January 6, 2009
The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about Procrastination
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
I Can Hear the Late Jokes Already
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
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250 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about Procrastination”
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Sheila Scarborough said
I’m never first! Am I first?
Joe said
Hey Liz,
I hope I’m not the only one showing up, but I figured I start it off so all the procrastinators out there wouldn’t feel bad.
ME Liz Strauss said
You’re first.
Not surprising in this case.
Cheers, said
Happy New Year, Liz and all!
Joe said
Hey Sheila, you actually WERE first.
You even beat me. I guess you didn’t procrastinate and wait for everyone else.
Glenda said
Happy New Year, everyone!
Joe said
I’ve been putting off redesigning my blog for so long and I have been working on it for days and days.
Now I know why it took so long to get started/
Mary said
I was procrastinating about writing a comment; I actually did get something accomplished today - only 1 week later than planned.
Todd Jordan said
Wow, time got away from me. I was going to be on you know but yeah, like I put it off.
Joe said
As a matter of fact, I am still trying to solve some little problems I caused with all my tinkering so I’ll be in and out tonight.
Marti said
I’m late because I was uploading pictures. I slipped on the ice on Christmas Day and sprained my ankle - photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/cyberpumpkin/sets/72157612258059078/
And the dog ate my keyboard *grin*
Great to see you Liz, Sheila and Joe!
DaveOlson said
hey everyone,
Thought I’d stop in for few minutes.
How’s everyone been lately.
Todd Jordan said
Howdy and hello. I’d been procrastinating on putting up my rockstars page, but now it’s up. Decided the new year was a good excuse.
http://www.toddrjordan.com/thebroadbrush/rockstars/
ME Liz Strauss said
Welcome and thank yuu for not procrastinating tonight.
DaveOlson said
Marti, Ouch… that looks painful
ME Liz Strauss said
Wow, so good to see you all!!
I’m thinking I should put things off more often!
Todd Jordan said
Marti, you should write a book. Oh wait, you did.
http://is.gd/eJPP
Mary said
I’m new to this - new year, new plan. Will be launching a social media consulting business (initially targeted at brick&mortar businesses), a new blog to help market our restaurant/cafe, and a major overhaul of existing personal blog. Whew. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Maybe tomorrow.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
Congratulations on getting started!
Todd,
Congratulations on getting done!
Marti said
Hi Todd and Dave! Yes, the ankle is still very sore, limping a lot. Wonderful to be here though, take my mind off things!
Todd Jordan said
Thanks and good evening. Don’t hold back.
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
Hope you’re feeling better!
Marti said
LOL Todd! I’m working on a blog post about the sprain and the New Year’s Eve flat tire, just been procrast-….errr….busy *grin*
Todd Jordan said
Hugs. It’s a new year. What are you done procrastinating about?
Marti said
Thank you Liz. Being with you and the wonderful folks here always makes me feel better.
Mary McRae said
I think all my energy was zapped the first time I (co)authored a book http://is.gd/eJQf but Marti’s looks like fun!
judy haley (coffeejitters) said
well, for starters I’m in here because I really don’t want to pay attention to a painfully dull text I need to read for class…
Todd Jordan said
busy, wow. I was so not busy over the holiday. What did I do with that time? Read some books, blogged, but mostly I connected. Made lots of new contacts.
Kimberlee Ferrell said
Hi everyone!
I had been putting off moving my website to Dreamhost, because I was waiting on a web design. Then I found a pretty design, (while putting other things off!) and now it is all set up!
Check it out: http://freedomwriting.com/
Glad to meet you all here!
Kimberlee
Glenda said
Hey Dave, how are you doing?
Mary McRae said
I haven’t taken down the Christmas tree yet either …
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Todd,
I’m done procrastinating about … everything. Do now it!
DaveOlson said
Sorry everyone, computer dying. Forgot to charge it earlier… I’ll see you all later
Lorelle said
Ah, a discussion about the famous “round tuits” in our life! I got a few of these.
Want to know what we do with round tuits in our family?
Sheila Scarborough said
OMG I feel as though I’m the WORST about procrastination.
Problem is, I usually do pretty well at stuff, even last-minute, so can’t get a sense of urgency early because, well, last-minute worked before….
