251 posts tagged with procrastination.
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How to prioritize and take action when faced with a big decision?
I graduated college in spring 2020 and have been living with my parents for a year now. I'm non-binary, but not out to my parents. I'm unemployed and feel ashamed about the time I've wasted over the past year. I don't feel comfortable moving forward with HRT until I move out, which is frustrating. Recently I've been working on improving my mental health, but I feel overwhelmed by the possibilities for living independently. How can I make myself weigh the pros and cons, avoid procrastinating, and decide? [more inside]
Help Me Overcome My Evening Routine Procrastination
I have trouble getting my chores and studying done in the evening after I get off work and just want to vegetate. [more inside]
How can I be productive despite pandemic-related depression & children?
My productivity at work has slipped greatly since March 2020, and has worsened in the last month. I'm wfh in a role that involves moving pixels and data around. Help me come up with strategies to turn it around. [more inside]
How to forgive yourself for a lost opportunity?
Have you ever had an opportunity so big it overwhelmed you and you let it slip away? Were you able to figure out a way to forgive yourself? Please tell me how. My details within. [more inside]
How to stop procrastinating at creativity-on-demand?
I am a professional actor. About 3-5 times a week, I have to prepare and self-tape an audition. I procrastinate TREMENDOUSLY and feel miserable every single time. Please help! [more inside]
Why am I bad at communicating and how do I get better at it?
I am not great at communicating with people and I'd like to get better at it.
I don't communicate enough and I put off responding to messages and emails. This is true across friends, family, and colleagues.
Can you recommend some resources, particularly focused on communication that you think would help? [more inside]
help me crush this
Aaah! This is such a stupid question. But how do I focus on work when I am in the throes of a very bad crush? [more inside]
What films dwell on the consequences of procrastination?
What films/miniseries are there whose theme is the negative consequences of procrastination or making lazy choices vs. the positive outcomes from stepping up to responsibilities or having a Type A personality? [more inside]
Choosing an anti-charity
How can I pick an "anti-charity" to motivate me that won't actually destroy the planet? [more inside]
Has a multivitamin cured my procrastination issues?
I started taking a decent quality lady-formula multivitamin a couple of weeks ago. No previous supplements taken. Now, with no other changes in diet, routine or exercise habits, some dire and longstanding procrastination problems just aren't an issue any more. I decide to do a task, do it and it's done. This is unheard of for me. Is something in the vitamins causing this or just a coincidence? Obviously I want these effects to continue!
Rediscovering the joy of technical work?
When I was young, I loved computing to the point I made it my career. And then came expectations, money, ambition and ruined it. I'm trying to get back into the joy of doing my work for itself, I could use some advice on how to approach this. [more inside]
Framing a late email response
I received a touching-base message from a work connection/ friend and intermittent correspondent. Initially flaked on responding, then got anxious/guilty and flaked some more (for... ok, about 2 months). I'm on a summers-off schedule, and I'd like to take advantage of the renewed start of work to actually get back in touch with this person. How can I frame that email with maximum tact? [more inside]
Staycation Advice for the non-neurotypical
[ADHD/anxiety filter] I am about to be off work for ten straight days. For a number of reasons, I haven't taken more than 3-4 days off work in nearly three years. This shouldn't be complicated, but my anxious, perfectionist, ADHD brain is trying to immobilize me into doing nothing but sit on the couch for ten days. I need advice on how to avoid that. [more inside]
Journaling without spiraling
How can I start journaling again without it turning into tedious self-berating? [more inside]
Procrastination, avoidance, laziness, prioritising - advice please
I'm having some major problems with procrastination and avoiding things I don't want to do or am worried about. I'm at a stage now where one of the issues is there are so many things I haven't done that I don't know what to prioritise. Looking for advice and strategies to get out of this rut and actually get something done. [more inside]
No artistic talent or not enough practise?
I have the most beautiful paintings in my mind's eye but I don't have the technical ability to paint them. [more inside]
Motivational Interviewing on Myself
I was recently introduced to motivational interviewing (MI). It looks awesome. I would like to do something like that on myself--like a daily journal that goes through MI-type questions to use at the beginning of the day in order to explore goals, feelings about them, strategies for achieving them, etc. Are there any scripts that I could use on myself? Better yet, journals that provide these questions in a pre-printed format? Any therapists familiar with MI who could help? [more inside]
How to be a prolific writer... at work
In my new position, I have to do a lot more writing (for external audiences) than I ever had before. How do I do it more quickly or efficiently? [more inside]
Don't know what this behavior is called, or how to safely replicate it.
