by Mary Jo
I’ve been thinking about writing a piece on procrastination for a while, but hadn’t gotten around to it….
Okay, I couldn’t resist saying that. <G> In fact, this blog is a reboot of one I wrote in 2010. I'm deadline crazed so decided to pull up a golden oldie, and when I saw this on the list, I knew it was perfect!
I've been a serious practitioner of procrastination for as long as I can remember, I never thought much about it, other than experiencing the usual guilt.
Then I read ah article from New Yorker called "Later." Author James 
Surowiecki reviewed a book of essays called The Thief of Time, including broader information on the subject as well as applying it to himself.
The Quintessential Problem?
Procrastination has always been with us, but corrosive guilt about it is more of a modern phenomenon. Another vestige of our Puritan heritage, probably. We’re supposed to be working, and avoiding work feels like a sign of weak moral fiber. As the article says, “it’s possible to see procrastination as the quintessential modern problem.”
The interesting essence of procrastination is that it’s “doing something against one’s own better judgment.” We know we have to finish that term paper, calculate and file those taxes, finish that book. We want those good things to happen.
And yet—we avoid working on things even though we know we’ll pay for the procrastination. So we don’t do something we should, even though we know such behavior will make us unhappy.
And we don’t even always procrastinate to do something that’s fun! When you start organizing your sock drawer, you’re probably avoiding something big
time.
The Dangers of Self-Employment
Those who must structure their own time may be particularly prone to procrastination. Take academics. Finishing a PhD dissertation is a monstrously difficult undertaking, so much so that there is a term for people who have taken all the courses, done all the research, but not done the dissertation: ABD = All But Dissertation. Even my brother-in-law, a professor and one of the most cerebral and intelligent people I know, said that his dissertation was heavy gong.
Suroweicki’s article discusses several reasons why we procrastinate. Goals, for example. I really do want to read War and Peace, but right now, I am going to read the new JAK romantic suspense novel. I’ll read War and Peace over vacation when I have lots of time to sink into it. But vacation comes, and the new Sharon Shinn is out, and I want to read that instead.
Multiple Selves
A big reason we procrastinate is that there are multiple selves within us, and they often have conflicting goals. There are different terminologies for this, such as Freud’s classic Id, Ego, and Superego, but suffice it to say that the self that wants to finish the dissertation and read War and Peace is more interested in long term goals, while the self who goes for the fun book is more into short term gratification.
What you want now is probably what you’ll also want in the future. In other words, 
you want to lose weight, but you’ll start the diet tomorrow, right now there’s a chocolate cake in the office break room. Come tomorrow, and there are donuts, the diet can be started on Monday, always better to start a project on Monday.
Obviously, this can go on indefinitely. <G>
We Need More Time!
Procrastination is related to a concept that I recognized when Ellen Goodman, one of my favorite columnists, articulated it: the unconscious belief that in the future, we’ll have more time. I’m rushed and harried and behind on deadline and may not get my Christmas cards out this year, but NEXT YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT!
Next year I’ll get into the current book sooner, schedule my time better, have my Christmas cards posted and my holiday shopping done by December 1st. Or at least by December 15th. (I procrastinate even in my daydreams. <G>) Yes, next year I’ll be better organized and everything will be different.
Of course, next year is probably not different. <g> One reason is, yes, procrastination. Another is that we tend to think of the ideal when we schedule projects. We’re going to sit down and get this book done in six months because we’ve written other books in six months.
What we tend to overlook is the normal hassles of everyday life: the cold caught in Croatia, the car that breaks down, the cat needs to be taken to the vet, the furnace fails at the first cold snap. These things aren’t specifically predictable, but some kinds of delay will invariably happen and we’ll get behind on the project.
Solutions, or at least, Coping Mechanisms
So how can we deal with procrastination?
One solution is bargaining. You may want to read a fun book now, and you will want to just as much in the future. So you tell yourself that after you read War and Peace, you’ll read fun books only for the next six months. This may work for some people, but the fun loving self often has the upper hand here.
Another solution is to raise the stakes. If you go to Weight Watchers or make a bet with a friend, you are setting yourself up to succeed or fail in the eyes of others. At Weight Watchers, I understand there are public weighings, plus a sympathetic peer group to help keep you on track. If you make a bet with a friend and lose, it may cost you money.
If you continuously put something off, eventually you may want to consider whether it actually needs doing. Most of us have zillions of things we feel we “ought” to do, but some of them probably deserve to be dropped altogether. Why waste guilt on an undeserving subject?? Maybe you don't really want to read War and Peace–you w
ant to have read it, which is not at all the same thing.
A good solution is to set up artificial deadlines or constraints. Surowiecki’s article cites a study done by MIT psychologist David Ariely, who assigned a class three papers that had to be done during the semester. The students had the choice of delivering all three at the end of the term, or setting separate deadlines for each, spaced out through the semester. They didn’t get extra credit for delivering early, but if they set an earlier deadline and missed it, their grades would be docked.
Yet even though setting earlier deadlines risked a penalty, the majority of students choose to do that. They knew that they were unlikely to start early on all three and deliver them at semester’s end, so they chose external constraints to force them to do what they knew needed to be done.
Setting such constraints is called self-binding, and it can be done in numerous ways. One that I LOVE I learned about from Surowiecki. A PhD student in North Carolina (see “dissertation,” above <g>) wrote a piece of software that cuts off your internet access for anywhere from 15 minutes to 8 hours.
The software is called Freedom and you can do a free trial if it sounds useful. You set the time you want to be offline, and the program dutifully blocks access. (If you really, suddenly do need to get online, you can clear the program by rebooting your computer.)
Given that the internet is an invention of the devil and the all-time biggest time-waster there is, this is a fabulous invention. If you read the testimonials, you’ll see names you recognize. LOTS of writers. <g>
So that’s a quick riff about procrastination. If the subject interests you, be sure to 
read James Surowiecki’s article—there’s lots of fascinating stuff in there.
Or you can buy The Thief of Time itself, for it's surely full of marvelous insights. Maybe I’ll get it later… <G>
So—are you a procrastinator? Sometimes, not always? What tasks cause you to use a toothbrush to clean grout as an avoidance technique? And do you have any good coping strategies that you would be willing to share?
Mary Jo, who is amazed that she has ever managed to finish a book, much less dozens.