Thing is, I know I could do even better by starting even a bit earlier.
So, New Year’s resolution this year (one of 4) is: Look At My Watch
I lose track of time, and therefore both underestimate how much time things will take and overestimate the time available.
Amy said
Oh look, my favoritist topic. I decided to come play here to avoid the work I’m supposed to be doing.
How are ya?
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda, Kimberly, Mary,
Sorry you were stuck.
ME Liz Strauss said
Everyone is fully absolved of all procrastination guilt this evening. We may revel in our procrastination beauty.
Kimberlee Ferrell said
My whole issue with procrastination is getting started. Once I do, I’m fine. But the initial jump start is really difficult for me some days.
Kimberlee
Marti said
Busy telling Twitter people to get themselves over here - LOL!
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Hi all, I’m procrastinating blogging about procrastination! No, seriously…
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Kimberlee!!
Hey judy
Thanks for coming!
Marti said
Thanks Mary! Great to see you!
Wonderful to see all of you here!
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
You have lots of favoritist subjects I think.
Amy said
I think Twitter is procrastinating too… I just got like 15 @ replies from eight hours ago.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Sheila,
I like a sense of urgency.
I think I’m an adreline junkie.
Mary McRae said
Great site Kimberlee! I just RSS’ed. I’m trying to cram as much SEO info into my brain as I can. Can’t wait for Michael’s release tomorrow afternoon!
Glenda said
No problem, Liz.
I have often wondered about the root of procrastination. Why do we do it to ourselves?
Kimberlee Ferrell said
Twitter has been slacking all day! It’s working better for me now though!
Kimberlee
Todd Jordan said
I’m like totally on the phone.
Procrastinated on a conversation.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
I hope you’re counting comments tonight.
ME Liz Strauss said
Pamir,
Why do we do it to ourselves?
Kimberlee Ferrell said
Hi Mary! And thanks! I’m really excited about it too, the floodgates open at 4pm.
I think the root of procrastination is the fear of failure. What if we complete something, and it’s a disaster? Or we imagine it’s going to be a lot more difficult than it really is.
Kimberlee
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy Liz! Howdy everyone! Tip o’ the ol’ Stetson to y’all today!
Woulda been here sooner, but well, y’know…
Mary McRae said
I’m with Sheila and Liz - works well under pressure means there had better be some pressure or no work gets done!
Joe said
I gotta remember to take up speed-reading so I can keep up with all the comments while I am doing work that should have been done befor the New Year!
Mary McRae said
ouch that hurt - fear of failure. right on target.
ME Liz Strauss said
Mary,
But I also like / need the time for long, deep reflective thought to do serious work.
Amy said
I’m a stress addict. Is that a different topic? Hehehe.
ME Liz Strauss said
and I don’t believe in multi-tasking.
Marti said
I think one of the roots of procrastination is the fear of the finished product not being “perfect”. At least that was what a lot of the research I did for the book (which has an entire chapter on procrastination) seemed to indicate.
http://www.squidoo.com/7-Ways-You-Screw-Up-Your-Life
End of book promotion *grin*
Amy said
If I didn’t multi-task I would die. BUT you’d never have to talk to me. *grin*
Robert Hruzek said
I don’t know if it’s always fear of failure. Sometimes it’s just something on our “I’d just rather not” list. At least, that’s how it starts, anyway.
Mary McRae said
Ouch again! Perfectionists unite!
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Not sure Liz. Hopefully there will be some answers in the writing…
Amy said
If something is REALLY REALLY hard I do have to shut everything down to think. Then my brain hurts for a while after……
Mary McRae said
Might as well get anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive over with now too
Now you know all my faults and I’ve just met you!
Kimberlee Ferrell said
I agree, there is a need for contemplating your task ahead of time. Yet when you know what your next step is, and insist on not doing, that’s when it’s procrastination.
Stress works too Amy! The intense deadline pressure inspires people. But it’s not the best way to get things done most of the time.
Kimberlee
ME Liz Strauss said
What sorts of things do we procrastinate?
Things I don’t think I’m good at.
Things I don’t have the energy for.
Things that don’t look fun.
Sometimes if I change my point of view ….
