Jan

11

Starting Over

Posted by : | On : January 11, 2012

Category: Productivity

"All procrastination is delay, but not all delay is procrastination.” Timothy Pychyl

Well, here we are eleven days into the new year. I looked at my blog and I was shocked to realize that I had not posted since September. I was embarrassed. I mean here I am talking about my blog, putting links to it in my emails only to realize I had not been taking care of my baby.

It would be all too cliche, and insulting even to say the lack of updates are a perfect example of the disease we are discussing. No in the end it is just my own procrastination. Another example of a great idea started and not finished.

So what made me decide to add a new posting? My blog is rather small at the moment and I am not receiving emails from disappointed readers. I wrote because I told myself I would.

So many times we are discouraged from failing yet again that we stop the project all together. What I have realized is that it does not matter how many times you need to start over. Just say you’re going to do it and then do it. Whatever “it” is, it’s really not that painful once you get started. Stop looking in the rearview mirror. You can’t drive that way and you can’t live your life that way. So it took you longer than it should have, AND? Start where you are. It is not necessary for it to be perfect. It is not necessary to have everything you think you should have to begin. Just do something! Make that phone call, send that email, put those papers in a pile.

So what are you waitiing on? Stop the excues. You don’t have a time management problem. You, I, have a self regulation problem. The fear of failure or even worse the fear of success are powerful opponents but you can defeat them. We know that procrastination will only make us feel worse and end up with greater or more expensive consequences. Get going and give procrastination the boot! and remember, just because you messed up doesn’t mean you can’t get up and start again.

Sep

24

Productive Procrastination

Posted by : | On : September 24, 2011

Category: Productivity

Tags:, , , ,

We so often hear how procrastination will slow us down and ruin our chances for reaching our goals. The way I see it,  a little procrastinating is good.

First and most importantly is acknowledging, at least to yourself, that you are actively procrastinating. It does you no good to try to make yourself believe you are making progress when you are running from your project like a cat running from water.

Now there is a little prep work required for this method of productive procrastination. It requires for you to have a list. If you are using the index card method, then this part will go fairly quickly. If you do not have a list, make one. Right now. I promise this post will still be here when you get back.

So now that you have your list take the smallest most mind numbing tasks and put them onto a separate list or highlight them or put frowny faces beside them. Just make sure they stand out.

The next time you start a project first write down everything that is needed to complete that project. Do you need components from outside sources, are you waiting on supplies, etc.

When you feel as though you simply cannot do the “thing” you need to do, take a glance at your list and do something mind numbing.

Maybe it’s emptying your recycle bin full of junk mail, putting away a pack of pens, updating your computer, sending those photos to your friends and family, etc. The point is to do something either related to the project at hand or some other activity that does not require a lot of thought.

If you stop one project and then jump to another equally mentally taxing task you are defeating the purpose of productively procrastinating. It will now take your brain more tme to switch to the other task and who knows if you’ll make it all the way back. Why take chances?

There are few things you need to remember when using this method of productive procrastination:

already have a list prepared and easily accessible.

set your timer for 15 minutes when you go off on a mind numbing task, this way you remember to come back.

By remaining busy with previously planned tasks, you can be productive and give yourself a break without feeling guilty about it later.

Sep

13

First Day at Work with Concerta

Posted by : | On : September 13, 2011

Category: Meds

Tags:, , , ,

Today was my first day using Concerta at work. I took my Concerta this morning around 6:30 AM with a tall glass of water. I have been experimenting with starting my day with a large glass of water to rehydrate. I will go into additional detail about that in a different post.  I was careful to  avoid food products that would increase absorption of the methylphenidate.

I avoided my morning cup of coffee, although sometimes I drink tea and I denied myself a small shot of orange juice. Once I made it to work I found that I was not very hungry. I munched on a few pretzels and drunk more water during the morning.

My concentration was stellar. The problem now was that I was finishing my work at such a great speed that it meant I had time for less pleasant tasks. You know the ones you avoid because they are mind numbing and require greeat attention to detail.

Soon it was time for lunch. I had a bowl of cereal as  I still wasn’t very hungry.  I found that although my energy waned as usual around 2 PM I wasn’t extremely tired and I was able to continue my work. When I left work at five I felt I had a productive day. It was especially encouraging to know I was leaving without any pressing matters left undone.

By the time I arrived at home I had a slight headache so I took a one hour nap. I had forgotten that I did not eat. After dinner my headache magically disappeared and it felt as though my batteries were rejuvenated. Dinner was followed by dance class and I found myself paying attention. I actually got the steps in record time(I’m usually the last person to catch on) and I enjoyed the praise from my dance instructor.

Dance class definitely boosted my spirits and I came home to finish some homework at UoP. I was still in a great mood and very productive. I did peek in at FB a few times but I did not allow myself to get time sucked.

I’m now turning in for the night and I feel as though I’ve had a full day but I’m not overly exhausted.  I look forward to seeing how day  three on Concerta goes as well as the rest of the work week.