[ADHD Filter] I find that I am most productive when I am "playing hooky" or have just canceled plans. It can be really difficult for me to focus and find the enthusiasm to get things done, otherwise, even with years of help from ADHD therapy, meds, and life-hacks. Is there a name for this behavior, especially in the context of ADHD? If so, how do I replicate the circumstances without causing collateral damage to others? [more inside]
To do: make a to-do list.
Last year both my professional and personal situation changed, which leaves me in planning limbo: the old routines and tools on which I depended don't fully suit me anymore, but I have no alternatives ready. How can I get organized again, without going overboard? [more inside]
How can I stop my life spiraling out of control?
I haven't been happy with my life for the past few years and have struggled with mental illness before. Recently things have started to worsen again and I'm really worried about recent developments. How can I get out of this downward spiral (now), and build better habits in and for the future? [more inside]
Discovering new depths of academic burnout
I'm under a lot of pressure at school without a whole lot of faculty support or guidance. I've started feeling sick whenever it's time to work on stuff, and frankly, I can no longer summon the will. I'm assuming this happens to everyone at some point. Did this happen to you when you were a student? How can I get through this without sabotaging my academic career? How should I decide when it's time to walk away? [more inside]
Budding fiction writer lacks confidence (no MFA) and needs help!
Essentially 1) Do I need to know technical details of creative writing? 2) Am I disadvantaged because I don't have an MFA? 3) How do I work in relative isolation? 4) Are online writing courses useful? [more inside]
How do you respond to emails that you've taken too long to respond to?
I have several emails in my inbox from the beginning of October. They're mainly from people introducing me to other people, or for wanting to collaborate on work. And I haven't responded, partially because it was a slog of a work month, and partially because it feels too late to respond. As each day passes, it feels harder and harder. I'm curious what language you've used in these situations where your response is late. I have much more time on my plate now and would like to rekindle these potential work relationships.
Non-RX supplements for attention/anxiety/depression issues?
All standard YANMD disclaimers apply. I know and respect that "see your GP or a psychiatrist" is the usual response for questions like these but I have already gone that route multiple times with limited success (and several pretty wretched experiences). I don't currently have access to anyone, so I'd like recommendations for supplements or OTC products which would be helpful for moderate depression (mostly lack of motivation, pessimism, and rumination/anxiety). [more inside]
Recovering from a major work screwup, freelance edition
I started working for myself as a freelance consultant in May. In July, I picked up a substantial piece of work via an old boss, which I was meant to deliver in August. I didn’t do it. I ghosted, they eventually had their CEO (my old boss) contact me to see if I was OK. I put the blame on a medical issue which, while real, was not bad enough to stop me doing the work. They gave me another chance, and I was supposed to deliver it last Monday. I still haven’t done the work. [more inside]
Books for procrastination/self-defeating help
Please recommend books for help with procrastination/self-defeating thinking; specifically the feeling that "it's too late" to do anything. [more inside]
Help! I'm in a rut.
Help! I'm in a rut. I've got several big decisions ahead of me, but I'm procrastinating deciding despite time ticking away. If you've learned any coping skills for this, I'd love to hear them. [more inside]
Help me navigate coaching for adult ADD
My therapist recently suggested I try getting an ADD coach to help with my chronic procrastination issues. Looking for general tips on navigating the process and/or specific recommendations for coaches (either in the Seattle area or available to coach remotely via phone/Skype/whatever.) [more inside]
Advice for procrastination/anxiety issues
I've struggled with avoidance and procrastination connected to anxiety/insecurity throughout most of my time in high school and college. I'm often aware of when the cycle is happening and I try to mentally talk myself out of it, but I almost never succeed in a meaningful way--even if the task does get done at the last minute. What are some strategies I could try that would help me with this issue?
Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
[Anxiety filter]: I really want/need to focus, but I don't know how!!
I have a lot to do, but I'm extremely picky and perfectionist. I keep having panic attacks and end up procrastinating! How can I sidestep the panicking part and just start?!! [more inside]
Are you dependable? I want to be dependable, too.
[ADHD filter] I want to become a more reliable and dependable person. If you are a former 'unreliable' or 'not dependable' person who is now considered to be very reliable and punctual (at work as well as among friends and family), how did you change? What steps did you take? What lifestyle changes did you make? [more inside]
Can unproductive people ever become productive?
I'm an anxious, ADHD serial procrastinator and I hate it and sh*t is hitting the fan. It's a longstanding pattern. Is there any hope? How can I possibly move past this? [more inside]
My dad died and I don't want to do anything
My dad died. I have so much to do in the aftermath of his passing... but I just don't want to do anything. I've always been a procrastinator, but never to this degree. Please help me come up with a game plan. [more inside]
Thanks for the lend of your dust magnet
Please help settle a wee debate about how to go about returning something that I borrowed from a friend, but didn't actually care enough about to watch. [more inside]
How do I fix my life?
