Ah yes, here I am again. The train has just pulled into Procrastination Station.
Been there many times over the years. But, what writer hasn’t, right? Though I still feel frustrated with it at times, Procrastination and I have managed to become friends. This is a good thing. For instance, being able to look each other in the eye means that I know that when I feel overwhelmed I freeze up. I’ve got things to do, places to go, you know. But, I’m almost completely unable to do anything. Normally, deadlines can be great motivators. But, the idea of waiting till the eleventh hour to start and finish something just stresses me out. Some people can set soft deadlines (read: artificial), and that’s enough to get them going. Hmm, not me. If I’ve set a soft deadline, I know it’s not real, which means I can easily talk myself out of following through. Tough case, eh? Well, here’s the upside. Having tried so many anti-procrastination tricks over time, I now know exactly what will jostle me out of mental paralysis. So, today, I’m here to let you in on the three small steps that will (hopefully!) help you beat that procrastination problem. And at the end, your sweet tooth will thank you.
Make a List
This one’s easy. I just make a list of everything I’d like to get done. Then I jot down what each task will entail. Think of this first step as a basic brainstorming session. No pressure!
Examine the List
Ok, so far so good. Step two is all about looking at the list you just pieced together. Ask yourself, what is the simplest task to complete? Maybe it’s blocking off all the days on which you have a meeting over the next week or month. I have a particular affinity for this particular task. Just think of how organized you’ll be once you’re done! Those feelings of joy and accomplishment, even for such a small task, are the point here. Once you’ve tasted success, motivation will follow.
Get Distracted
Yup. You read that right. When I’m feeling that motivation drought, I like to allow myself 10 or 15 minutes to do something completely different. Look at squirrel videos on YouTube, or wander through the garden. Just don’t wander too far away! I set a timer, then get back to work. Most anti-procrastination tips encourage you to cut off all distractions. But, I’ve found that having the radio playing in the background or taking short breaks is the perfect foil.
From there, repeat steps two and three till done.
Making chocolate chip cookies is my go-to remedy when I find that procrastination has wrapped its sumptuous fingers around my brain. The recipe is simple, quick to pull together and requires only one bowl so I can place my computer or notebook beside me. The best part, of course, is that once baked, those scrumptious cookies make a great reward for all my hard work. (Recipe adapted from the back of a package of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips.)
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, unsalted and softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- In a small bowl, add flour, baking soda and salt; stir until combined.
- In a larger bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
- Pour flour combination into large bowl. Stir briefly until well combined.
- Add chocolate chips; stir.
- Place 1 tablespoon of dough, spaced about an inch apart, onto a large baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
You are right completing the small task is a good motivator, and chocolate chip cookies as a reward is great idea.
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Chocolate is full of magnesium think of it this way it is healthy, reasonably eaten… Can’t wait to try the recipe!
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I think you wrote this for me. I am a world class procrastinator. I found an “ecard” image once that said “There are no limits to what you can accomplish when you’re supposed to be doing something else”, sums me up to a “t”.
Your tips are great! I love making lists and find that seeing it all written out helps me to pick something to start on. Taking a break really helps too (especially doing some baking!)
My usual approach is this: once I reach a critical mass of stress induced procrastination I do one thing that’s causing stress (usually the lowest lying fruit) and voila, I get a good feeling from finishing that one thing and like magic I want to do more. Or just taking the first step to start something…getting started is ALWAYS the hardest part!
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Yes, the lowest lying fruit – love it!
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Very true! Chocolate chip cookies are super easy to make in no amount of time whatsoever! Plus, it leaves your house smelling like a bakery!
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Procrastination Station… yup that’s me!
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Procrastination Station… yup that’s me!
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agreed…. i feel like chocolate chip cookies now! i find since i have not been working, procrastinating happens a lot…lists are key !!
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Yay to lists!
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Rosemary, I need help figuring out a few of my widgets….Do you have an upgraded blog or just the basic??? Are you familiar enough with the inner workings of WordPress to help?
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I have just the basic. I’m pretty confident with posting text, images, videos to WP. I’m less confident with widgets. I’ve used some in the past. I’m no expert, but maybe I can offer some help.
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I’m trying to avoid chocolate. This post is deadly!!!
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But, the pieces of chocolate are small. They really don’t count at all, right?
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