|
putting things off
I am the world's worst procrastinator. I'm really smart and I love to take care of people, but when I have to go out and get something done, I put it off and off and off. Like I just tell myself that I'll do it later and later and I always wind up getting things done quickly (though efficiently) at the last minute. I mean, it's not like my put-off project is a failure, it's actually very good in the end, but I have this tremendous stress on my shoulders from all the stuff I just take my sweet time to get around to doing. Any help please?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
You are not the only one. I can be placed in that category also. I'm sure that a lot of people have the same problem as you do. It's really common for people to want to put things off until the last minute, and it's hard to break the habit. But just think about it, wouldn't it be so much easier if you could get it done before its due? There would be less stress, and a little advice, stress will catch up to you. You can start to have lack of sleep, eating more or less, and not being totally focused on your work. You might be doing fenominal with the procastinating now, but you'll regret it in the long run. Try thinking positive and willing yourself to put up with the work and don't do it the night before, it just gets worse. I suggest thinking about how relieved you will feel when you get it done earlier, it always helps when your tempted to wait another day, and then another, having a fight with your conscience yet again. It stinks to have to do all that work, and the pressure to get it done may persuade you to procastinate, but do the best you can to put your pen to the paper. Once you start, you'll be good to go.
Hope I helped (from experience, lots of it)
give yourself a break, you're doing fine :]
]
I am also a HUGE procrastinator. I think the main reason people put things off is that they feel there's always enough time...but when time starts running out, people tend to panic and do things at the last minute. I always tell myself that there's a reason we're given an ample amount of time to get a task done, whether it's a paper, exam, project, or whatever: we're given time in advance, so we can get things done correctly. For instance, professors (or teachers) assign papers a month before the due date, so you have time to do research, figure out what you want to write, organize...and on and on. If you really only needed a few days to write a really good term paper, you'd only be assigned a week, max. to do it. But anyway, the minute you think, " oh, I have enough time, I can get it done later," you are automatically setting yourself up on the wrong track. I know this from lots and lots of experience. Sometimes what it takes is ACTION to get things done. Don't just think about doing something, just go ahead and do it. You have to discipline yourself, and as the previous columnist said, really force yourself to do something. That might mean reminding yourself that you've wasted enough time, and now you have to really start getting the task done. If you're putting off schoolwork, just go to the library or a quiet place, and make sure you have no distractions. Just do what it takes to get the work done. And also, think about how nice it'll be once you finish what you have to do...and you know, to get there, you have to really put in some effort. You can set a schedule for yourself...make a list of all the things you have to do for the day (but don't overwhelm yourself), and cross off one by one, the tasks you've completed. Next time, try planning ahead. When you know you have to do something, really force yourself to get it done. Only think positive thoughts like "I can do this," or "I have to get this done now, not later." Keep yourself motivated, and you'll be surprised what you are capable of.
]
Well, I'm the world's worst procrastinator too (there must be a tie!). And I've actually found a solution to it. Unfortunately, it's not an easy one, but I've found it's the only one. And that is: just FORCE yourself to do it.
Told ya, it's not easy. But it's really the only way. And then it feels sooooo good when you've gotten something done with time to spare! So just keep thinking about that... how great it's going to feel when you've completed your task and you can sit down and do whatever you want without that stress hanging over your head.
Just try to make a game of it. See how far AHEAD you can get, and you'll never be behind.
Good luck!
]
More Questions: |