The Panacea for Putting Things Off

Photo by Cindy Loughridge

Can you recall a time when you wanted to do something important, yet you’ve managed to make enough excuses to leave it for a later date? Putting something off once makes it easier to put it off again, and before you know it, several weeks have past and you still haven’t done it?

I just cleaned my entire apartment and it’s almost time for bed, again. Another day has gone by, and I still haven’t written a blog post for this week. Two thoughts conflictingly popped up in my head:

Yes! I’ve successfully put it off for another day.
Crap! I feel guilty for putting it off yet another day. I really should get that done soon.

I’ve got a lot going on in my life. But, it’s just became clear to me that I have spent the past five days unconsciously avoiding writing, while spending mental energy coming up with excuses. Each time when I’m about to start writing, I would magically feel hungry, tired, sleepy, thirsty, grumpy, dehydrated, or needing to go ‘potty’. Or I would suddenly have the desire to read, watch TV, browse the Internet, finish random low-priority tasks, clear out my email inbox, go jogging, sleep early and clean the house. As you can see, my box of excuses is infinite.

When I recognized this, I sat down and started writing the article you’re reading now.

A Few Observations

The more we make excuses, the more we buy into them, the easier it is to make additional excuses to support our mind-created beliefs. These beliefs become our story, and our excuses become our reality.
Delaying is addictive. Even if your intention is to put it off “just this one time”. The act of putting it off sets a chain of reactions that will make it easier to delay this task again. In fact, it becomes more likely that the task will be postponed again.
What we repeat in our mind actually exaggerates the scale of the task involved. It snowballs larger and larger, until the task becomes so big that you will never get it done.
Constantly thinking about doing something but avoiding the actual act of doing it takes energy. You end up spending more energy pondering about it and making excuses for it than just getting it done. You’ll actually save time and attention energy by just doing it.
We can only move on with our lives when we can get past our internal conflict between our story of procrastination and our desire to get it done. You really start to be productive when you can change your attitude.
When you break the cycle and start, you’ll be surprised at how quick and easy the task actually takes. You’ll be wondering why you didn’t just get it done in the first place.

The Cure

Stop thinking. Just do it.

The System: Cure Expanded

Manage It – List out all the things you are putting off. Or rather, make a habit to write down all the tasks you want to complete. Write down how long you think each task will take. Now, double that number, that’s how much time you should budget for the task. The act of writing things down instead of holding it in your memory, frees up mental energy. Make sure, every task is small and achievable within a few hours. If not, break it down into several smaller tasks. Take small steps before running down the finish line.
Prioritize It – Give a number beside each item, starting with 1 being the highest priority, the most important.
Plan It – Schedule it. Make an appointment with yourself to complete the top 3 items on your list. Don’t schedule more than 3 in a day, it’ll distract you. Schedule other appointments with yourself only when the top 3 have been completed. This idea of focusing on just the most important items first before doing any other tasks help to improve your personal efficiency, while reducing feelings of guilt from non-productive times.
Do It - Stick to your plan, get it done. Before an appointment with yourself, make sure to be well fed, take plenty of fluids, go to the bathroom, close your email windows and other distractions. Prepare to be focused.
Dig Deep In It – If you find that you are skipping appointments with yourself. Ask yourself why are you deliberately putting this off? What are you avoiding? What are you afraid of? There’s always a reason. If you come up blank, dig deeper within yourself. Be honest. Actively ask yourself this question until you have the answer. Perhaps there’s pain associated with the doing. Perhaps, this isn’t want you really want to do. Perhaps, you are afraid of failure. Whatever the reason is, dig deep within yourself to discover the why. Once you find the reason, what can you do about it?

