For the first time I realise I have a problem. I've never really thought much about it as I've been procrastinating everything since I was 5 and managed to be alive so far. But I think procrastinating is leading to my depression and I just want it to stop. I have read many articles online about this but I just fall over the same cycle again. I'm not looking for an instant fix as there are probably aren't any but something to minimise it a wee bit.
Just needed to get that off my chest.
2006-10-26 00:21:07 · 11 answers · asked by jazzy_chica85 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Prioritize. List 4 things you must decide on today. Do at least
2. It's basic practice, the less you procrastinate and make a decision the more you will continue to do so.
It really does work, keep a journal if necessary and after 4 weeks
check it out.
As you get older, you will proc. more, so curb it as long as you
are aware of it, plus it makes a person feel better.
good luck
2006-10-26 00:43:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly... Once a procrastinator, always a procrastinator.
The only way to really change it is to take drugs... or SERIOUSLY manually reprogram your psyche (beyond even my level) ...
More importantly though.... there are bypasses.
I've found I'm less prone to procrastinating on something if I view it as being ultimately urgent... i.e. that there is no time other than NOW to get it done... If there is any other time, I will put it off... and thats not always acceptable.
Its going to stress you out to have to get things done... and its not pleasant... but it has to be done if you want to get anywhere.
The alternative is to accept your condition and see how far you can get simply not getting things done immediately. It will lead you to a lower point in life, but then it may not be quite as stressful...
In any case... procrastination is a psychological issue. Generally speaking, the more of your thought processes you can completely cut out, the less you will procrastinate. If you can do something without thinking about it at all, you'll be done in no time. Shutting the brain off and just getting on with life isn't exactly healthy.... psychologically speaking.... but you'll achieve far more that way.
If thats not an option, sometimes the only other way of dealing with it is to try and make what you're doing interesting. Try to make yourself WANT to do it... because that makes ALL the difference.
Know though that I relate entirely.
I'm practically the physical manifestation of sloth.... so I know where you're coming from... and I sympathise... sort of...
... Then again sometimes its a struggle to be anything but totally ambivalent these days.
2006-10-26 00:34:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to determine why you procrastinate. Are you avoiding unpleasant tasks? Are you procrastinating because you enjoy the challenge and last minute rush? If you're enjoying the challenge, try to find some new activity that really does challenge you so you can eliminate the need to be challenged by everyday things. If you are avoiding things, remember by putting it off you only increase the amount of time you have to deal with it. If you can, set deadlines for yourself to complete tasks earlier than they need to be to start a habit of non-procrastination. I always know the difference between real and phony deadlines, but I do have some success this way if I get a friend to set the deadline for me. Start picking specific tasks to do before the absolute last minute (like address your Christmas cards now) and you may start breaking your habit.
2006-10-26 08:44:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good that you're not looking for an instant fix because there isn't one. You have to completely rearrange the way you think. Procrastination is based on a fear of failure and lack of motivation more than laziness, in my opinion. It could lead to depression as it was a contributor to mine, although there were other circumstances as well. Get this book: "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David Burns MD. It will guide you toward a whole new way of life. It saved me from suicidal depression and taught me how to overcome just about any mental obstacle, including jerkoff customers... that was a big bonus I never expected. Read my story for more info on this:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/AntidepressantThatWorks.html
2006-10-26 00:34:31 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the best way for me to stop procrastination is to count mentally from 1 to 3 and when counted to 3, i will promise to myself i will stop procrastinating and carry on with the task, believing there is always a good reason behind causes and effects.
at times, i count from 1 to 1, at times from 1 to 5, other times from 1 to 7. it all depends on the situations.
but the i realised the cause of my procrastination is it is not easy for me to accept the fact that i may sin or make a big mistake from my actions which i treat as "holy" and the actions being linked to past strange or sad events.
i have not totally solved my procrastination but 1 thing which do solve procrastination for a moment is i tell myself mentally that no one is perfect and people make mistakes.
but of course, i do not always use the above way to stop procrastination as strange and new events happen when i perform a task again, example washing the hands.that is why i count from 1 number to another number differently.
another way to stop procrastination is to tell myself to stop focus on the effects and rather focus on what i should do next in my normal chores. it helps by focusing at times.
it seems to point a short attention span time to the cause of procrastination due to past events.
ps: hope i can find a solution too but still, hope you know what i mean and solve your problems too.
may buddha bless you.
oh, and answering some "yahoo answers" helped me too but temporarily but from a view, it is ok.
mercury of love
2006-10-26 00:44:51 · answer #5 · answered by mercury of love 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem for many years my advise to you is to find a good doctor and get some Ritalin it worked for me!
2006-10-26 00:27:15 · answer #6 · answered by Lots of money but no sense 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trust me...Turn off the Internet, and Turn of the TV.. These are the two biggest distractions in my life.. If they were always on, i would get nothing done..
2006-10-26 00:23:22 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, kill the TV.
I sold mine.
I used to worry about my procrastination, until I noticed that I did actually get done the things I feel are important.
2006-10-26 00:47:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have begun to cure the problem..talking getting it off your chest...this site can be as good as a highly paid shrink to un-load your emotional baggage....
2006-10-26 00:25:01 · answer #9 · answered by geordie.lady 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Let the procrastinators unite, tomorrow!!"
Im a procrastinator and im also trying to change that. Thanks for asking this question. :)
2006-10-26 00:55:44 · answer #10 · answered by fantacia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