How can I stop procrastinating is there a way?

Question

I've had this problem for years now I think my entire life or as far as I can remember. I've looked up ways on the internet and have asked people for ways to stop procrastinating all of them say the same thing make a schedule, just do it, and other basically useless information that doesn't really work. Oh, and I would basically procrastinate looking up ways to stop procrastination that's how bad it is....Anyone out there suffer from procrastination and overcome it somehow? I've been putting off my work for as long as I can remember for a one month long science project I would do everything on the last night and literally work for hours upon hours and still ace the project but, just the idea that I could have worked maybe an hour a day or even less. My willpower can't stop me from not procrastinating although it has been proven for other things. I still usually finish all my work it's just....I do it at the last possible period of time I can do it and it's frustrating.

Answer 1

I totally understand! I've spent my entire life doing just as you do. Yet, in spite of that, I've accomplished what I wanted to do. I, too, have gone to therapy and all the "practical" methods suggested, I just won't do. I finally figured out that I'm such a perfectionist, that it's easier not to do it at all--or, if it's really important to ME, I put myself into extreme state of stress, and do it all at the last minute!! It doesn't make sense--but sometimes I think that all the time I'm procrastinating, I'm also thinking of the whole project and figuring out the parts and HOW they fit together. I've had some great "peak experiences" (Maslow's term) when the problem suddenly comes together--usually in diagrams and under time pressure, I put it all down in written form PLUS the diagrams. This utilizes Piaget's Pre-Concrete Cognitive Stage first and then is much more easily translated into the Concrete stage of verbal expression! I once found in C.J. Jung's writings that diagramming eliminated the emotional content of the material. I also have come to the conclusion from my own experience, that my working out things in diagrams avoids/prevents my OWN ANXIETY of failure--as well as the time-crunch which doesn't allow time to worry! I got a California teaching credential from UC Berkeley; an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from UMKC ten years later and then finished my Ed Specialist degree , but didn't take the boards as I was then retiring at 66!!! I just think that each person works in different ways! We may put ourselves through the ringer, but 9 chances out of 10, the results are good! ALSO, I was Left-handed up until I hit First Grade, and then I was forced to used my Right hand!! This was common during the Great Depression time--although now, it's common knowledge that that fowls up laterality--the dominant brain lobe controls the opposite side of the body! Switching caused me extreme stuttering and stammering; couldn't print or write; flunked that grade and had to repeat the 1st Grade with the same darn teacher that flunked me in the first place. I was a mess with no confidence and convinced that I was a failure. I am still basically Left-lobed, but use my right hand to write--do other things with my left. Lighten up on yourself! You are the way you are AND you get good results. I hope you stop giving yourself extra handicaps by expecting yourself to be just like the Right-Lobers--precise, deliberate, timely, work neatly and steadily, analytical, etc., etc. Maybe you ARE Right-handed, but it sure sounds like you operate a lot on your Left, too. I think that is more balanced and you see many things that others don't.

Answer 2

I hate to say it but starting with a schedule is the best way to stop procrastinating. I was horrible and waited to the last minute and normally failed to finish what ever it was that I was set out to do.
I have found to start with one task forget about all other task just focus on the one. Once you have finished that task then move on to the next.
I noticed by focusing on all of the tasks of jobs at once it in itself becomes a distraction thus leading to procrastination. The next step (which is the hardest) is not to focus on how far into your list you've gone. Just do one thing at a time and by the end of the day your done.

Answer 3

Maybe it's senioritus- got that pretty early in highschool.

And in college... I got it my junior year...and I had two years of senior to do to complete my major. YIKES!

My procrastination in college wasn't bad as it was in high school.

All I can say is, if you have time to do something...get it done right away. keep thinking about the free time you'll have open and NOT have to worry about getting it done etc.

Just keep a list of what you need to do. Keep it out so you can visually see that you have stuff to do. If it's something that will take a long time to do- work on it for 15 minutes...break. and go back to it as long as you meet the dead line.

As for short term things- if you are in high school still... work on it on your free time in class. That way- there is no reason to procrastinate in the first place.

Answer 4

I have had the same problem in the past. It is easy to label yourself as a procrastinator and use that as an excuse not to change. You have to want to change though. When you want it, you just kind of step up to the plate and do it. Sorry, there is no step by step method to change. You just have to jump in head first. Good luck with the change!

Answer 5

I would create a schedule for certain projects and force yourself to follow it. The hardest part is getting started, so just get up and decide to stick to your schedule and it will become easier from there. Good luck! =)

Answer 6

i'd have to say the best way to stop procrastinating, and this has often helped me is just clear my mind. once my mind is clear it is then i can truly find out what i need to do. and then i put my mind to it. and i do it to it. i can hope for the best man, goodluck.

Answer 7

do it while you think of it