Lando wrote:clumsychild_ wrote:Lando, what's the cure for procrastination?
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Actually
I have such a problem with this. If I were a character in a Shakespearean play, this would definitely be my tragic flaw.
However, I believe that it's all about changing the pattern of your lifestyle. If you put enough effort into changing one little thing in your life and stick with it, and then gradually build up from there, change another thing etc... and continue to stick with it, you should be able to change your lifestyle to the point where procrastination is just another thing that you have to change. It shouldn't be too hard because you've already stuck with other things, thus kind of overcoming parts of procrastination slowly already so it won't even seem like an obstacle anymore.
Thought I'd share my "Seven Day Procrastination Plan." One of the counsellors at the school wellness centre gave it to me when I started doing crappy. I dunno if it works, I've been putting off reading it.
Monday: Make it meaningful
Write down what you've been putting off doing and your reason for doing it underneath. Be specific about the payoff and rewards.
Tuesday: Take it apart
Break jobs into small, manageable parts. Make it something you can accomplish in 15 min or less. If a long reading assignment intimidates you, break it into three page sections and cross them off as you complete them.
Wednesday: Write an intention statement
Write your statement on an index card and carry it with you or post it in your study area where you can see it often. For example, if you have a term paper to write and can't get started, write yourself a statement that says, "I intend to write a list of at least ten possible topics for my term paper by 9 pm. I will reward myself with an hour of guilt free TV."
Thursday: Tell everyone
Make the world your support group. (And naggers...)
Friday: Find a reward
It should be something you would genuinely withhold if you didn't earn it. Don't pick a movie as a reward if you plan to go anyway. Notice if you enjoy your reward more when you feel like you've earned it.
Saturday: Settle it now
Do it now. The minute you notice yourself procrastinating, plunge into the task. Imagine yourself at a mountain lake. Jumping in is less often less painful than slow immersion.
Sunday: Say no
If you keep putting something off, re-examine why you're doing it at all. If you realise you really don't intend to do something, quit telling yourself you will. Tell the truth and drop it. Then you're not procrastinating, and you don't have to carry around the baggage of an undone task.
Try to ignore the kitschy-ness.
"That girl thinks she's the queen of the neighbourhood, well I've got news for you... SHE IS!" ~Bikini Kill, Rebel Girl