I think I know how you’ve managed. 🙂 It’s happened to me, too – too many times to count. Sometimes I even label myself ‘lazy’, but it may not be the right word in this context, given the fact that – while avoiding to start doing one thing – I actually do lots of other things. Not the ‘organizing my sock drawer’ type of thing. Things that have to do with… thinking, mainly. Informal research, brainstorming, refining the info I’ve already got – that type of thing. And then, as a deadline approaches, the pressure that comes with it makes me become extremely active and accomplish a lot. I do great things at the last moment – I may fail occasionally, but that happens in 5-8% of the situations, which means a 92-95% rate of… success. 😀 As I said, I think I can explain how it works. Under pressure, the brain treats the task as being ‘important’, so I do manage to do a lot in a short period of time. If I have a lot of time to do things little by little, the brain treats the task as being less important and feels it’s no big deal to postpone. It’s not that we dislike the task (it may be something we actually like, in fact – although War and Peace is a quite… tiring book :p ) – it’s a question of importance. It’s not enough if we just tell ourselves ‘it’s very important!’ – it has to do with the moment the brain really feels it is important. Does that make sense? 🙂
It’s all about levels: conscious – unconscious – subconscious… Sensing rather than thinking. Conscious thinking: it’s bad to procrastinate so often and for so long! Subconscious: it doesn’t matter – the task is not important enough. Well, that’s my theory. Other people may agree or disagree. :p
I think I know how you’ve managed. 🙂 It’s happened to me, too – too many times to count. Sometimes I even label myself ‘lazy’, but it may not be the right word in this context, given the fact that – while avoiding to start doing one thing – I actually do lots of other things. Not the ‘organizing my sock drawer’ type of thing. Things that have to do with… thinking, mainly. Informal research, brainstorming, refining the info I’ve already got – that type of thing. And then, as a deadline approaches, the pressure that comes with it makes me become extremely active and accomplish a lot. I do great things at the last moment – I may fail occasionally, but that happens in 5-8% of the situations, which means a 92-95% rate of… success. 😀 As I said, I think I can explain how it works. Under pressure, the brain treats the task as being ‘important’, so I do manage to do a lot in a short period of time. If I have a lot of time to do things little by little, the brain treats the task as being less important and feels it’s no big deal to postpone. It’s not that we dislike the task (it may be something we actually like, in fact – although War and Peace is a quite… tiring book :p ) – it’s a question of importance. It’s not enough if we just tell ourselves ‘it’s very important!’ – it has to do with the moment the brain really feels it is important. Does that make sense? 🙂
It’s all about levels: conscious – unconscious – subconscious… Sensing rather than thinking. Conscious thinking: it’s bad to procrastinate so often and for so long! Subconscious: it doesn’t matter – the task is not important enough. Well, that’s my theory. Other people may agree or disagree. :p
I think I know how you’ve managed. 🙂 It’s happened to me, too – too many times to count. Sometimes I even label myself ‘lazy’, but it may not be the right word in this context, given the fact that – while avoiding to start doing one thing – I actually do lots of other things. Not the ‘organizing my sock drawer’ type of thing. Things that have to do with… thinking, mainly. Informal research, brainstorming, refining the info I’ve already got – that type of thing. And then, as a deadline approaches, the pressure that comes with it makes me become extremely active and accomplish a lot. I do great things at the last moment – I may fail occasionally, but that happens in 5-8% of the situations, which means a 92-95% rate of… success. 😀 As I said, I think I can explain how it works. Under pressure, the brain treats the task as being ‘important’, so I do manage to do a lot in a short period of time. If I have a lot of time to do things little by little, the brain treats the task as being less important and feels it’s no big deal to postpone. It’s not that we dislike the task (it may be something we actually like, in fact – although War and Peace is a quite… tiring book :p ) – it’s a question of importance. It’s not enough if we just tell ourselves ‘it’s very important!’ – it has to do with the moment the brain really feels it is important. Does that make sense? 🙂
It’s all about levels: conscious – unconscious – subconscious… Sensing rather than thinking. Conscious thinking: it’s bad to procrastinate so often and for so long! Subconscious: it doesn’t matter – the task is not important enough. Well, that’s my theory. Other people may agree or disagree. :p
I think I know how you’ve managed. 🙂 It’s happened to me, too – too many times to count. Sometimes I even label myself ‘lazy’, but it may not be the right word in this context, given the fact that – while avoiding to start doing one thing – I actually do lots of other things. Not the ‘organizing my sock drawer’ type of thing. Things that have to do with… thinking, mainly. Informal research, brainstorming, refining the info I’ve already got – that type of thing. And then, as a deadline approaches, the pressure that comes with it makes me become extremely active and accomplish a lot. I do great things at the last moment – I may fail occasionally, but that happens in 5-8% of the situations, which means a 92-95% rate of… success. 😀 As I said, I think I can explain how it works. Under pressure, the brain treats the task as being ‘important’, so I do manage to do a lot in a short period of time. If I have a lot of time to do things little by little, the brain treats the task as being less important and feels it’s no big deal to postpone. It’s not that we dislike the task (it may be something we actually like, in fact – although War and Peace is a quite… tiring book :p ) – it’s a question of importance. It’s not enough if we just tell ourselves ‘it’s very important!’ – it has to do with the moment the brain really feels it is important. Does that make sense? 🙂
It’s all about levels: conscious – unconscious – subconscious… Sensing rather than thinking. Conscious thinking: it’s bad to procrastinate so often and for so long! Subconscious: it doesn’t matter – the task is not important enough. Well, that’s my theory. Other people may agree or disagree. :p
I think I know how you’ve managed. 🙂 It’s happened to me, too – too many times to count. Sometimes I even label myself ‘lazy’, but it may not be the right word in this context, given the fact that – while avoiding to start doing one thing – I actually do lots of other things. Not the ‘organizing my sock drawer’ type of thing. Things that have to do with… thinking, mainly. Informal research, brainstorming, refining the info I’ve already got – that type of thing. And then, as a deadline approaches, the pressure that comes with it makes me become extremely active and accomplish a lot. I do great things at the last moment – I may fail occasionally, but that happens in 5-8% of the situations, which means a 92-95% rate of… success. 😀 As I said, I think I can explain how it works. Under pressure, the brain treats the task as being ‘important’, so I do manage to do a lot in a short period of time. If I have a lot of time to do things little by little, the brain treats the task as being less important and feels it’s no big deal to postpone. It’s not that we dislike the task (it may be something we actually like, in fact – although War and Peace is a quite… tiring book :p ) – it’s a question of importance. It’s not enough if we just tell ourselves ‘it’s very important!’ – it has to do with the moment the brain really feels it is important. Does that make sense? 🙂
It’s all about levels: conscious – unconscious – subconscious… Sensing rather than thinking. Conscious thinking: it’s bad to procrastinate so often and for so long! Subconscious: it doesn’t matter – the task is not important enough. Well, that’s my theory. Other people may agree or disagree. :p
By the way, that would be why applying external extra pressure may work. It can lead to two results: one may either finish the task sooner, or… unfortunately, in some cases, one may come to hate the task and just give up. 🙁 If we apply external pressure regularly, it: 1. may lose its ‘it is important’ effect; or 2. it may add ‘unpleasantness’ to the task. So… external pressure is a good strategy only when it is not overdone!
By the way, that would be why applying external extra pressure may work. It can lead to two results: one may either finish the task sooner, or… unfortunately, in some cases, one may come to hate the task and just give up. 🙁 If we apply external pressure regularly, it: 1. may lose its ‘it is important’ effect; or 2. it may add ‘unpleasantness’ to the task. So… external pressure is a good strategy only when it is not overdone!
By the way, that would be why applying external extra pressure may work. It can lead to two results: one may either finish the task sooner, or… unfortunately, in some cases, one may come to hate the task and just give up. 🙁 If we apply external pressure regularly, it: 1. may lose its ‘it is important’ effect; or 2. it may add ‘unpleasantness’ to the task. So… external pressure is a good strategy only when it is not overdone!
By the way, that would be why applying external extra pressure may work. It can lead to two results: one may either finish the task sooner, or… unfortunately, in some cases, one may come to hate the task and just give up. 🙁 If we apply external pressure regularly, it: 1. may lose its ‘it is important’ effect; or 2. it may add ‘unpleasantness’ to the task. So… external pressure is a good strategy only when it is not overdone!