More Tips to Beat Putting-Things-Off

Language – Watch your language when you speak or think about the task. Our language can have a powerful influence in the way we view our surrounding situations. “I should get that done” implies that it’s not something I really want to do but am obligated to do. As a result, our subconscious mind is telling our conscious mind that we shouldn’t be spending time on this task, it’s not what we want. Is that really how you feel about the task? If not, see how you can rephrase the sentence to better reflect what the task means to you. A more positive wording could perhaps be “This is important to me, because it contributes towards the wellbeing of others. I would love to get it done and I have scheduled times with myself to get it completed next week.”
Commit – Make a decision to commit to getting it done. A true commitment to doing something will bring with it the energy required to getting it done. Nothing is as impossible or difficult is it seems. Once we’ve committed ourselves to some result and it is a result that we truly want, we’ll feel the desire and push towards action arising intrinsically out of us, naturally.
Understand the Why – We often get so caught up in our routine of being busy, running from one task to the next that we forget to ask ourselves why we are really doing something. Ask yourself why this is important to you? Understanding the true importance of something and why it matters to you will give perspective to the matter and bring you the encouragement you need to follow through.
Pain vs. Pleasure – It is well known that we will go to further extent to avoid pain than we will at gaining pleasure. Understanding the pains and pleasures from doing or not doing something can act as an effective motivator. What will you lose if you don’t complete it? What will you gain if you do complete it? Sometimes, the act of visualizing the pain from not doing something can act as a motivator to help you get it done.
Instant Gratification vs. Long Term Gain – Thanks to modern conveniences and media, we as a society, especially in the western world, have become accustomed to instant gratification. With a flick of a remote, we can browse through hundreds of TV channels. With a phone call, we can have world cuisines delivered to our doors. With a few clicks of a mouse, the books we wanted will show up at our doorsteps. Microwave pizzas, bottled egg whites, and pre-packaged anything can be easily accessible with a quick trip to the local store. These serve as short-term distracters away from what we can gain in the long term. Spend some time to focus on your long term goal that this task contributes towards. Is the short-term gratification worth it in risking your long-term gain? Is it worth compromising for your potential?
Visual Reminders – I’ve found it helpful to have visual reminders to do something that’s important to me. One way to do this is writing on a piece of paper what you need to do, and in smaller text why you want to do it. Tape this paper somewhere you will see it: bathroom mirror, in front of your bed, on your keyboard. This doesn’t work if you have many reminders for different tasks, but for a couple of tasks, it can work magically.

Parting Words

Life is as hard or as easy as we make it. The more we think about something (anything, not just tasks), the more amplified it becomes from our perception, because we have given it energy by focusing on it. Let’s not torture ourselves by adding more stress in our already hectic lives. It’s okay to be busy and not have time to finish things. Schedule it, forget about it and stick to the schedule. Treat it like an appointment with yourself. We respect others enough to show up at appointments punctually. Why don’t we do the same with ourselves?

What are some secrets you use to overcome Putting Things Off?
What works for you? See you in the comment section. :)

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89 Responses (67 Comments, 22 Trackbacks ):

Comments

Sara

Jun 02 08, 5:36 pm PDT

1
I think some tasks are suited to a “just do it” mentality, but others benefit from delay. I find I get more enjoyment (and success) out of waiting until I’ve got some passion before I tackle something that takes creativity and heart.

For the everyday chores and minutia, I can testify to the fact that it takes more energy *not* to do the task than to simply dive in! Making a list truly does help. Even if every item isn’t completed, at least 50 to 75 percent will likely get taken care of.
Jonathan Mead

Jun 02 08, 5:44 pm PDT

2
Hi Tina,

I think one of the hardest things for me with writing is just starting. Creating can be an intimidating thing, especially when you have an idea but you’re not sure where to start. Then there’s the pressure of making it amazing. Who doesn’t want it to be amazing, right?