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah Mary,
Now you know all my faults and I’ve just met you!
Mine are splattered like paint all over this blog.
Todd Jordan said
I”m back from the phone. I was procrastinating about confronting my work folks for too long. When I finally did, I felt a sense of closure.
Mary McRae said
I am trying to schedule my time and avoid multi-tasking (i.e. working on lots of stuff at the same time and never finishing anything). So far so good - but it’s only day 2
Jonathan "Not the cookie ladie's son" Fields said
Hey Liz,
So glad I made it, was busy doing, er, um, okay busted…
Mark twain said it best, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”
Gotta love the man with the mustache!
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
One day I’m going to explain to you why the brain doesn’t feel any pain. But you already know.
Todd Jordan said
Mary,
Multi-tasking can be the procrastinator’s biggest temptation.
Mary McRae said
Good for you, Todd! I hope it went well.
Todd Jordan said
Liz,
It’s all those things on your list, but for me things I’m not good at, and the no fun things are the things I put off the most.
Sigh.
Richard Reeve said
was dallying out in the hallway on my way here…freakin’ procrastination.
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
I agree. Multi-tasking can be just chasing shiny objects.
When it’s working it’s mini-batch jobs really, really fast.
Marti said
So true, Todd. There’s always a reason we procrastinate. But we usually don’t want to think about “why”.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Richard,
Sounds like you had quite a lunch.
Glad you got got here!
Mary McRae said
It’s a combination of perfectionism (things that I enjoy/excel at and really want to be done right) - and tasks that I find monotonous/boring/routine - that I think are the root of my procrastination.
Kimberlee Ferrell said
I admit, I’m a major multi-tasker. With 2 kids at home, it’s almost a must! They pull me in 10 different directions at all times, so I have to be able to hop back and forth from my writing.
Kimberlee
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Robert!
Didn’t mean miss my cutsy at your hat tip!!
Good to see you!
Todd Jordan said
Coolest thing.
Our friend, Simis, http://www.flickr.com/people/simiwaiye/, declined to let me stay at her house during SxSWi. Good reason though. To honor my marriage, and to avoid the appearance of married man staying at her house alone.
I’m honored she felt she could say that. She’s a real woman of God.
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Somebody I follow just tweeted: “Face it, Embrace it, Erase it.”
ME Liz Strauss said
Jonathan,
I’ve been meaning to ask you about your sister … did she make cookies?
Love Twain myself!! Congratulations on the book!!
Becky McCray said
Howdy! I was going to comment earlier, but I put it off. (No, really. I honestly did, sad to say.)
But I did bring a link! Searched my archives for procrastination, and found this ancient and barely related gem:
http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/2007/03/idea-space-for-creativity.html
Todd Jordan said
Kimberlee,
I think the real skill is to concentrate and fully engage when you need to be able to. Most tasks we do daily don’t require our full attention.
Mary McRae said
of course conference calls are a great opportunity for multi-tasking - no one else can call you while you’re reading email or writing your next blog post.
Richard Reeve said
been engaged with some students on and off for about four hours…head is spinning a bit…not going to let it be an excuse…
How often excuses can lead to procrastination…
Amy said
Things I procrastinate on:
Things that involve math.
Things that involve charts.
Things that make me feel stupid. (see above)
Things I can only do one thing at a time. (Legal research.)
Anything for anyone who bugs me.
Laundry. (Which is why I own so much underwear and socks — ordering new stuff online is easier. I learned this from a lawyer.)
*evil grin*
Marti said
What a great conversation! So great to see all of you here! Really glad you didn’t put off joining in!
Todd Jordan said
Amy,
On one of yours.. had a friend that kept buying new laundry to keep the cycle long btwn washes. Um, yeah.
Amy said
Todd,
EXACTLY!
Todd Jordan said
I procrastinate doing things that I can’t control the outcome of or that I feel frustrated trying to put my head around.
Kimberlee Ferrell said
Good point Todd! I try to set the mundane tasks on auto-pilot, so I can focus on my current project. Yet I continuously get pulled away, and I lose the energy to continue.
Kimberlee
Todd Jordan said
Anyone else procrastinate on going to the doc?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Becky!!
Great to see you here!
Glad you made it … finally!
