How do I overcome procrastination?

Question

This may be heavily difficult to answer, because I've tried most anything that I can think of.

I have tried the plan ahead approach, where I write the things that I have to do. It fails because I end up just staring at the plans, and actually not do anything.

Another is reward approach. This also failed me, because I tend to just take the reward anyway, in effect rewarding not doing anything.

I had also tried to start on a project for 15 minutes, but again, failed. It's really difficult to start, and even after I had started, I tend to space out and get distracted later anyway.

Also, I'm trapped in this complex situation where I can start quickly and may perform when "there is a whip cracking", and yet, I'm also unable to work well when there's somebody "hovering" around me.

I've heard some things relating to being a perfectionist ; i.e. not wanting to do anything because it won't come out "perfect". I'm not sure if this is the case, but if it is, how would I deal with this?

I also have this problem where I just tend to play video games instead of doing what I should do. But I'm not sure I can pin it to video games exactly. There was a time that I had completely removed it from my life and yet, instead I just watch tv. After I removed that, I tend to just sleep. So I'm pretty sure it must be something else and not a specific addiction to anything.

Answer 1

Can you handle the truth?? It seems you're lazy. How would you deal with this? Lazy people usually don't. Don't get me wrong we all have those "lazy seasons" in our lives. But what you're describing goes past a season and procrastination.

There would appear to also be some adult ADHD going on. However...you look at this scenario: perfectionist, procrastinator, ADHD or plain lazy; it will be you who breaks the cycle.

You need new information in your mind to replace what you're operating from. The approaches that you've tried have all been set up by you. Find someone who will hold you accountable and allow them to challenge your behavior.

Make a committment with this person and set up a system with consequences instead of rewards. When you start losing something instead of gaining maybe that will ignite energy and continuity within you.

Peace Out.

Answer 2

Okay well I am a terrible procrastinator. And I get tired of Doing the same thing over and over, So somedays I will right down what I have to do and then mark them off as I do them, And just realizing that i accomplished something makes me what to finish the list. Okay and then I stay really busy and I am not one to start something and never finish it so I try to really hurry so I can move on and then after I finish everything I take a rest or break. So my hard work thru procrastination worked out after all.

Also More then a procrastinator, I used to be such a Perfectionist. But the older I get the more I realize that not everything I do can be perfect, especially myself and people are either going to love or hate me for that, but I can't change and won't change who I am.

Answer 3

Overcome procrastinating? 1- You probably have too many distractions. Find a nice quiet area with no distractions. Younger siblings, TV, video games, sometimes even music can be distracting. Music helps some people and harms others. Experiment and see what works for you. Try different genres. 2- No fun/interest? That means that you regard your assignment with little importance until it is too late. Try finding a part of the project that interests you, and, if possible, center your project around that. - if that doesn't do it, explain your project and maybe i can be of further assistance.

Answer 4

I'm a terrible procrastinator myself. I've learned to do some things ahead of time if I know I won't have time later, but for the most part I do better under pressure and at the last minute on things like school work or something related.

If you feel like you do better when you're under pressure, there's not much you can do that you haven't already tried. Hope this helped!

Answer 5

Try working with another person if you can. Make sure both of you check up on each other. If you need to get something done so the other person can do their part you'll do it faster. many times working with others can make what you are doing seem a lot easier

Answer 6

You could be suffering from a mild form of anxiety disorder, possibly relating to an underlying condition such as depression...and there is help for it. We often beat ourselves up for not doing better...only to find out there is an explanation for it...and it can be corrected. End your fruitless internal dialog...and seek out a professional consultation. It could really turn things around for you...and you will no longer need to feel bad about it.

Answer 7

I did by using the timer on my digital watch to put a time limit on distractions and as a reminder. After a while I didn't need it anymore. It just help me train myself to use my time more wisely and to become better organized.

Answer 8

Whenever you noticed you are procrastinating, think of the one that is important to you that will rely on you someday and if you keep this attitude your vip's future will collapses too. Imagine you or your family were begging for food if you keep it that way. Do you want that to happen? No? Change now!

Answer 9

I'm not a nurse yet, and certainly not a doctor, but you might be having symptoms of depression. See a doctor about getting onto an antidepressant medicine.

Answer 10

Just consider yourself lucky. I've been promising myself for ten years that I'd master the fine art of procrastination and I've never gotten around to doing it.