When it all comes down to it, your resistance is probably telling you something. It probably means you have some work to do in that area. Sometimes just starting is the best solution, working out an outline and going from there. Re-writing for me is always easier than the first draft.
Shilpan | successsoul.com

Jun 02 08, 5:54 pm PDT

3
Tina,

This subject was on my mind for last several days. Creative procrastination is the trick our mind plays to defer things that we’d love to do now into future with an abstract goal to banish our desire.
By learning how mind plays this trick to defer, we can find cure to this dreaded disease.
John Rocheleau

Jun 02 08, 6:05 pm PDT

4
When I consistently avoid doing what I set out to do, I try to understand why I have an aversion to that activity right now. Maybe I am on the wrong path, maybe I really want to do something else, or perhaps I need to set something straight in my life before I can truly begin again with inspiration. There is usually something wrong that I need to put right.

I feel the need to listen carefully to my inner desires when procrastination strikes. Am I honoring them?

It is tough sometimes is it not? And you are so right; we can easily become locked into avoidance.
Adam Sicinski | Study Matrix Art

Jun 02 08, 6:07 pm PDT

5
What usually works for me comes down to the questions I ask myself on a daily basis. If my questions are focused in the right direction searching for answers than I will naturally move forward, however if they are focused on self-pitty and instant gratification, than I know that I will be in a little bit of trouble, and won’t get things done.

Other strategies that I tend to use include setting inspiring small goals, managing my time effectively, systemizing everything so that it becomes easy and effortless, rewarding myself for attaining specific goals or tasks, positive self-talk also works well including affirmations, being optimistic and focused on the present moment.

Through my experience I have also found that one should focus on the process of the task rather than the end goal. Making things fun is also a good idea, and when it comes down to the crunch and you have tried everything else, than simply follow the 11 minute Rule of productivity. Sit down and undertake the task for only 11 minutes. Once the 11 minutes are up and complete than simply move onto something else. Moreover, I find that a good solid 11 minutes of concentrated activity will in fact provide me with the necessary motivation I need to keep me going until the task has been completed successfully.
Tammy

Jun 02 08, 6:54 pm PDT

6
For me – I just gotta get up and DO IT…
When I come home from work, the first thing I do is check my email. This can take a while, so I take at least an hour to check/reply/clean up all my email.
But – no more then that. If I go over in minutes I will have to pry myself away from the computer, and get my butt onto the treadmill… lol.
That takes an hour so I am sometimes very reluctant to go and start my exercise/workout routine…
But I just get up and do it, and that seems to work for me.
Some days I do hate it though…!
k. stone

Jun 02 08, 7:09 pm PDT

7
I know I put things off because I know they require a large chunk of time and I don’t have that much time to devote to something. (all in one shot)

I need to learn to be willing to start, stop, and then restart and be at peace with that.

I guess the over-reaching problem is that there is more to do than I have time for and so it becomes an exercise in deciding what is most important.

Alas, making decisions isn’t easy for me either. :)

But I know that there are far worse problems in this world so I focus on the good in my life, get centered and move on taking action.
Shun Jian | RichGrad.com

Jun 02 08, 7:35 pm PDT

8
Hi Tina

This is a timely post. I am in the process of re-organizing my life too so that I can be more productive and say bye bye to my excuses.

What I have done so far…

Morning Regime – 7th Path & Affirmations

Made a To-Do List and circle those that are most important.

Printed out Calendars (So I can keep track of all the important dates)

Health – Go for a walk at least twice a week

Night – 7th Path & Creative Visualization
Mike King

Jun 02 08, 8:55 pm PDT

9
Great post and very useful tips. I find writing down that list of headings or ideas to write about is very useful. I can always generate content if I had a catchy title that I had thought about and liked. That’s what triggers me to get to it, somewhere to start.
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map

Jun 02 08, 10:49 pm PDT

10
Hello Tina,

Lethargy is a sign of low energy. If you feel drained, and this is not normal, perhaps some energy healing may help. I also find it useful to “intend” for inspiration and creative ideas. If you can tune in, these should generally start popping up as soon as you become open to receiving.