By the way, that would be why applying external extra pressure may work. It can lead to two results: one may either finish the task sooner, or… unfortunately, in some cases, one may come to hate the task and just give up. 🙁 If we apply external pressure regularly, it: 1. may lose its ‘it is important’ effect; or 2. it may add ‘unpleasantness’ to the task. So… external pressure is a good strategy only when it is not overdone!
Hey, where are the rest of you? (I know, procrastinating, ha.) Two lines of thought:
When a “tough” read like W&P comes along (usually for a book club, but that in itself is not enough incentive), I Shmoop it. A Shmoop analysis hits all the important points and tells me whether I want to invest the time in the full story (often not, but sometimes I’m sucked right in). I call this the diversionary win.
When it comes to house stuff, I’m all about reading—Mary Jo style. But I’m getting up there, with no one to process my packrat existence after. So a friend and I have a system that seems to be working modestly (except those weeks you Wenches do What We’re Reading, then all bets are off, lol). Anyway. Every night we email each other a list of tasks we’ll get done the next day and report on the day just over. No judgment involved. We usually don’t stick completely to the list, but always get at least part done. Knowing (from experience) that if one of us stops, the other will give up keeps us going. And it’s beginning to show results, hallelujah. This one is the sneaky win. I imagine you writers could do something like that, and maybe you do already.
Hey, where are the rest of you? (I know, procrastinating, ha.) Two lines of thought:
When a “tough” read like W&P comes along (usually for a book club, but that in itself is not enough incentive), I Shmoop it. A Shmoop analysis hits all the important points and tells me whether I want to invest the time in the full story (often not, but sometimes I’m sucked right in). I call this the diversionary win.
When it comes to house stuff, I’m all about reading—Mary Jo style. But I’m getting up there, with no one to process my packrat existence after. So a friend and I have a system that seems to be working modestly (except those weeks you Wenches do What We’re Reading, then all bets are off, lol). Anyway. Every night we email each other a list of tasks we’ll get done the next day and report on the day just over. No judgment involved. We usually don’t stick completely to the list, but always get at least part done. Knowing (from experience) that if one of us stops, the other will give up keeps us going. And it’s beginning to show results, hallelujah. This one is the sneaky win. I imagine you writers could do something like that, and maybe you do already.
Hey, where are the rest of you? (I know, procrastinating, ha.) Two lines of thought:
When a “tough” read like W&P comes along (usually for a book club, but that in itself is not enough incentive), I Shmoop it. A Shmoop analysis hits all the important points and tells me whether I want to invest the time in the full story (often not, but sometimes I’m sucked right in). I call this the diversionary win.
When it comes to house stuff, I’m all about reading—Mary Jo style. But I’m getting up there, with no one to process my packrat existence after. So a friend and I have a system that seems to be working modestly (except those weeks you Wenches do What We’re Reading, then all bets are off, lol). Anyway. Every night we email each other a list of tasks we’ll get done the next day and report on the day just over. No judgment involved. We usually don’t stick completely to the list, but always get at least part done. Knowing (from experience) that if one of us stops, the other will give up keeps us going. And it’s beginning to show results, hallelujah. This one is the sneaky win. I imagine you writers could do something like that, and maybe you do already.
Hey, where are the rest of you? (I know, procrastinating, ha.) Two lines of thought:
When a “tough” read like W&P comes along (usually for a book club, but that in itself is not enough incentive), I Shmoop it. A Shmoop analysis hits all the important points and tells me whether I want to invest the time in the full story (often not, but sometimes I’m sucked right in). I call this the diversionary win.
When it comes to house stuff, I’m all about reading—Mary Jo style. But I’m getting up there, with no one to process my packrat existence after. So a friend and I have a system that seems to be working modestly (except those weeks you Wenches do What We’re Reading, then all bets are off, lol). Anyway. Every night we email each other a list of tasks we’ll get done the next day and report on the day just over. No judgment involved. We usually don’t stick completely to the list, but always get at least part done. Knowing (from experience) that if one of us stops, the other will give up keeps us going. And it’s beginning to show results, hallelujah. This one is the sneaky win. I imagine you writers could do something like that, and maybe you do already.
Hey, where are the rest of you? (I know, procrastinating, ha.) Two lines of thought:
When a “tough” read like W&P comes along (usually for a book club, but that in itself is not enough incentive), I Shmoop it. A Shmoop analysis hits all the important points and tells me whether I want to invest the time in the full story (often not, but sometimes I’m sucked right in). I call this the diversionary win.
When it comes to house stuff, I’m all about reading—Mary Jo style. But I’m getting up there, with no one to process my packrat existence after. So a friend and I have a system that seems to be working modestly (except those weeks you Wenches do What We’re Reading, then all bets are off, lol). Anyway. Every night we email each other a list of tasks we’ll get done the next day and report on the day just over. No judgment involved. We usually don’t stick completely to the list, but always get at least part done. Knowing (from experience) that if one of us stops, the other will give up keeps us going. And it’s beginning to show results, hallelujah. This one is the sneaky win. I imagine you writers could do something like that, and maybe you do already.
I have always been pretty good at procrastinating, but since I’ve retired, I’ve perfected the art.
During my work life I always had deadlines I had to meet. So, I would prioritize and usually got thing done on time. I don’t think I would have done as well if I worked from home without someone breathing down my neck.
The thing that I procrastinate most with is housework because it is my least favorite thing. Because of my arthritis, I have to take frequent breaks. Of course, I pick up a book to read “just one chapter” and the next thing I know – it’s an hour later (smile).
I have always been pretty good at procrastinating, but since I’ve retired, I’ve perfected the art.
During my work life I always had deadlines I had to meet. So, I would prioritize and usually got thing done on time. I don’t think I would have done as well if I worked from home without someone breathing down my neck.
The thing that I procrastinate most with is housework because it is my least favorite thing. Because of my arthritis, I have to take frequent breaks. Of course, I pick up a book to read “just one chapter” and the next thing I know – it’s an hour later (smile).
I have always been pretty good at procrastinating, but since I’ve retired, I’ve perfected the art.
During my work life I always had deadlines I had to meet. So, I would prioritize and usually got thing done on time. I don’t think I would have done as well if I worked from home without someone breathing down my neck.
The thing that I procrastinate most with is housework because it is my least favorite thing. Because of my arthritis, I have to take frequent breaks. Of course, I pick up a book to read “just one chapter” and the next thing I know – it’s an hour later (smile).
I have always been pretty good at procrastinating, but since I’ve retired, I’ve perfected the art.
During my work life I always had deadlines I had to meet. So, I would prioritize and usually got thing done on time. I don’t think I would have done as well if I worked from home without someone breathing down my neck.
The thing that I procrastinate most with is housework because it is my least favorite thing. Because of my arthritis, I have to take frequent breaks. Of course, I pick up a book to read “just one chapter” and the next thing I know – it’s an hour later (smile).
I have always been pretty good at procrastinating, but since I’ve retired, I’ve perfected the art.
During my work life I always had deadlines I had to meet. So, I would prioritize and usually got thing done on time. I don’t think I would have done as well if I worked from home without someone breathing down my neck.
The thing that I procrastinate most with is housework because it is my least favorite thing. Because of my arthritis, I have to take frequent breaks. Of course, I pick up a book to read “just one chapter” and the next thing I know – it’s an hour later (smile).
Oana-Maria, that’s a pretty good description of the creative brain in action! And yes, if something isn’t getting done, eventually it can become clear that maybe it doesn’t need to be done.