Amy said
Todd,
Interesting thing about socks though… I can never find any “dress” socks. I don’t know where they go…
Todd Jordan said
BTW, hello to everyone I’ve not said hello to. Hugs.
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
The dress socks are still at Sears. You didn’t buy any.
Mary McRae said
I love that feeling when you’re “in the zone” … no sense of time, accomplishing all sorts of great things. I think I let myself get interrupted way too often to reach that point. Must be more diligent at staying focused.
ME Liz Strauss said
Mary,
Don’t wish days like that had 48 hours?
Mary McRae said
+1 on doctor appointments. or any kind of appointments.
Amy said
Liz,
They didn’t have my kind. I’m very picky about the socks I can never find……………………
Mary McRae said
+1 to 48 hour days, Liz!
Kimberlee Ferrell said
It’s been great chatting with you all, but I have to sign off. Not feeling well tonight. Yes, I procrastinate going to the doctor too! And I vote for 76 hours, to get everything done in a day!
Good night all!
Kimberlee
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
I procrastinate on anything that requires making an appointment. I have to make the appointment for the next time before I leave this time.
Todd Jordan said
Mary,
Zone time rocks. Harder for me to get at work believe it or not.
One thing that helps me is music. Once I get passed listening, it helps blocks out other things.
Amy said
Mary,
I’M SO WITH YOU ON THAT!
Becky McCray said
Mary, so glad to have another McRae/McCray clan member here!
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Kimberlee,
Thanks for coming. Feel better soon.
Richard Reeve said
Mary,
maintaining the zone…absolutely the best antidote to procrastination…
Anyone have things they do to “zone” in?
judy haley (coffeejitters) said
I understand why I procrastinate on things that I don’t want to do. What’s really frustrating is when I procrastinate on things that I really do want to do. I think you guys are right - that fear of failure and perfectionism have a lot to do with that.
Amy said
Todd,
I can’t read and listen to music at the same time. I’m a freak like that.
ME Liz Strauss said
I don’t know that I procrastinate on things I want to do.
Do I do that?
Glenda said
Liz hit it for me in #69!
Mary McRae said
+1 on laundry procrastination too. I think I have at least 2 weeks’ worth of essentials - and I have a sock addiction. Of course living in the frozen north it’s important to have lots of socks.
Amy said
Liz,
I don’t procrastinate on things I want to do when I want to do them (because they’re still new and fun). But after they stop being fun then I procrastinate on them because I don’t want to do them anymore.
ME Liz Strauss said
#118
Yeah, but Glenda,
I can only stand on my head so often then I have to change my point of view again.
KatFrench said
I finished two projects at work today that I’d been procrastinating on. And I re-themed my blog, which was something else I was procrastinating about.
I’m still procrastinating creating the “Speaking” page for my blog, though. I keep telling myself I should wait till I can put a video on it.
Todd Jordan said
The key to music isn’t to listen but let it play and block other smaller noises. It’s weird. For me it’s like other folks having the TV on in the background.
Too much silence freaks me out at times.
Other helps to get in the zone - a good hot shower first before things to concentrate on. Also, a really comfy chair for reading helps a ton.
ME Liz Strauss said
#120
Amy,
In like manner, I procrastinate on things I like to do as someone tells me I like to do them. …
Richard Reeve said
OK here’s a difficult admission…I procrastinate as a weapon when others are forcing will and I disagree, instead of communicating properly and working through it…
Marti said
I found one of the best ways to get going on something you are putting off is to break it down to many smaller steps. Tell yourself you’ll do just one little thing. It will give you that mental “boost” that now you have “started”. You may find yourself actually eager to do more once you get rolling, but if not, take a little break, give yourself some sort of reward, and set a time to tackle Stage 2 (then 3, 4, 5 etc). By breaking your task down into smaller steps and rewarding yourself after each one, the job seems less immense and more manageable. Maybe not “fun” but a little easier *grin*
Mary McRae said
Amy, I think you’ve hit it on the head! I want to do something new and different each and every time - and it’s easy to get in the zone then - it just happens. But if I have to repeat something without some new wrinkle, it takes an imminent deadline to get me off my duff.
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh Kat,
I’ve got that one, I procrastinate a lot on things that can’t be whole … I like things to be done when there done.
