How can I deal with my procrastination problem?

Question

I have a serious problem with under-achievement, enough though I know that I'm capable of achieving a lot...

Are there any effective steps that I can take every day to help me reach my full potential.

I don't want to waste anymore of my life...

25/female/london

(Serious answers only please! Please no smarty pants answers!)

Answer 1

make a list of goals small and large goals. make copies of that list and put them where you see them all of the time. - bathroom mirror, automobile, bedroom in your pocket, etc.

if you have this in your face all the time you might not deviate from your responsibilities to yourself.

it's not easy and not 100% effective but i've found that it has helped me very much

I felt that i have wasted some time before i started to do my lists. i was 25 years old 8 years ago and i was in your same situation.

Don't give up on yourself. Make a list! read it every day multiple times per day!

Answer 2

I understand what you're going through, b/c I've been the same way, and I am like that every now and then still, too. But, seriously...the best way to overcome this (and they have done a study on college students that do this) is to actually 'write down' goals or what it is you know you need to do. this is a proven way to actually do what you say you're going to do.it doesnt matter if you dont always get it done that day, unless it really needs to be, but you have to make yourself go through with what you say you are going to do or know you should do. You will be so proud of yourself even after just accomplishing a few small things. Good luck! dont stress!

Answer 3

Do you ever feel overwhelmed about the things that you want or need to do?
You need to pick just one thing that's not been delt with and do it one step at a time. This will give a sence of accomplishment and then when that's done chose another and do the same thing. Reward yourself in some way you would generally not(this could be a motivator).
What you would be doing is starting a new patteren of behavior in the direction you want to go.

Answer 4

Try the following but you should dedicate a time to do them:

1) sit and start writing down the things you want to accomplish (your listing);
2) on each task, write beside it how would you like them done;
3) schedule a time of completion for each task;
4) start deciding when you should commence the first task;
5) keep your listing somewhere you can easily find or see and check what you have accomplished so far everytime;
6) leave spaces as you might want to add other tasks later on.

Having a time frame for each task in your list will enable you to determine how much extra time you have after accomplishing them one at a time... that extra time will serve as your time for... what... going idle or how ever you want it spent. However, you should discipline yourself into sticking firmly to your schedules as you assigned them.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I'm intrinsically lazy and can procrastinate forever but it certainly doesn't pay.

You need to write goals and lists of what you need to do to achieve them. That way you can tackle each thing on the list and abracadabra, goal achieved!

The real trick after that is to completely ignore what you've achieved and instead of sitting back proudly increase goals, drive and ambition and drive yourself and others crazy with your bug full of juice attitude.

You'll probably die of a heart attack but it'll help pass the time.

Answer 6

You need to look deep inside yourself and find this reason for not reaching your potential. I did it and found I had a fear of faliure. If you can get over that then you can work on your life and make it what you want.

*never take no for an answer
*work as hard as you can to prove work mates and friends you can do it
*Look back on your day and see what you have acheived not what you didn't do
*lastly build on every acheivement and forget every failiure

Answer 7

I do know what you are talking about, I am the same. The trick I learnt is to set myself a target. For example if I have an essay I need to write instead of doing it tomorrow (We both know tomorrow never comes) I set a date and a time and I plan. You just have to learn discipline. This way I get the best of both worlds.

Answer 8

I hear where you are coming from. A long time ago i realized I was doing the same thing. Now, I just tell myself to accomplish one project at a time. I tell myself that I need to do that. Sometimes we have so much in our lives that we get overwhelmed. To just get one thing done helps. Baby steps I think they call it..:) But one step leads to another. And before you know it you have accomplished something.

Answer 9

i really dont know the answer but would love to know too,my brother is an under achiever even though he is much brighter and more intellegent than me. I'd love to understand how some people can let life pass them by, watching from the wings but not really participating.

Answer 10

It may be that efficiency is the root of the problem. Sometimes I plan out my day and things just come up and I have to put something off because it is just impossible to do everything. Of course, I put off the things I don't want to do and add in things that I'd rather do. Well, I have to remember what things really need to be done and just make myself do them, knowing that I'll be glad later.