Oana-Maria, that’s a pretty good description of the creative brain in action! And yes, if something isn’t getting done, eventually it can become clear that maybe it doesn’t need to be done.
Oana-Maria, that’s a pretty good description of the creative brain in action! And yes, if something isn’t getting done, eventually it can become clear that maybe it doesn’t need to be done.
Oana-Maria, that’s a pretty good description of the creative brain in action! And yes, if something isn’t getting done, eventually it can become clear that maybe it doesn’t need to be done.
Oana-Maria, that’s a pretty good description of the creative brain in action! And yes, if something isn’t getting done, eventually it can become clear that maybe it doesn’t need to be done.
Congratulations, Mary T–you have just passed the Master Class in Procrastination. *G* I am never one to prioritize housework over reading, either!
Congratulations, Mary T–you have just passed the Master Class in Procrastination. *G* I am never one to prioritize housework over reading, either!
Congratulations, Mary T–you have just passed the Master Class in Procrastination. *G* I am never one to prioritize housework over reading, either!
Congratulations, Mary T–you have just passed the Master Class in Procrastination. *G* I am never one to prioritize housework over reading, either!
Congratulations, Mary T–you have just passed the Master Class in Procrastination. *G* I am never one to prioritize housework over reading, either!
Mary M, the Task Watchers coop you and your friend have set up it BRILLIANT! As is Shmooping, which I think I’ve been doingm but I hadn’t known how to name the beast. Having a proper name makes it respectable. *G*
Mary M, the Task Watchers coop you and your friend have set up it BRILLIANT! As is Shmooping, which I think I’ve been doingm but I hadn’t known how to name the beast. Having a proper name makes it respectable. *G*
Mary M, the Task Watchers coop you and your friend have set up it BRILLIANT! As is Shmooping, which I think I’ve been doingm but I hadn’t known how to name the beast. Having a proper name makes it respectable. *G*
Mary M, the Task Watchers coop you and your friend have set up it BRILLIANT! As is Shmooping, which I think I’ve been doingm but I hadn’t known how to name the beast. Having a proper name makes it respectable. *G*
Mary M, the Task Watchers coop you and your friend have set up it BRILLIANT! As is Shmooping, which I think I’ve been doingm but I hadn’t known how to name the beast. Having a proper name makes it respectable. *G*
My favorite procrastination technique is to set myself impossible goals. I will make a list of things to accomplish today: 1. Wash the living room windows (there are 9 of them); 2. Make two pies, one for dinner and one for the freezer; 3. Spend the afternoon writing at least 3,000 words (on a good day I manage 1,000).
Then I will discover that I’m out of window cleaner. Well, that shoots that plan.
Oh look! The mailman just delivered hat new book I ordered.
Now I can spend the day reading.
My favorite procrastination technique is to set myself impossible goals. I will make a list of things to accomplish today: 1. Wash the living room windows (there are 9 of them); 2. Make two pies, one for dinner and one for the freezer; 3. Spend the afternoon writing at least 3,000 words (on a good day I manage 1,000).
Then I will discover that I’m out of window cleaner. Well, that shoots that plan.
Oh look! The mailman just delivered hat new book I ordered.
Now I can spend the day reading.
My favorite procrastination technique is to set myself impossible goals. I will make a list of things to accomplish today: 1. Wash the living room windows (there are 9 of them); 2. Make two pies, one for dinner and one for the freezer; 3. Spend the afternoon writing at least 3,000 words (on a good day I manage 1,000).
Then I will discover that I’m out of window cleaner. Well, that shoots that plan.
Oh look! The mailman just delivered hat new book I ordered.
Now I can spend the day reading.
My favorite procrastination technique is to set myself impossible goals. I will make a list of things to accomplish today: 1. Wash the living room windows (there are 9 of them); 2. Make two pies, one for dinner and one for the freezer; 3. Spend the afternoon writing at least 3,000 words (on a good day I manage 1,000).
Then I will discover that I’m out of window cleaner. Well, that shoots that plan.
Oh look! The mailman just delivered hat new book I ordered.
Now I can spend the day reading.
My favorite procrastination technique is to set myself impossible goals. I will make a list of things to accomplish today: 1. Wash the living room windows (there are 9 of them); 2. Make two pies, one for dinner and one for the freezer; 3. Spend the afternoon writing at least 3,000 words (on a good day I manage 1,000).
Then I will discover that I’m out of window cleaner. Well, that shoots that plan.
Oh look! The mailman just delivered hat new book I ordered.
Now I can spend the day reading.
Lillian, you have this down to a science! If you get to making the pies, call me when they come out of the oven–but I won’t expect it. *G*
Lillian, you have this down to a science! If you get to making the pies, call me when they come out of the oven–but I won’t expect it. *G*
Lillian, you have this down to a science! If you get to making the pies, call me when they come out of the oven–but I won’t expect it. *G*
Lillian, you have this down to a science! If you get to making the pies, call me when they come out of the oven–but I won’t expect it. *G*
Lillian, you have this down to a science! If you get to making the pies, call me when they come out of the oven–but I won’t expect it. *G*
If it is TRULY important to me, I get it done. The other “Should’s” have been removed from my mind — mostly. I feel that at 89 I’m entitled to take time off when I want to as long as nothing is harmed by this.
Publishing is a deadline occupation. Books have longer term deadlines, but they still loom! (I KNOW — I’m telling this group what it already knows all too well!); when I retired in 1987, I decided to eliminate deadlines as much as possible. 30 years in publishing that came after 6 or 8 years class-room teaching was probably enough pressure for one life.
On the other hand, without goals, life gets boring; so I still set goals. I just give me permission to do so without much in the way of deadlines. If I’m cooking, I clock-watch. If I’m stitching, or doing genealogy, or cleaning the bathroom — well, it gets done when it gets done.
So, yes — i put things off. But nowadays there are fewer guilt trips. I believe that everyone should eventually reach my state, At what year you get there is up to you. But it isn’t possible until after retirement.
If it is TRULY important to me, I get it done. The other “Should’s” have been removed from my mind — mostly. I feel that at 89 I’m entitled to take time off when I want to as long as nothing is harmed by this.
Publishing is a deadline occupation. Books have longer term deadlines, but they still loom! (I KNOW — I’m telling this group what it already knows all too well!); when I retired in 1987, I decided to eliminate deadlines as much as possible. 30 years in publishing that came after 6 or 8 years class-room teaching was probably enough pressure for one life.
On the other hand, without goals, life gets boring; so I still set goals. I just give me permission to do so without much in the way of deadlines. If I’m cooking, I clock-watch. If I’m stitching, or doing genealogy, or cleaning the bathroom — well, it gets done when it gets done.
So, yes — i put things off. But nowadays there are fewer guilt trips. I believe that everyone should eventually reach my state, At what year you get there is up to you. But it isn’t possible until after retirement.
If it is TRULY important to me, I get it done. The other “Should’s” have been removed from my mind — mostly. I feel that at 89 I’m entitled to take time off when I want to as long as nothing is harmed by this.
Publishing is a deadline occupation. Books have longer term deadlines, but they still loom! (I KNOW — I’m telling this group what it already knows all too well!); when I retired in 1987, I decided to eliminate deadlines as much as possible. 30 years in publishing that came after 6 or 8 years class-room teaching was probably enough pressure for one life.