Nothing worse pain for me than something that’s done, but not over.
Todd Jordan said
Oh yeah to the above comments. Defiance can turn to procrastination.
Also w/Marti, smaller steps = easier to get them in action. Sometimes for me drawing it out on paper helps me see steps I can ‘just do’ versus have to invest real time in. Those build confidence with me.
Brooke said
Helloooooooo everyone! Having fun?
Mary McRae said
Great suggestion, Marti!
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Green tea, specific instrumental music and certain aromatherapy get me in the zone.
Becky McCray said
Marti, I’m hoping you have an absolutely uneventful 2009!
Christian Messer said
Ah - flamenco dancing - just saw a mini-bio on Biography channel about a flamenco dancer/actor - what got me was how the big studios at the time were huge power-houses. If you barked too much, they’d make sure you didn’t work at any other studio. Even for healthcare claims.
So - then along comes T.V. - the studio empires become weakened and have competition. Their financial stronghold on the family entertainment budget began to wane. Thus began the T.V. Industrial Complex.
Today… the internet is threatening T.V. studios and cable companies. I found out after some investigation, I could watch practically anything on T.V. digital cable - on the internet for much less money. Plus I could make a small investment and stream Netflix into my living-room via WiFi. Any T.V. show, documentary, or movie at my fingertips…what I want to watch, when I want to watch it.
Wait…this was about procrastination? My bad. Carry on.
Actually - I think that was quite fascinating, looking at old black and white footage of old Hollywood being threatened by the new Big Thing (TV). It fits so well with today. Media used to be in total control of the studios. Look what’s happening now. Fascinating.
Todd Jordan said
Mary, that’s a cool idea, introducing some new element to keep the interest up.
ME Liz Strauss said
Richard,
That’s not such a rare thing.
Amy said
Liz,
I also procrastinate on liking people who tell me I have to like them.
Hint: they are the same people who tell me I like to do the things I liked doing before they told me I liked doing them
(This is why my brain hurts even though brains don’t feel pain. Where’s my lobotomy pencil?)
Brooke said
Marti - I can beat your sprained ankle. 4 weeks ago I broke my left foot. AND 2 weeks ago I broke my right foot!
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
That works, but it takes will. I have that will sometimes other times I need other methods.
How else do you “UNprocrastinate yourself?”
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Brooke,
Either that was really poor planning on your part or huge talent. I’m wondering.
Todd Jordan said
Christian, Ha. That’s interesting for sure.
Becky McCray said
Liz, setting out a real, workable plan frequently works for me.
I’m also working on developing a “DO IT NOW!” attitude.
Marti said
Richard, I am proud of you for admitting that. It couldn’t have been easy, but feel comforted in the knowledge that many of us do that. It’s kind of passive-aggressive, and it’s pretty common to procrastinate on things that others are nagging or pushing us to do. Big hugs to you for your honesty!
Brooke said
LOL! It takes talent to be as UNgraceful as me!
Mary McRae said
#112 Hi Becky! I came to mine by marriage but I’ve been wearing it for so long it seems quite natural now
Richard Reeve said
heading home from work now…been fun, later.
Todd Jordan said
Brooke - what the heck?!
--Deb said
Hi, folks. Gosh, I meant to be here earlier, but …
Richard Reeve said
Thanks Marti…actually felt pretty good to type it out.
ME Liz Strauss said
Christian!
You came back … how cool is that!?
KatFrench said
@Pamir I’ve started drinking Yogi tea’s Stress Relief tea, and it gets me into that “relaxed but focused” state. As does “Stronger” by Kanye West (which is a rather uncharacteristic song for me to like, but it really does motivate me.)
I have learned, however, not to go for two cups of the Kava tea, as that much makes me TOO relaxed. I turn into a human koala, and koalas, as we all know, are the stoners of the animal kingdom.
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
Hint: they are the same people who tell me I like to do the things I liked doing before they told me I liked doing them.
Then they unfollow us both.
Becky McCray said
Mary, I married my McCray, too. We’ll have to stick together.
Brooke said
Todd - left foot pilates. (fell off the balance ball) Right foot tripped over the dog leash!
