why do i procrastinate in everything I do?

Question

Why do I put off everything and how can i stop?

Answer 1

You are lazy cause you dont find it interesting.
you better kick yourself under the butt before a loved one or freind does it.... it will hurt a lot more when they do it.

Answer 2

There are a couple of possibilities.

One is that you enjoy the rush of doing things at the last minute.

The other is that you are a perfectionist, though you doubt your own abilities. So if you put things off until the last minute, you're forced to not put an exorbitant amount of effort into those things. Then if something doesn't turn out perfectly, you can blame it on your procrastination and not your own capabilities.

Answer 3

Let me get back to you on that :)

No simple answer for that because why you procrastinate might have many possible causes. I am often guilty of putting stuff off. Sometimes putting stuff off can mean avoiding the problem completely as it might solve itself. Sometimes I am distracted by other stuff. I always keep a hundred irons in the fire and usually have to decide on what to work on in a given day by which irons have to be done that given day and what are the consequences of not attending to a given fire.

In the end you have to recognize that your not likely to ever be as organized as you'd like but if you prioritize well enough you can fake it well enough to be successful.

So my suggestion would be a list. Start building a spreadsheet with what you have to do. Then put in when you'd like to have it done in an ideal world and when it absolutely has to be done. How long you think it will take multiplied by five. Then assign a priority of one to 10. 10 being if you don't get it down really bad things will happen and 1 being something like cleaning out your closet. If it don't get done nothing bad happens. The last column will be the days to completetion subtracted by number of days left to complete the task plus the priority times 4. Then every day stop, take a look at your spreadsheet. Sort by the last column and you might say "oh Sheeeet" I gotta get this done NOW. Which is generally what you do already but usually to late to do the kind of job you want to on it or even sometimes complete the task. By using the spreadsheet you give yourself extra time the same way you probably set your clocks ahead to panic yourself into getting ready earlier. Just like the clocks you can defeat the intent by automatically adjusting after time but if you play with the forumla's periodically you can use them as wake up calls to important stuff you have to do.

Do I have such a spreadsheet? Nope, I do it mentally. I keep a physical list/spreadsheet of stuff and mentally track when it's due and how long it'll take to do it with margions built in. I do have due dates in the spreadsheet I keep. What I don't do is erase done tasks. The sense of accomplishment is heightened by moving them to a done tab. So I can look back and see done done done compared to what I have yet to do. If the done section is small compared to the yet to do then it's motivation to get more stuff done.

This allows me to function despite being a serious procrastinator. Folks are amazed how I'm able to pull it off so often at what seems like the last minute. The reality is I waiting until I had enough time to do it right, realized I was out of time by scanning the list and saying "oh sheeet" and hopped on urgent stuff. Is it perfect? Nope, sometimes I put off looking at the list LOL. Then when I do I say #$@ @$@#%#@ aaaaaarrrrrgggg !!!!!!!

Answer 4

You might have ADHD. I've had terrible trouble with procrastination, disorganization, and distraction my entire life. It wasn't until I was an adult that I was diagnosed with ADHD. :( Then everything kind of fell into place, and I was actually relieved at the diagnosis! At least it validated me, and helped me see I wasn't just some lazy, lame loser. *blush*

You might want to talk with your doctor about this, and maybe get tested by a psychiatrist or psychologist. :) I'm not saying you have the disorder -- only that you MIGHT.

Answer 5

I'm the worst, by far. I know what works for others, though. Try making a list in the morning for the day, every day...Try making a bigger longer list for the year etc.
Also, try only doing one thing at a time. Do only that, until it's finished.
.If you want to know why you do this, maybe it's because you thrive on the pressure and it's more of a buzz that way.

Answer 6

You don't put off everything...you asked this question! That's a good start.
Maybe you do not like the things on your "to do" list that you put off doing. If that is it, it's time for a lifestyle overhaul. It makes a great difference when you like or love the tasks on your list.

Answer 7

Yup and nope lol I consistently procrastinate college initiatives..yet consistently get them carried out in time. I in all probability won't pass to mattress the evening previously that's due till like eleven:30..yet i'm going to get it carried out =p

Answer 8

Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow, because by then you may have a better idea.

Answer 9

you do this because you are lazy like me! first when i have to do something and i dont feel like doing it i put on music and listen while im doing whatever!

Answer 10

I'll tell you tomorrow