On the other hand, without goals, life gets boring; so I still set goals. I just give me permission to do so without much in the way of deadlines. If I’m cooking, I clock-watch. If I’m stitching, or doing genealogy, or cleaning the bathroom — well, it gets done when it gets done.
So, yes — i put things off. But nowadays there are fewer guilt trips. I believe that everyone should eventually reach my state, At what year you get there is up to you. But it isn’t possible until after retirement.
If it is TRULY important to me, I get it done. The other “Should’s” have been removed from my mind — mostly. I feel that at 89 I’m entitled to take time off when I want to as long as nothing is harmed by this.
Publishing is a deadline occupation. Books have longer term deadlines, but they still loom! (I KNOW — I’m telling this group what it already knows all too well!); when I retired in 1987, I decided to eliminate deadlines as much as possible. 30 years in publishing that came after 6 or 8 years class-room teaching was probably enough pressure for one life.
On the other hand, without goals, life gets boring; so I still set goals. I just give me permission to do so without much in the way of deadlines. If I’m cooking, I clock-watch. If I’m stitching, or doing genealogy, or cleaning the bathroom — well, it gets done when it gets done.
So, yes — i put things off. But nowadays there are fewer guilt trips. I believe that everyone should eventually reach my state, At what year you get there is up to you. But it isn’t possible until after retirement.
If it is TRULY important to me, I get it done. The other “Should’s” have been removed from my mind — mostly. I feel that at 89 I’m entitled to take time off when I want to as long as nothing is harmed by this.
Publishing is a deadline occupation. Books have longer term deadlines, but they still loom! (I KNOW — I’m telling this group what it already knows all too well!); when I retired in 1987, I decided to eliminate deadlines as much as possible. 30 years in publishing that came after 6 or 8 years class-room teaching was probably enough pressure for one life.
On the other hand, without goals, life gets boring; so I still set goals. I just give me permission to do so without much in the way of deadlines. If I’m cooking, I clock-watch. If I’m stitching, or doing genealogy, or cleaning the bathroom — well, it gets done when it gets done.
So, yes — i put things off. But nowadays there are fewer guilt trips. I believe that everyone should eventually reach my state, At what year you get there is up to you. But it isn’t possible until after retirement.
I used to drive my DH crazy when I was in grad school. I would be collecting data and thinking about the content of a paper for weeks before I would actually sit down and start writing. All that information was percolating internally and would come out in organized fashion “just in the nick of time.” But if I hadn’t been thinking about it for such a long time it wouldn’t flow nearly as well.
I used to drive my DH crazy when I was in grad school. I would be collecting data and thinking about the content of a paper for weeks before I would actually sit down and start writing. All that information was percolating internally and would come out in organized fashion “just in the nick of time.” But if I hadn’t been thinking about it for such a long time it wouldn’t flow nearly as well.
I used to drive my DH crazy when I was in grad school. I would be collecting data and thinking about the content of a paper for weeks before I would actually sit down and start writing. All that information was percolating internally and would come out in organized fashion “just in the nick of time.” But if I hadn’t been thinking about it for such a long time it wouldn’t flow nearly as well.
I used to drive my DH crazy when I was in grad school. I would be collecting data and thinking about the content of a paper for weeks before I would actually sit down and start writing. All that information was percolating internally and would come out in organized fashion “just in the nick of time.” But if I hadn’t been thinking about it for such a long time it wouldn’t flow nearly as well.
I used to drive my DH crazy when I was in grad school. I would be collecting data and thinking about the content of a paper for weeks before I would actually sit down and start writing. All that information was percolating internally and would come out in organized fashion “just in the nick of time.” But if I hadn’t been thinking about it for such a long time it wouldn’t flow nearly as well.
Let me guess, you have a bunch of work to do but you are reading this story instead? If you want to stop procrastinating and develop willpower I have a few tips for you. First of all, make sure you do all the tasks that take less than 5 minutes straight away, secondly, apply procrastination bulldozer method, which really changed my life.
Let me guess, you have a bunch of work to do but you are reading this story instead? If you want to stop procrastinating and develop willpower I have a few tips for you. First of all, make sure you do all the tasks that take less than 5 minutes straight away, secondly, apply procrastination bulldozer method, which really changed my life.
Let me guess, you have a bunch of work to do but you are reading this story instead? If you want to stop procrastinating and develop willpower I have a few tips for you. First of all, make sure you do all the tasks that take less than 5 minutes straight away, secondly, apply procrastination bulldozer method, which really changed my life.
Let me guess, you have a bunch of work to do but you are reading this story instead? If you want to stop procrastinating and develop willpower I have a few tips for you. First of all, make sure you do all the tasks that take less than 5 minutes straight away, secondly, apply procrastination bulldozer method, which really changed my life.
Let me guess, you have a bunch of work to do but you are reading this story instead? If you want to stop procrastinating and develop willpower I have a few tips for you. First of all, make sure you do all the tasks that take less than 5 minutes straight away, secondly, apply procrastination bulldozer method, which really changed my life.
I had a button given to me in highschool that said, “I’d like to procrastinate but I keep putting it off!” Someone asked me what procrastination was. Being a smart aleck I said, “I’ll tell you later…” My other friend burst out laughing and then explained it to our curious friend.
But I’ve always been a procrastinator and yes I use other tasks to procrastinate. I’m supposed to be doing something else right now! Seriously!
I set deadlines for myself or if I’m really desperate to do the housework and just can’t get into it, I invite someone over for the afternoon so I’m forced to clean that morning!
Sometimes that even works.
I had a button given to me in highschool that said, “I’d like to procrastinate but I keep putting it off!” Someone asked me what procrastination was. Being a smart aleck I said, “I’ll tell you later…” My other friend burst out laughing and then explained it to our curious friend.
But I’ve always been a procrastinator and yes I use other tasks to procrastinate. I’m supposed to be doing something else right now! Seriously!
I set deadlines for myself or if I’m really desperate to do the housework and just can’t get into it, I invite someone over for the afternoon so I’m forced to clean that morning!
Sometimes that even works.
I had a button given to me in highschool that said, “I’d like to procrastinate but I keep putting it off!” Someone asked me what procrastination was. Being a smart aleck I said, “I’ll tell you later…” My other friend burst out laughing and then explained it to our curious friend.
But I’ve always been a procrastinator and yes I use other tasks to procrastinate. I’m supposed to be doing something else right now! Seriously!
I set deadlines for myself or if I’m really desperate to do the housework and just can’t get into it, I invite someone over for the afternoon so I’m forced to clean that morning!
Sometimes that even works.
I had a button given to me in highschool that said, “I’d like to procrastinate but I keep putting it off!” Someone asked me what procrastination was. Being a smart aleck I said, “I’ll tell you later…” My other friend burst out laughing and then explained it to our curious friend.
But I’ve always been a procrastinator and yes I use other tasks to procrastinate. I’m supposed to be doing something else right now! Seriously!
I set deadlines for myself or if I’m really desperate to do the housework and just can’t get into it, I invite someone over for the afternoon so I’m forced to clean that morning!
Sometimes that even works.
I had a button given to me in highschool that said, “I’d like to procrastinate but I keep putting it off!” Someone asked me what procrastination was. Being a smart aleck I said, “I’ll tell you later…” My other friend burst out laughing and then explained it to our curious friend.
But I’ve always been a procrastinator and yes I use other tasks to procrastinate. I’m supposed to be doing something else right now! Seriously!
I set deadlines for myself or if I’m really desperate to do the housework and just can’t get into it, I invite someone over for the afternoon so I’m forced to clean that morning!