ME Liz Strauss said
And Kat,
Don’t stand under the koalas when they’re sleeping … I’m just sayin’
Mary McRae said
I don’t think I can switch from coffee to tea, but I think I’d like to be a koala every now and then! Relaxing is not one of my strong points.
Amy said
Liz,
Yeah!
KatFrench said
Liz -
Thanks for the tip. As there could be a zoo trip in my near future, I’ll keep that in mind.
ME Liz Strauss said
I don’t think I’d like to be a koala, I have too much to do.
Brooke said
#151 - KatFrench - I love the koala referencee being the stoners of th animal kingdom!
Marti said
Thank you Becky!
Brooke - OMG! DO you have casts on BOTH legs?
Mary, new element = great idea!
Liz, you can out and out “lie” to yourself by setting a false deadline *grin*
I used to be late all the time, so I set my clock ten minutes ahead. When I first glanced at it, I would think, “Oh no!” Then I would realize that I’d set the clock ten minutes ahead, but somehow, it still made me hurry.
That’s really twisted, I know - LOL
--Deb said
Never seen a koala bear in person….
Todd Jordan said
Richards - cheers to you for admitting that. I am a hater of nagging as well.
But I won’t promise not to nag you if you ask me to.
DaveMurr said
Ahh I’m late - but I wasn’t procrastinating - I was busy working. Working on my blog that I have been putting of… doh!!
Ironic that this is the topic for the night as I recently blogged about my own procrastination!
http://www.themurr.com/2008/12/18/12-things-i-learned-in-2008-day-5/
Working very hard this year to moved forward on things. Always thought I was planning when I was really just avoiding getting started!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Deb!
Apparently many Australians haven’t seen live ones either. I have. ha!
--Deb said
I had a little, stuffed one clipped to my purse handle for most of junior high, though. They were VERY popular!
Todd Jordan said
Yay Dave for blog posting. Good use of your time.
Love recap posts.
Me, I’m procrastinating on writing blog posts, working on ebooks, and other sundry things. Why? Because of the fear they won’t work out so much mostly.
Brag - invoiced for my 1st soc media consulting time - not much but hey, I’m pinning that $1 up.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Dave,
We all seem to be working like crazy. I think this is going to be some year!
Mary McRae said
This has been great - I’m grabbing lots of links and will be following folks soon, and look forward to the next open mic. I can’t wait to see what great ideas Liz comes up with for her post. Nite all! @fiberartisan
DaveMurr said
I’ve been reading the fear of failure is a big reason for procrastination.
I’ve recently read/learned that its actually the fear of succeeding that makes us hold back!
Marti said
I think the way top “add the new element” and get a start on a project is to do a timeline. Lay out how long you think it will take to do each step - research, writing, editing, etc. The thing you are putting off may not seem so monumental if you figure out that it will actually only take you a few hours. And do a “draft” to get started, without worrying about how good it is.
If it’s a physical task, like dishes or laundry, start small, maybe just soaking or sorting, then reward yourself. The break-it-down, get-a-reward method seems to be pretty effective.
KatFrench said
Todd - Good for you!
I still get a bit astounded when I think about the fact that I get paid to write and do social media work.
It’s fun stuff, really.
ME Liz Strauss said
Nite, Mary!
Thanks for coming!
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@KatFrench Yogi Tea also makes an amazing computer/eye strain tea. Koalas ARE the stoners of the animal kingdom, no doubt.
There are some mind entrainment CDs that are helpful too for being relaxed yet productive, plumbing the depths yet GTD, creative yet functional, etc.
Marti said
Dave, you are absolutely right! People inherently fear change, and succeeding can be a change that we fear. Many people are scared if they do a really good job at something, that it sets the bar unnaturally high for the future.
I’m not trying to come off as an expert, I’ve just done a lot of research on this.
ME Liz Strauss said
Sometimes, I UNprocrastinate by geting angry. I get all revved. It’s an “Okay, fine then. I’ll just do it!!”
Todd Jordan said
Nah, I’m sure in my case it’s the failure I’m worried about. Ha.
I’d love to really succeed faster, so I can move onto the next stage of my life.
Christian Messer said
Liz - this os great! Wish I’d been here months ago.