I am about to graduate college with a business degree, a mediocre gpa, and very little experience. I have not made a single friend in college or been in a relationship. I lived with my parents for the whole entire time in college and they expect me to be married before leaving the house. I tend to succumb to extreme laziness and procrastination. I can spend 8 hours daily on the internet instead of doing homework. This procrastination has seeped into my job search. Am I ever going to be prepared for life? [more inside]
Procrastinated badly and screwed up - damage control?
I screwed up at work...despite all the time in the world, I dragged my feet on some important tasks and I let a lot of people down. What can I do to show that I take that mistake seriously and it won't happen again? Difficulty: remote team. [more inside]
Too worried about procastinating colleagues on shared presentation?
I work in an insular and highly specialized field. One of the most significant international conferences for my field and sector begins in fewer than 10 working days. My team (including myself, a peer, my boss and his bosses) are slated to present at this conference. No one is scheduling time to work on this presentation, I have no idea what to expect at our presentation, and I do not have the power to induce the other participants to begin working on the presentation. [more inside]
I feel like a marathon runner collapsing feet from the finish line.
I'm in the last semester of my Master's program, and cannot find the motivation to do anything. Help me help myself finish. [more inside]
Making 11th hour nerves work for you
You procrastinated. You think that despite your poor planning, you can actually manage this (important) task (which has big consequences etc.). All you have to do is stop feeling queasy and clammy. What are your tips for immediately reducing anxiety that expresses itself physically in this situation? [more inside]
Perfectionism, procrastination and panic: finishing essay under pressure
UK university filter: I have to finish two much-overdue essays very quickly. How to best shut down my mind (while anxious and depressed) from procrastinating and indulging in perfectionism / "analysis paralysis) [more inside]
How do I become an organized, routine-driven, goal-achieving adult?
Were you an unfocused, chronically late, procrastinating, disorganized adult who become someone with diligence, persistence, and the ability to set and succeed at long-term goals? I can form schedules, organizational systems, and have lofty long-term goals, but fail at implementation. I am the kid who eats the marshmallow before the researcher leaves the room. Have you been me, and become someone else? What were your strategies for change? [more inside]
What is a healthy response to trying to do a thing that is hard?
My response to trying to start a challenging task is to become cranky/grumpy/etc., and my partner's response is to avoid doing the task. What is a healthier approach? [more inside]
What is my PROBLEM?
Regular short periods of mild depression?/terrible procrastination/apathy about twice a month...therapist seems puzzled. What is this? Anything I can do to help me & my therapist address this? [more inside]
Please Help Me Fail.
I need to screw up a couple of times. Once I do, I'll realize it's not the end of the world, and I will be able to stop keeping everything on hold. But I've been on hold for most of my life, paralyzed and afraid to move for fear of not getting it perfectly right. How do I bring myself to put forth the effort to do the scary thing, even knowing that that's the only way I can make it stop being scary? [more inside]
How do I develop my sense of time awareness?
Help a grad student with a very skewed perception of time! How do you train yourself to become more aware of time passing? What mechanisms/tricks have you used successfully to become more timely? [more inside]
Last-minute 5K training
Much like this question, but I'm slower and have less time to prepare! Basically, my goal is to run an upcoming 5k in 30 minutes or less. I ran two 5ks last fall a couple minutes over this time, and my infrequent training in the interim has hovered just over or just under my goal. Now I have less than 2 weeks and I want to make a last-ditch effort. [more inside]
Being disciplined vs. not forcing it?
These days all the literature on creativity/productivity emphasizes routines and unromantic workmanlike discipline. Forget inspiration and "just do it!" But more often than not, when I put my butt in the chair to get down to business… Nothing. Happens. [more inside]
Time management, for real this time
Got my 2014 performance review. It was, like always, a straight split between "you are amazing beyond belief at this stuff" (actual job functions, strategy, driving new initiatives) and "you are so unimaginably bad at that stuff" (time management, deadlines). My boss told me very plainly that being unreliable is the agreed-upon Thing holding me back from leadership roles, it comes up whenever they talk about high-potential employees at the exec level (in a company of 250!), and if I were anyone else I'd be put on a performance improvement plan (I got a promotion and a raise instead—I was in a visible position before, now it's extremely visible and much higher-stakes if things go off the rails). I want to fix this for real, at work and also just in general with life. But I have no idea how to really do it. [more inside]
Flailing in a job that's a poor fit
How do you maintain consistent performance when you're simultaneously bored and overwhelmed? [more inside]