Sometimes that even works.
Procrastination is the bane of my existence. I have no doubt I would succeed in world domination if not for my incredible talent for procrastination. I mean how many people bathe their dogs as often as I do. I mean the poor things seem to know when I am supposed to be writing and decide to wash them instead. They disappear like cartoon characters. And my desk has been rearranged to the point I am certain it would run away if it could. I have read War and Peace. In Russian and in English. Stick with the romantic suspense. LOL I earned my bachelor’s degrees at women’s liberal arts school. I have read a great many books on that “want to have read” list.
And I spend a great deal of time researching Regency England. It is my favorite form of procrastination.
Sigh. I really should be writing.
Procrastination is the bane of my existence. I have no doubt I would succeed in world domination if not for my incredible talent for procrastination. I mean how many people bathe their dogs as often as I do. I mean the poor things seem to know when I am supposed to be writing and decide to wash them instead. They disappear like cartoon characters. And my desk has been rearranged to the point I am certain it would run away if it could. I have read War and Peace. In Russian and in English. Stick with the romantic suspense. LOL I earned my bachelor’s degrees at women’s liberal arts school. I have read a great many books on that “want to have read” list.
And I spend a great deal of time researching Regency England. It is my favorite form of procrastination.
Sigh. I really should be writing.
Procrastination is the bane of my existence. I have no doubt I would succeed in world domination if not for my incredible talent for procrastination. I mean how many people bathe their dogs as often as I do. I mean the poor things seem to know when I am supposed to be writing and decide to wash them instead. They disappear like cartoon characters. And my desk has been rearranged to the point I am certain it would run away if it could. I have read War and Peace. In Russian and in English. Stick with the romantic suspense. LOL I earned my bachelor’s degrees at women’s liberal arts school. I have read a great many books on that “want to have read” list.
And I spend a great deal of time researching Regency England. It is my favorite form of procrastination.
Sigh. I really should be writing.
Procrastination is the bane of my existence. I have no doubt I would succeed in world domination if not for my incredible talent for procrastination. I mean how many people bathe their dogs as often as I do. I mean the poor things seem to know when I am supposed to be writing and decide to wash them instead. They disappear like cartoon characters. And my desk has been rearranged to the point I am certain it would run away if it could. I have read War and Peace. In Russian and in English. Stick with the romantic suspense. LOL I earned my bachelor’s degrees at women’s liberal arts school. I have read a great many books on that “want to have read” list.
And I spend a great deal of time researching Regency England. It is my favorite form of procrastination.
Sigh. I really should be writing.
Procrastination is the bane of my existence. I have no doubt I would succeed in world domination if not for my incredible talent for procrastination. I mean how many people bathe their dogs as often as I do. I mean the poor things seem to know when I am supposed to be writing and decide to wash them instead. They disappear like cartoon characters. And my desk has been rearranged to the point I am certain it would run away if it could. I have read War and Peace. In Russian and in English. Stick with the romantic suspense. LOL I earned my bachelor’s degrees at women’s liberal arts school. I have read a great many books on that “want to have read” list.
And I spend a great deal of time researching Regency England. It is my favorite form of procrastination.
Sigh. I really should be writing.
Sue McCormick, you’ve definitely earned the right to a low stress, no deadline life. It sounds you’ve moved into a zen-like state beyond procrastination. Well done!
Sue McCormick, you’ve definitely earned the right to a low stress, no deadline life. It sounds you’ve moved into a zen-like state beyond procrastination. Well done!
Sue McCormick, you’ve definitely earned the right to a low stress, no deadline life. It sounds you’ve moved into a zen-like state beyond procrastination. Well done!
Sue McCormick, you’ve definitely earned the right to a low stress, no deadline life. It sounds you’ve moved into a zen-like state beyond procrastination. Well done!
Sue McCormick, you’ve definitely earned the right to a low stress, no deadline life. It sounds you’ve moved into a zen-like state beyond procrastination. Well done!
Kathy K, this isn’t uncommon with creative people. Spending time to ruminate and juggle the bits and pieces often results in a much short production time. I’m like that and so is the Mayhem Consultant. It may look like magic, but it is’t. *G*
Kathy K, this isn’t uncommon with creative people. Spending time to ruminate and juggle the bits and pieces often results in a much short production time. I’m like that and so is the Mayhem Consultant. It may look like magic, but it is’t. *G*
Kathy K, this isn’t uncommon with creative people. Spending time to ruminate and juggle the bits and pieces often results in a much short production time. I’m like that and so is the Mayhem Consultant. It may look like magic, but it is’t. *G*
Kathy K, this isn’t uncommon with creative people. Spending time to ruminate and juggle the bits and pieces often results in a much short production time. I’m like that and so is the Mayhem Consultant. It may look like magic, but it is’t. *G*
Kathy K, this isn’t uncommon with creative people. Spending time to ruminate and juggle the bits and pieces often results in a much short production time. I’m like that and so is the Mayhem Consultant. It may look like magic, but it is’t. *G*
Lia, I think the bulldozer is necessary when one is really buckling down! I need to do exactly this. Right. Now.
Lia, I think the bulldozer is necessary when one is really buckling down! I need to do exactly this. Right. Now.
Lia, I think the bulldozer is necessary when one is really buckling down! I need to do exactly this. Right. Now.
Lia, I think the bulldozer is necessary when one is really buckling down! I need to do exactly this. Right. Now.
Lia, I think the bulldozer is necessary when one is really buckling down! I need to do exactly this. Right. Now.
Karen, sometimes I think company coming is the ONLY way to get housework done! I like a clean and reasonably orderly house, but I don’t want to do the work myself. So, visitors do create deadlines.
Karen, sometimes I think company coming is the ONLY way to get housework done! I like a clean and reasonably orderly house, but I don’t want to do the work myself. So, visitors do create deadlines.
Karen, sometimes I think company coming is the ONLY way to get housework done! I like a clean and reasonably orderly house, but I don’t want to do the work myself. So, visitors do create deadlines.
Karen, sometimes I think company coming is the ONLY way to get housework done! I like a clean and reasonably orderly house, but I don’t want to do the work myself. So, visitors do create deadlines.
Karen, sometimes I think company coming is the ONLY way to get housework done! I like a clean and reasonably orderly house, but I don’t want to do the work myself. So, visitors do create deadlines.
Louisa, so EASY to justify Regency research! I give myself a pass on all Russian novelists. I’ve read some fairly obscure British writers in my English major days, but the Russians do nothing for me. I don’t even want to “have read” them!
Louisa, so EASY to justify Regency research! I give myself a pass on all Russian novelists. I’ve read some fairly obscure British writers in my English major days, but the Russians do nothing for me. I don’t even want to “have read” them!
Louisa, so EASY to justify Regency research! I give myself a pass on all Russian novelists. I’ve read some fairly obscure British writers in my English major days, but the Russians do nothing for me. I don’t even want to “have read” them!
Louisa, so EASY to justify Regency research! I give myself a pass on all Russian novelists. I’ve read some fairly obscure British writers in my English major days, but the Russians do nothing for me. I don’t even want to “have read” them!
Louisa, so EASY to justify Regency research! I give myself a pass on all Russian novelists. I’ve read some fairly obscure British writers in my English major days, but the Russians do nothing for me. I don’t even want to “have read” them!