So the fear of failure - how real is it among us? Curious…and I have a feeling it is a cause to the affect (effect?) of procrastination, conscious or unconscious.
Todd Jordan said
Kat,
would love to give up my System Analyst job to spend my whole time helping peeps.
Still a ways off.
Marti said
You are right, Liz…anger can be a powerful motivator!
Glenda said
k, just finished today’s post - kept getting interrupted. Now I can be all here. Has anyone found the cure for procrastination yet?
Todd Jordan said
Getting angry works only short term. I think the anger liberates us in some way to move off our butts.
KatFrench said
@Pamir I will have to look for that eyestrain tea. I haven’t seen it before.
@Liz - I do that, too. The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. I get very angry/focused/unstoppable. Like John Locke on Lost “Don’t tell me what I can’t do!”
Becky McCray said
Liz, I agree that anger can get you moving! Works on me, too.
Todd Jordan said
Glenda - cheers for finishing. I should be doing something tonight productive, but also feel I deserve not to have to.
What is a Republican? Join us tonight on New Media Conservatives - 9 Central - http://is.gd/c5gl all are welcome- @Preppydude hosting.
Brooke said
Marti - nah - left is a stress fracture, right is a chip but it is minor. I just had a hard time walking for a week. Now I can walk but have to be careful of my right foot!
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Fear of success is buried dheeeep…
Brooke said
I procrastinate marketing my buusiness - and that is something that I need to do!
Amy said
I wish anger motivated me. Liz, can you teach me how?
DaveMurr said
@Todd - I agree, healthy anger is a sign that what we are doing or did - isn’t working.
Turn the other direction and try a different route.
I’m actually really tired of getting in my own way and all I hear is how bad things are.
Well if things are bad then what do I have to loose?
ME Liz Strauss said
#187
Pamir,
power failure.
Christian Messer said
In my business the GTD system has worked wonders. Now that it has moved to digital, with an app that is on my iPhone and desktop, synced consistently, it works…but it still is a little to get used to. GTD is my savior in that sense.
And it’s time to do a Brain-Dump…Woo-Hoo!
Anger huh? Never would of thought to try that Liz.
Marti said
I finally got around to voting for friends who are in the Weblog Awards today - LOL
If you are nominated, please tell, and I will vote for you!
Glenda said
KatFrench, exactly! Tell me I can’t do something and I’ll move mountains to prove you wrong!
Hey Todd.
ME Liz Strauss said
#189
Yep, Amy,
Tell yourself. “Shut up or I’ll slap you.”
--Deb said
Talk about procrastination … I can’t even settle down to doing ANYTHING tonight. Not even focus on the chatter of all you lovely people. How pathetic is THAT?
ME Liz Strauss said
and then say,
“It’s MY turn now. Let’s get this done so that we can play without thinking about it.”
Marti said
Brooke that’s good. Well, not “good” but not as bad as it could have been. Here’s hoping for a quick recovery!
ME Liz Strauss said
Aw Deb,
Maybe your brain needs a break.
Todd Jordan said
Another helper for procrastination is friends that come to help. Sometimes just getting over the inertia of inaction is all it takes.
Amy said
Liz,
I slap myself all the time. It doesn’t help.
*cries like a girl so you’ll get mad at me*
Joe said
#51 Liz, sorry, I’ve been a little lax on that tonight.
I fially put the project to sleep for tonight so I’ll be paying a little more attention now.
I know I’ve missed about 150 comments that I have to catch up on.
--Deb said
A break certainly would be helpful!
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
I have friends who “defrag” my brain. Amy is the best at that.
Christian Messer said
@Todd - Yes! That does help - one tool I use whether I’m in a MasterMind group or during the time I had a coach was the “threat” of a surprise phone call. Worked every time…and they never called.
Accountability is a motivator imo.
Christa M. Miller said
What is the irony of coming in late to a conversation about procrastination… even if you weren’t?
I’ve gotten better about not procrastinating, but still have my moments. Fear of failure/that people will see I don’t know what I’m talking about is it for me. But I’m working on that…
… tomorrow.
ME Liz Strauss said
Integrity.
When you keep your promises to yourself you have more confidence.