Connecting to nature may also do the trick. A walk in the park or an afternoon at the beach may just clear your mind, before you sit down at your desk. Yes…these ideas here may seem as if you are procastinating yet again; but the rejuvenation from the fresh air and gentle breeze may just enhance your energy levels much better than before.

In Loving Abundance,
Evelyn
David Lindberg

Jun 03 08, 4:03 am PDT

11
Great advice and help on handling procrastination! A simple plan and list of points to follow you “just do it” when it comes to achieving a goal.
Spas in New York City

Jun 03 08, 4:04 am PDT

12
Time and tide waits for none.
Glen Allsopp

Jun 03 08, 4:22 am PDT

13
I’ve been a huge victim of putting things off in my life and understand the annoyance when things can be “too late” to fix or you realise you could have done things earlier and made things a lot easier on yourself.

Great post
JEMi | Tips for Life, Love, You

Jun 03 08, 5:03 am PDT

14
I am very creative when it comes to find excuses as to why I’m not doing something.

Sometimes it IS a matter of low energy and when it comes to writing for my site, I rather put what I can down on a blank page. Sometimes the thoughts flow in and sometimes they don’t – in which I’ll go to sleep or do something enjoyable and when I come back, I can piece together what I’ve got or scrap it and start anew. This works really well for me.

Sometimes I DO have to just do it and it takes me a while but I’ll realize and get to it. Sometimes I go out of my way to put myself in an environment that encourages me to do what I’d like to – that always works well for me as well. I remember when studying for certain pre-med classes, I would go to the library at the medical school just to be around like-minded people and that would kick me into gear.

I love your tips on how to get past this procrastination issue and its duly noted. And yes – what you say to yourslef makes a HUGE impact. I am a much happier person as of late because I’ve taken up the practice of rephrasing things into positive desirable thoughts.
Andrea Hess | Empowered Soul

Jun 03 08, 5:29 am PDT

15
Great article, Tina. I agree with Sara – sometimes a delay is appropriate, and sometimes the “just do it” approach is exactly what we need.

I do have to say that with a creative endeavor like writing, my favorite way of waking up my muse is to engage in a creative endeavor that requires less … well … thinking. Home improvement projects tend to do the trick for me! I also like digital scrapbooking.

When I find myself procrastinating, I try to tune in to the energy or intent behind what I’m avoiding. Is a project or task about freedom, security, creativity, connecting with people? Then I activate that same energy in other life areas, often by doing something that takes very little effort.

It works!

Blessings,
Andrea
Carol

Jun 03 08, 6:08 am PDT

16
Hi Tina,

I love the visual reminder that you mentioned–writing down not just what you need to do but why you want to do it–I’m going to try that. :)

Also, I couldn’t agree more that thinking about what we need to do can often be more energy-draining than just doing it. I guess this is because thinking about what we need to do usually equates to worrying about it at some level. And of course, worrying gobbles up tons of energy and only creates more problems.

Similar to what JEMi and Andrea said, when I find myself really putting off a particular task (especially if it requires some amount of creative thought), sometimes it helps if I schedule a chunk of time where I absolutely won’t think about whatever it is I’m procrastinating doing. Instead, for anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour my attention is on something that I find really enjoyable and gives me energy and feeds my creativity (reading, yoga, being in nature, etc.). When this allotted time is over, I’m usually renewed enough to accomplish what I was procrastinating before.
Asia Hadley
Jun 03 08, 6:16 am PDT

17
I really liked your suggestion of writing down how long you think a task will take and doubling it. I’ll try this and see how it works. Thanks!

-Asia
Lise

Jun 03 08, 6:28 am PDT

18
I just wanted to highlight this point that really caught my eye:

What we repeat in our mind actually exaggerates the scale of the task involved.

This is something I fall prey to all the time. Tasks take on epic proportions as I put them off. When (if) I finally sit down to do them, I’m surprised by how simple they are.