Oh, no, not ALL of them… I agree War and Peace is a hard nut to crack – I managed to get through half of it and that was more than enough, thank you very much. Anna Karenina, on the other hand, is much better. It may be sad, but it’s easy to read and to remember. I’ve also enjoyed some of Chekhov’s plays. I know, I know, they’re not novels, but their author was Russian. And are you familiar with Pushkin’s poems? He knew how to tell a story. So… don’t dismiss the Russians altogether. (I’d rather read ten Russian novels than Moby Dick, for instance. Or Ulysses, for that matter. Urrgh…) =))
Oh, no, not ALL of them… I agree War and Peace is a hard nut to crack – I managed to get through half of it and that was more than enough, thank you very much. Anna Karenina, on the other hand, is much better. It may be sad, but it’s easy to read and to remember. I’ve also enjoyed some of Chekhov’s plays. I know, I know, they’re not novels, but their author was Russian. And are you familiar with Pushkin’s poems? He knew how to tell a story. So… don’t dismiss the Russians altogether. (I’d rather read ten Russian novels than Moby Dick, for instance. Or Ulysses, for that matter. Urrgh…) =))
Oh, no, not ALL of them… I agree War and Peace is a hard nut to crack – I managed to get through half of it and that was more than enough, thank you very much. Anna Karenina, on the other hand, is much better. It may be sad, but it’s easy to read and to remember. I’ve also enjoyed some of Chekhov’s plays. I know, I know, they’re not novels, but their author was Russian. And are you familiar with Pushkin’s poems? He knew how to tell a story. So… don’t dismiss the Russians altogether. (I’d rather read ten Russian novels than Moby Dick, for instance. Or Ulysses, for that matter. Urrgh…) =))
Oh, no, not ALL of them… I agree War and Peace is a hard nut to crack – I managed to get through half of it and that was more than enough, thank you very much. Anna Karenina, on the other hand, is much better. It may be sad, but it’s easy to read and to remember. I’ve also enjoyed some of Chekhov’s plays. I know, I know, they’re not novels, but their author was Russian. And are you familiar with Pushkin’s poems? He knew how to tell a story. So… don’t dismiss the Russians altogether. (I’d rather read ten Russian novels than Moby Dick, for instance. Or Ulysses, for that matter. Urrgh…) =))
Oh, no, not ALL of them… I agree War and Peace is a hard nut to crack – I managed to get through half of it and that was more than enough, thank you very much. Anna Karenina, on the other hand, is much better. It may be sad, but it’s easy to read and to remember. I’ve also enjoyed some of Chekhov’s plays. I know, I know, they’re not novels, but their author was Russian. And are you familiar with Pushkin’s poems? He knew how to tell a story. So… don’t dismiss the Russians altogether. (I’d rather read ten Russian novels than Moby Dick, for instance. Or Ulysses, for that matter. Urrgh…) =))
A good friend gave me a welcome mat that said “My house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it!” The message has worn off the mat now ! 😀
A good friend gave me a welcome mat that said “My house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it!” The message has worn off the mat now ! 😀
A good friend gave me a welcome mat that said “My house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it!” The message has worn off the mat now ! 😀
A good friend gave me a welcome mat that said “My house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it!” The message has worn off the mat now ! 😀
A good friend gave me a welcome mat that said “My house was clean last week. Sorry you missed it!” The message has worn off the mat now ! 😀
Am I a procrastinator? Why yes, yes I am! I’m a teacher and have just started back to work after summer vacation. I had a list of chores I FULLY INTENDED to get done over the summer. It included things like deep cleaning my kitchen, and doing the windows, and rearranging the bedroom furniture. I did nothing! Only one single item on the massive list that ought to have been doable, got done. I am pleased to say I did, in fact clean my closet (it had been on the list for several summers). However, I did read many new books (so many new releases at the end of June and early July!), and enjoyed my son, and found out I was pregnant, so dealt with the resulting tired and general grossness, perhaps my procrastination was justified …this year! (I have no excuses for last summer though…and next year I will have a new baby, so won’t have time….oh dear. What have I done?!)
Am I a procrastinator? Why yes, yes I am! I’m a teacher and have just started back to work after summer vacation. I had a list of chores I FULLY INTENDED to get done over the summer. It included things like deep cleaning my kitchen, and doing the windows, and rearranging the bedroom furniture. I did nothing! Only one single item on the massive list that ought to have been doable, got done. I am pleased to say I did, in fact clean my closet (it had been on the list for several summers). However, I did read many new books (so many new releases at the end of June and early July!), and enjoyed my son, and found out I was pregnant, so dealt with the resulting tired and general grossness, perhaps my procrastination was justified …this year! (I have no excuses for last summer though…and next year I will have a new baby, so won’t have time….oh dear. What have I done?!)
Am I a procrastinator? Why yes, yes I am! I’m a teacher and have just started back to work after summer vacation. I had a list of chores I FULLY INTENDED to get done over the summer. It included things like deep cleaning my kitchen, and doing the windows, and rearranging the bedroom furniture. I did nothing! Only one single item on the massive list that ought to have been doable, got done. I am pleased to say I did, in fact clean my closet (it had been on the list for several summers). However, I did read many new books (so many new releases at the end of June and early July!), and enjoyed my son, and found out I was pregnant, so dealt with the resulting tired and general grossness, perhaps my procrastination was justified …this year! (I have no excuses for last summer though…and next year I will have a new baby, so won’t have time….oh dear. What have I done?!)
Am I a procrastinator? Why yes, yes I am! I’m a teacher and have just started back to work after summer vacation. I had a list of chores I FULLY INTENDED to get done over the summer. It included things like deep cleaning my kitchen, and doing the windows, and rearranging the bedroom furniture. I did nothing! Only one single item on the massive list that ought to have been doable, got done. I am pleased to say I did, in fact clean my closet (it had been on the list for several summers). However, I did read many new books (so many new releases at the end of June and early July!), and enjoyed my son, and found out I was pregnant, so dealt with the resulting tired and general grossness, perhaps my procrastination was justified …this year! (I have no excuses for last summer though…and next year I will have a new baby, so won’t have time….oh dear. What have I done?!)
Am I a procrastinator? Why yes, yes I am! I’m a teacher and have just started back to work after summer vacation. I had a list of chores I FULLY INTENDED to get done over the summer. It included things like deep cleaning my kitchen, and doing the windows, and rearranging the bedroom furniture. I did nothing! Only one single item on the massive list that ought to have been doable, got done. I am pleased to say I did, in fact clean my closet (it had been on the list for several summers). However, I did read many new books (so many new releases at the end of June and early July!), and enjoyed my son, and found out I was pregnant, so dealt with the resulting tired and general grossness, perhaps my procrastination was justified …this year! (I have no excuses for last summer though…and next year I will have a new baby, so won’t have time….oh dear. What have I done?!)
Hmmmm, I don’t think I want to go the “get pregnant so I have a current/believable excuse for procrastination” method. Grin.
I’ll just admit I am a huge procrastinator and not involve any children in my testimony. Ahem.
But yes…company is great for encouraging clean up. Having something I really don’t want to do does result in my cleaning off the desk and table. Washing clothes. Folding them. Pulling weeds.
Because after all, I was TOO BUSY to get to whatever it was I didn’t want to do….sometimes I end up doing stuff for 2 or 3 days avoiding whatever it is…and yet, it is still there and I finally have to buckle down and do it. But at least I felt like I was accomplishing something while avoiding that THING I didn’t want to do.