Amy said
Joe,
Your poem about procrastination
will probably be an aggravation
Instead
go to bed
And take mental vacation
--Deb said
All this poetry! And all I write is prose … except under extreme duress (grin).
Amy said
Liz,
That’s because I live in your brain (like Larry).
Like how you live in my computer (but there’s no dog in there…only a rubber chicken).
Glenda said
What’s that line from The Debaters movie - something like “Do what I need to do so that I can get on with what I want to do.”
Todd Jordan said
I’d love to do the gym thing, but I keep putting it off - fear, frustration, embarrassment, tired, …
Marti said
Todd, including others is a great idea!
Liz, “When you keep your promises to yourself you have more confidence.” True words of wisdom.
ME Liz Strauss said
Best line from Friends … Phoebe said it
“I’d really like to help you, but I just don’t want to.”
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Gotta dash…
Marti said
This is such an insightful conversation! Bravo to all for the wonderful dialogue and ideas!
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks, Pamir,
for being part!
Brooke said
Todd - I think the gym thing is hard. That is one of the hardest motivations because it’s all of who you are - mentally and physically.
Amy said
Best line from Ellen Degeneres:
“Procrastinate now. Don’t put it off.”
Glenda said
so Todd, how can we support you in getting into the gym?
Christian Messer said
Liz and everyone - this has been a great conversation, much appreciated!
I now have to tend to…dinner. I’ll be getting the -mail updates though, so fortunately will get to see many more insightful jewels.
Thanks to you all!
Amy said
Todd,
Back in my former life when I exercised (term used loosely), it helped me to go with a friend. One of those pesky friends who would come wake me up and drag me. Got a friend like that??
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Christian!
See you later!
Marti said
You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.
~ Beverly Sills
If we don’t succeed, we run the risk of failure.
~ Dan Quayle
(I love quotations - thanks to y’all for sharing)
--Deb said
Amy–we just watched that Ellen routine a week ago! Love that bit!
Amy said
Deb, I haven’t watched that dvd in years, but I remember it was good. To be honest though, hat’s the only line in it I remember.
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
I don’t like people watching me. So the one time … I started walking — a lot. It’s a good place to start.
--Deb said
I got Mom an Ellen DVD, Rita Rudner, and Bill Cosby for Christmas … figured we could all use the laughs this year!
Marti said
Well, I think I will head over to Twitter to piddle away some time
Such a delight to share this time with all of you! May you all find the right way for you to get things done!
Happy New Year, and many blessings!
Richard Reeve said
wow, just had a horrendous drive in sleet and freezing rain…and missed 100 comments.
--Deb said
Richard–well at least you made it! And yeah, I’m REALLY looking forward to my commute to work tomorrow morning.
ME Liz Strauss said
Wow! Richard,
Glad you’re safe!
Amy said
Dear Liz,
I’m gossiping about you on Twitter.
Richard Reeve said
In our rural community they tend to wait till the storm is over before the trucks go out…(are they procrastinating? actually, probably trying to save money.
ME Liz Strauss said
Dear Amy,
Again or still?
Brooke said
See ya’ll later! Thanks for the interesting conversations.
Amy said
Liz,
Both.
At the same time.
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks, Brooke,
Heal well!
ME Liz Strauss said
Looks like we’re just waiting for Joe’s poem.
--Deb said
Okay, folks … I’ve procrastinated long enough!
Amy said
Yeah. I always wait for that.
Amy said
I am also twittering, doing a blog post, chatting on three IM’s and eating a candy cane. In case you were wondering. LOL
Timothy said
How is everyone tonight?
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night Deb!
Amy, I was.
ME Liz Strauss said
Guess you were procrastinating, eh Timothy?
How are you?
Amy said
Hi Tim!
HI LIZ!
Sheila Scarborough said
I totally forgot to bring a link, mostly because I was multi-tasking.
Naughty.
I procrastinated on blog backup one time, and then had a crash so I could hate life.
When Your Blog Blows Up
Hmmm, now that I think about it, I have much better desktop computer backup these days, but still no real plan for my blogs….:(
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Sheila,
We all procrastinate until it’s too late on that sort of stuff.
Suzie Cheel said
Wow, Fascinating that I totally forgot about open mic yesterday, procrastination is a big issue for me:)
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