site and learned how to manage my time a little bit better, I find that I feel differently about my beloved games. 

I just read this on the Yahoo Group The Now Habit that flexiblefine told us about (I hope no-one minds me quoting from another site). I think it answers part of the reason why I've had so much success in addressing procrastination this year - this is the first time I've actively sought support (via the internet in my case). It also addresses lonliness issues.

> Just thought I'd point you in the direction of a rather good Podcast from
> "The Cranky Middle Manager Show" featuring a guy called Mark Goulston.
>