Hmmmm, I don’t think I want to go the “get pregnant so I have a current/believable excuse for procrastination” method. Grin.
I’ll just admit I am a huge procrastinator and not involve any children in my testimony. Ahem.
But yes…company is great for encouraging clean up. Having something I really don’t want to do does result in my cleaning off the desk and table. Washing clothes. Folding them. Pulling weeds.
Because after all, I was TOO BUSY to get to whatever it was I didn’t want to do….sometimes I end up doing stuff for 2 or 3 days avoiding whatever it is…and yet, it is still there and I finally have to buckle down and do it. But at least I felt like I was accomplishing something while avoiding that THING I didn’t want to do.
Hmmmm, I don’t think I want to go the “get pregnant so I have a current/believable excuse for procrastination” method. Grin.
I’ll just admit I am a huge procrastinator and not involve any children in my testimony. Ahem.
But yes…company is great for encouraging clean up. Having something I really don’t want to do does result in my cleaning off the desk and table. Washing clothes. Folding them. Pulling weeds.
Because after all, I was TOO BUSY to get to whatever it was I didn’t want to do….sometimes I end up doing stuff for 2 or 3 days avoiding whatever it is…and yet, it is still there and I finally have to buckle down and do it. But at least I felt like I was accomplishing something while avoiding that THING I didn’t want to do.
Hmmmm, I don’t think I want to go the “get pregnant so I have a current/believable excuse for procrastination” method. Grin.
I’ll just admit I am a huge procrastinator and not involve any children in my testimony. Ahem.
But yes…company is great for encouraging clean up. Having something I really don’t want to do does result in my cleaning off the desk and table. Washing clothes. Folding them. Pulling weeds.
Because after all, I was TOO BUSY to get to whatever it was I didn’t want to do….sometimes I end up doing stuff for 2 or 3 days avoiding whatever it is…and yet, it is still there and I finally have to buckle down and do it. But at least I felt like I was accomplishing something while avoiding that THING I didn’t want to do.
Hmmmm, I don’t think I want to go the “get pregnant so I have a current/believable excuse for procrastination” method. Grin.
I’ll just admit I am a huge procrastinator and not involve any children in my testimony. Ahem.
But yes…company is great for encouraging clean up. Having something I really don’t want to do does result in my cleaning off the desk and table. Washing clothes. Folding them. Pulling weeds.
Because after all, I was TOO BUSY to get to whatever it was I didn’t want to do….sometimes I end up doing stuff for 2 or 3 days avoiding whatever it is…and yet, it is still there and I finally have to buckle down and do it. But at least I felt like I was accomplishing something while avoiding that THING I didn’t want to do.
I’m a short term as well as long term procrastinator. Short term means I dawdle until the last moment before leaving the house, because if every light is green I’ll make it on time. With the result that I’m chronically 15 minutes late for every appointment. I’ve found making a written list helps with the other type of procrastination. In my case, the books I “want to have read” are Moby Dick and Don Quixote.
I’m a short term as well as long term procrastinator. Short term means I dawdle until the last moment before leaving the house, because if every light is green I’ll make it on time. With the result that I’m chronically 15 minutes late for every appointment. I’ve found making a written list helps with the other type of procrastination. In my case, the books I “want to have read” are Moby Dick and Don Quixote.
I’m a short term as well as long term procrastinator. Short term means I dawdle until the last moment before leaving the house, because if every light is green I’ll make it on time. With the result that I’m chronically 15 minutes late for every appointment. I’ve found making a written list helps with the other type of procrastination. In my case, the books I “want to have read” are Moby Dick and Don Quixote.
I’m a short term as well as long term procrastinator. Short term means I dawdle until the last moment before leaving the house, because if every light is green I’ll make it on time. With the result that I’m chronically 15 minutes late for every appointment. I’ve found making a written list helps with the other type of procrastination. In my case, the books I “want to have read” are Moby Dick and Don Quixote.
I’m a short term as well as long term procrastinator. Short term means I dawdle until the last moment before leaving the house, because if every light is green I’ll make it on time. With the result that I’m chronically 15 minutes late for every appointment. I’ve found making a written list helps with the other type of procrastination. In my case, the books I “want to have read” are Moby Dick and Don Quixote.
OH, that’s my excuse THIS year….I’ve forgotten why things didn’t get done last summer! Alas, I’ve been a procrastinator my entire life. I really don’t see it changing anytime soon!
OH, that’s my excuse THIS year….I’ve forgotten why things didn’t get done last summer! Alas, I’ve been a procrastinator my entire life. I really don’t see it changing anytime soon!
OH, that’s my excuse THIS year….I’ve forgotten why things didn’t get done last summer! Alas, I’ve been a procrastinator my entire life. I really don’t see it changing anytime soon!
OH, that’s my excuse THIS year….I’ve forgotten why things didn’t get done last summer! Alas, I’ve been a procrastinator my entire life. I really don’t see it changing anytime soon!
OH, that’s my excuse THIS year….I’ve forgotten why things didn’t get done last summer! Alas, I’ve been a procrastinator my entire life. I really don’t see it changing anytime soon!
OMG, Jana, I am SOOO with you. I can’t believe the summer is over and nothing on my to do list has changed. Where did the summer go? I preach organization and priorities to my students all year long but will not let anyone cross the threshold of my house because of the disorganization inside. But I read some WONDERFUL books and made some real progress on my own novel. . . . .Congratulations on your upcoming new baby. Just read to your kids whenever and whatever you can. My three grew up in a mess, but they’re all super achievers with huge libraries to turn to in times of need.
OMG, Jana, I am SOOO with you. I can’t believe the summer is over and nothing on my to do list has changed. Where did the summer go? I preach organization and priorities to my students all year long but will not let anyone cross the threshold of my house because of the disorganization inside. But I read some WONDERFUL books and made some real progress on my own novel. . . . .Congratulations on your upcoming new baby. Just read to your kids whenever and whatever you can. My three grew up in a mess, but they’re all super achievers with huge libraries to turn to in times of need.
OMG, Jana, I am SOOO with you. I can’t believe the summer is over and nothing on my to do list has changed. Where did the summer go? I preach organization and priorities to my students all year long but will not let anyone cross the threshold of my house because of the disorganization inside. But I read some WONDERFUL books and made some real progress on my own novel. . . . .Congratulations on your upcoming new baby. Just read to your kids whenever and whatever you can. My three grew up in a mess, but they’re all super achievers with huge libraries to turn to in times of need.
OMG, Jana, I am SOOO with you. I can’t believe the summer is over and nothing on my to do list has changed. Where did the summer go? I preach organization and priorities to my students all year long but will not let anyone cross the threshold of my house because of the disorganization inside. But I read some WONDERFUL books and made some real progress on my own novel. . . . .Congratulations on your upcoming new baby. Just read to your kids whenever and whatever you can. My three grew up in a mess, but they’re all super achievers with huge libraries to turn to in times of need.
OMG, Jana, I am SOOO with you. I can’t believe the summer is over and nothing on my to do list has changed. Where did the summer go? I preach organization and priorities to my students all year long but will not let anyone cross the threshold of my house because of the disorganization inside. But I read some WONDERFUL books and made some real progress on my own novel. . . . .Congratulations on your upcoming new baby. Just read to your kids whenever and whatever you can. My three grew up in a mess, but they’re all super achievers with huge libraries to turn to in times of need.