I’d been putting off for days a task at work that involved a multiple hierarchical regression (I work as a data analyst). It was a task for which I would have to go back and refresh my memory on how to perform. I finally made myself go back through my old notes yesterday and performed the test this morning – and was surprised when it took me less than half an hour to complete.

Thanks for this article. I imagine you turning your own procrastination into this article, and that’s inspiring to me.
Jeremy
Jun 03 08, 6:42 am PDT

19
This post actually made me go through my to-do list and get things done. Well done, thank you.
Raymond Chua

Jun 03 08, 6:48 am PDT

20
Hey Tina,

I have the same too.

I can put my things off for half a year and that’s not something I want to proud about.

I’ll use your tips to deal with the problem and see what happens. :)

Thanks for sharing.
Nick
Jun 03 08, 8:29 am PDT

21
I enjoyed this article. It has given me the motivation to start on a small work project I keep pushing back. You’re right — once you begin delaying a task it gets easier and easier to do it again.
Ryan
Jun 03 08, 8:58 am PDT

22
I’ll read this article later..
Will is GALVANIZD

Jun 03 08, 9:12 am PDT

23
The Nike slogan says it all… “Just Do It!”

Thanks for the tips. Similar content to Tony Robbins (the language we use and self-talk, pain vs. pleasure), but solid content and writing nonetheless!
thethe
Jun 03 08, 9:16 am PDT

24
Great post Tina! Hope you will not turn to the dark (money) side like some other “zen” bloggers.
Heather
Jun 03 08, 9:17 am PDT

25
Funny, I am reading this article in an attempt to delay a project… a project that I was somewhat interested in at the outset, but by delaying have completely sapped all possible enjoyment. Or, it could possible be that while I was delaying, I kept thinking of all the other projects I *wanted* to work on. It’s a loop, though, because by delaying (thinking of all the things I *could* be doing) I am making the process longer and more frustrating, and just (in effect) putting those things off too.

Soooo, I’m off to work on my oft-delayed project. :) Thanks for the great article!
laura

Jun 03 08, 9:19 am PDT

26
Thanks for the great article Tina. It really hit home, especially “Understanding the Why”.

As for tips for getting things done, to add to your excellent list, having SMART goals sums it up nicely too. S-specific M-measurable A-attainable R-realistic T-timely.

Thanks again for kicking me into gear!
Rachel
Jun 03 08, 9:19 am PDT

27
Another tip that has been helpful to me: Take a few moments to visualize yourself doing the thing you need to do. That will program your brain to be ready to do the task, making it easier to start. Close your eyes and try to picture yourself doing whatever it is you have planned and be sure to make it as visual as possible in your mind. It works in a similar way to rehearsing a speech or a play: it makes the performance a lot easier. It usually takes less than a minute to do this in your mind.
Brian
Jun 03 08, 9:42 am PDT

28
Hmm, maybe its a sign.

I finished high school about 2 weeks ago, and have had over a month to register for the community college I will be attending. Its not to out of the way, (about 9 miles from home), its not hard, its not painful or anything. But Ive been putting it off…

Im off work tomorrow, and I think this article has inspired me to ‘just do it’.

Thank you!
~Brian
mike
Jun 03 08, 9:45 am PDT

29
Confession: I usually procrastinate by reading productivity blogs.
Kurt Davidson
Jun 03 08, 9:49 am PDT

30
I think the real challenge for most creative individuals is not getting started, but getting finished. I’ve found that having a deadline, especially one that is imposed outside of my control, is the only true way to get something completely done. Even if I’m not 100 percent satisfied with the work I’ve finished by the official deadline, I allow myself to pick up and tweak the project when I have available time to do so.
The anonymoustache
Jun 03 08, 9:51 am PDT

31
Great post! I really liked this and definitely gained something from it (which doesn’t happen often to me online). Thanks :)
Mike O
Jun 03 08, 10:17 am PDT

32
I really like the article. There’s an ideology called “Getting Things Done” founded by a book by David Allen. You make a lot of the same great points as him (and more!), but you also seem to touch a lot more on the spiritual and mental side than Allen’s approach. I highly suggest you read it if you have the time, it’s a fantastic book, and a major focus that has become a lifechanger for me is the idea of “does it take two minutes or less?” and if it does, I do it right then.
Nitzan

Jun 03 08, 10:26 am PDT

33
hi,

well, first of all you have great introspection power (like a super-power only more human).

