Procrastination
On Saturday, I went to a workshop on Procrastination. I used to be a terrible procrastinator. I’m not so sure that’s what I do anymore, but I have this constant feeling that I’m not accomplishing all the things that I want to get done in daily life and the larger scheme of things. I’m just not sure what it is that I’m doing with all my time because I don’t feel like I’m really getting all that much done, but I’m constantly busy. Ya know?
Well, for anyone that’s in my boat, here are my notes from the session. . .
(hope they help you more than they helped me)
After three hours, the facilitator basically told me that I just need to chill the fuck out. And while that proved humorous to my mother, it doesn't really help me. I'm driven toward big goals. I know that. It's not a good reason to make fun of me (especially in front of a large group of people).
I have an expectation that I should do everything at my level of capability. If I don’t, I feel guilty during and after whatever it is I’m doing. It’s not so much a feeling of being irresponsible, but of being incredibly lazy. That's probably intensified by the innate Midwestern pride in having a strong work ethic.
The focus of the session was to look at your actions with a critical lens from outside yourself. To distance yourself from your own procrastination. Then to identify: 1. a change in attitude that can be mobilized or 2. new technique that can be implemented. Choose something that is small and compelling.
Task One: Identifying the “psychological games I play with myself” and what changes I want to make in my life.
What is procrastination and what isn’t?
not being efficient
being off track
putting off things that should be done now
shifted priorities (non-essentials in place of essentials)
perfectionist waiting for the perfect time to do the perfect paper
The academic imperative is to not be a procrastinator.
Protective Procrastination: Not testing what your best is.
What is Perfectionism?
The unreasonable feeling that whatever you do, it isn’t good enough. Constant feeling of failure and proving yourself from scratch each time.
Internalized expectations of success and achievement.
Fear of failure and discomfort in process.
Both lead to varying levels of anxiety and discomfort:
emotional and physical manifestations
downward spiral as feelings and production drop
eventual “shut down”
How have you dealt with it in the past?
Organizing my physical space helps me. My “frantic-ness” seems to run in direct proportion to how neat, organized and under control my space is. Organizing my space in turn leads to organized time.
Try to:
Learn from people who are similar to you.
Make changes that are consistent with your basic personality.
How does stress impact your relations with other people?
Do you enjoy your freetime?
How much bounceback/recovery time do you need?
Caution: Does your significant other understand and support the rigor, requirements, and demands of the life you want to lead?
How do I figure out how people perceive me?
What sabotages you? (conditions) tv, sometimes people, noise, amplification of layered negativity.
What’s a good reward for yourself? (not just at the end, but enroute)
Find a way to give yourself credit. You’re your own harshest critic.
Spending time with people I enjoy, having quiet time & writing time to myself.
What are you doing when you’re not working?
Is it possible or even desirable to “manage it all”?
Not everything in life can be a priority.
What are your systems of triage?
How do we filter through all the crap coming at us?
How can we better balance everyday life?
Making the Change
Integrate it as part of your identity, but not the base of your sense of self-respect.
Separate yourself from your negativity.
Have other bases from which you draw your sense of self. It will help reign in your negativity.
Dealing with panic: Put 5 minutes on the timer and meditate. Slow your breathing.
Log your hours and food for a while.
Change your environment.
Go into work/school early and driving your day v. reacting all day.
Schedule decompression time twice a day.
Do a little. Do what you can.
Don’t give up! Tomorrow’s a new day.
Posted by Amanda at April 08, 2003 12:20 PM