But I think the problem is not that simple. saying “just get it done” won’t solve the problem. we need to think of better ways to confront this “delaying urge”.

let’s be honest for a sec. real honest. are you going to read your post the next time your avoiding writing ? probably not. so, in a way you pointed out the problem real clear but i don’t think you found new ways to confront it.

Anyway. to be honest. real honest – you made me list up all my to-do-list-but-delayed-for-unknown-reason-things and for that I’m grateful.

C U.

but you’ve done a great job at
Nathalie Lussier

Jun 03 08, 10:50 am PDT

34
I have also found that once you get started on the thing that you have been putting off… it doesn’t seem as bad as what we built up in our minds.

Thanks for the reminder, it is always good to hear it again! I’m off to just do it. ;)
business

Jun 03 08, 11:12 am PDT

35
Hi Tina, you’re so right. I’m staring right now. I’m just start doing things before starting to even think about procrastinating.
RJC

Jun 03 08, 11:14 am PDT

36
Interesting write up. I knew I should have read through even though I usually open multiple browser tabs and just procrastinate on leaving it. A bit ironic to leave this article to be read at a later time.

I will try to manage myself in your manner and thats probably why I decided to keep track via doing a blog. It is more like a personal development tracker and personal bookmark on the worldwide web. So far, it has come in handy by writing down my experiences and sharing them.

Nonetheless, all this definitely takes commitment. Thanks again.
SEO

Jun 03 08, 11:21 am PDT

37
You are so right. My life was turning into a nightmare just because I would always leave everything till the last minute. As a result I am having to retake a year at uni. I think I have learned from my mistakes.
Chad Upton

Jun 03 08, 11:53 am PDT

38
I like how this article was a distraction from the real task that you wanted to get done, and at the same time it is also the task that you were trying to get done.
Luxx

Jun 03 08, 12:14 pm PDT

39
nice article, however there’s an important thing to remember here:

If you notice that you are doing this regularly then you might consider if you have any sort of Attention Deficit Disorder, not necessary though

Just then at least you will have more resources to help you figure this out, I am %100 against taking drugs for ADD (dangerous side effects)

Let the people around you (family, close friends etc) no you problem and to remind you and keep you in check, it’s ok to ask for help from people you trust but try to let them understand it and confuse it with laziness etc
Thomas Hill

Jun 03 08, 12:25 pm PDT

40
Thanks for a great post! I motivated me to write an overdue post for my blog! :-)

I’ve worked with “Getting Things Done”, and many, many other approaches, and yet I still put things off. So I’m trying another tack.

Rather than just trying to “Get Things Done”, I’m trying to figure out the range of behaviors that I use to not get things done. By concentrating on the things I do that keep me from getting things done, I’m hoping to cut off the procrastination nearer to the source.

And, like most people who have bad habits, I don’t just have one bad habit, I have a bunch of them that re-enforce each other. What I’m trying to do is list my favorite work-avoiding habits, and then, one by one, find a strategy for canceling out the work-avoiding habit.

There’s a list the avoiders that I know I use on my blog (there’s probably also a few I don’t realize I use). What strategies do you use to avoid getting things done?
TMC
Jun 03 08, 7:50 pm PDT

41
I really enjoyed your article, and use many of the techniques you noted. As many of the commenters have added, the timing is right in that I’ve been really procrastinating on a number of big projects. So thanks!

BUT, I have to say that I was put off by Luxx’s comment about ADD. I had that as a kid and a teenager, and I know several people in my family with ADD and ADHD. Some have tried the au natural path – no drugs – and others (I included for a good part of my life) have used prescribed medications … not “drugs”. And from direct observation by myself and others in our family without ADD or ADHD, those of us that were on a regular pattern of appropriate medications have had far more productive and “normal” lives than those in our family that fought against using any medications at all.

I have a friend who for years and years swore off of any and all medications, over or under the counter – he wouldn’t even take an aspirin for pain when he was in an accident. Now, with a certain medical prognosis, he has no choice but to take prescriptions … and he has no issue with it.

Luxx says that he/she swears off of drugs for ADD, but there are far more supportive studies in favor of appropriate use of medicals that the few studies he/she is likely thinking of that still have open questions. As for me, its helped me be productive and supportive of my family, since I’ve already been through the pain of trying to live without my medication at a time when my body needed it the most!

TMC
Zenplease

Jun 04 08, 7:33 am PDT

42
Wise, wise words. There is a lot of truth in your post. Putting things off is something I do all too often.

If you wouldn’t mind, I just updated my blog with a post about reiki, you guys should check it out: http://zenplease.com/8-reasons-why-you-should-try-reiki/
iamkeir

Jun 05 08, 4:06 am PDT

43
This is a superb post. It got me thinking about motivation and how I think we all often say “I can’t get motivated” almost as if motivation is something that we must wait for to turn up and immerse us. I think in reality, as suggested by much of your article, you must take positive steps to encourage motivation.

Clarity, focus, excitement, commitment, possibilities, potential for enjoyment – all these can lead you to become motivated so it seems to me that you need to take small steps to prepare your mind and your environment and motivation will (hopefully) follow.

On a separate note, thought it’d be useful to point out a small grammatical error in your article: “double that time by two” – interesting mathematics! :)

Best wishes

*****************
REPLY

You’re dead-on with your comment about motivation! My experience has been that once you make a decision to do something, you understand why that decision is important to you and you take action towards a goal, motivation naturally follows. You are exactly right with taking small steps. Small actions towards your end goal will only help you to gain momentum in reaching your end result. Small actions will quickly accumulate into large and important steps. I’ve found that people have a hard time with “Just starting” (including myself) with hundreds of excuses why we can’t start now.

Thanks for pointing out the typo. Correcting that now. :)

Warmly,
Tina
Marc and Angel Hack Life

Jun 05 08, 9:17 am PDT

44
Tina, as always… simply brilliant. Your point about long-term vs. short-term goals is spot on. Far too often we can’t see past our own nose.

This is my first time leaving a comment on your blog… I’ll surely make a habit of it. ;-)
Sandie Law

Jun 05 08, 7:05 pm PDT

45
Great tips! Just do it is the one that sticks most in my mind. I often analyze an activity I’m dreading in great detail, plan out every aspect of the task, and turn it into something way more than it is.

I suck at doing things I don’t like to do. My theory, “Save the best for last.” I give myself a handful of must accomplish tasks in a day and do the ones I dread most first. After you’ve crossed a few things off, the list looks more manageble AND you’ve done those awful tasks!
Luxx

Jun 06 08, 7:01 am PDT

46
TMC , thanks for your comment, I appreciates it

My point was to try all the possible solution instead of using medication and that should be the last resort, although I am still against it why?

1. ADD ..etc is still not really understood, so the drug is as good as our knowledge of ADD, and like you said it made you “more” productive but did not cure the ADD

2. Some of these drugs are really dangerous

3. The issue at hand is really complex (I am trying to keep my comment short) medication is just one option, have you tried Meditation ?

4. These information is to the best of my knowledge, I am not saying that I am an expert

here’s just 1 link to to what I am saying:
http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/153

Best of luck for all
Sam
Jun 06 08, 10:06 am PDT

47
Tina Su,

Wow this is a great article I must say and as well very true when I view things in my life :). Tina you have always been a good friend to me but never really told you this before back then :) anyways I was a very young boy just trying to understand the world and taking it from face value.

Anyways what I really wanted to say Tina you are great…. I found you on facebook now I see you are a CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) great work and I knew from the past you had something very special from the beginning. Keep in touch and let me know how things are in Seattle.

Sam
James Ray Enthusiast
Jun 06 08, 10:56 am PDT

48
This is a REALLY insightful post. THANKS! I think a lot of us put things off, but I’ve been reading something recently that has helped me. I just finished reading James Arthur Ray’s newest book, Harmonic Wealth, and I had to share this concept he has that I think makes so much sense: LIVING FROM THE OUTCOME (Page 322). James says that most people live toward the outcome, meaning you are living like you don’t have it yet. He says you should shift your thinking so that you are LIVING FROM THE OUTCOME and thus sending out the energy to the world that you already have it. Think, feel, and act like you’ve already made it and the universe will say “Your wish is my command.”

For me, that meant acting like I was more valuable as an individual – acting like a $500 a day earner instead of a $150 a day earner (no more reality TV marathons!) and acting like a thin and fit woman instead of a slightly overweight and sometimes lazy woman (goodbye Ranch Doritos!). Honestly, in the two weeks since I put down the book, things have started changing. And I think it really comes down to that one concept.
Check out the Harmonic Wealth site and link to the book: harmonicwealth.com/read

Have a great weekend, everyone!
a James Ray Enthusiast!
komodo dragon

Jun 07 08, 12:08 pm PDT

49
well well well, i can certainty relate. procrastination is the mother of all my flaws… this is an insightful post. we must stop and think whats better for the future and not the moment
sunRises

Jun 07 08, 8:42 pm PDT

50
Another fantastic post!
“JUST DO IT.” Oh well, I think I can relate on that. Last vacation, I decided to make my whole time worthful. I commited my self to do several things like cleaning my room, arranging my cabinet, disposing unwanted things, sorting books and others. I, too, had several excuses until I realized that it is only 1 week away from “back to school fever”. I begun cramming and rushing to get finished. At the end, I only accomplished one thing… sorting books… :-(
Mary@GoodlifeZen

Jun 08 08, 4:22 am PDT

51
Great post, Tina!

I love your comprehensive list on how to avoid procrastination.
At the same time I think it’s important to be kind to ourselves. My procrastination is nearly always fueled by fear. So, I fare better if I treat myself with kindness and understanding. I cajole, I encourage, I offer rewards, I beg…that’s how I get myself to do the difficult stuff.

cheers
Mary
Foodguy

Jun 09 08, 10:08 am PDT

52
Hi Tina,

Great post. I agree with your last suggestion of writing down your To Do list and placing it somewhere it can not hide from you :-) Hanging a “white board” directly above my computer monitor works for me. Reading this post and everyone else’s comments has inspired me to go home tonight and reduce my To Do list! Thanks for the reminder!
Life Articles

Jun 10 08, 8:58 pm PDT

53
This has happened numerous times to me. There were online projects I had started and quit in half because of procrastination. It was definitely a loss. Today I manage a journal for everything and make sure someone is watching me so I finish my jobs on time. One of them is my wife.
Poems

Jun 12 08, 6:26 am PDT

54
Hi, again. The post is so comprehensive being at the same time soooo interesting. Your tips can help, I \m even sure, they will help. Putting things off is my ‘disease, addiction’, I gave up to struggle against but now I ‘m going to have a try again. Think thanks to your post I will win!!! Thanks! Thanks!
Daniel Edlen

Jun 20 08, 10:13 am PDT

55
Great stuff from Covey, begin with the end in mind and expand what you focus on. It’s gratifying when it all comes together. That’s the reason to do what you know future-you will be happy now-you has done.

Peace.
judy haley

Jun 26 08, 8:09 pm PDT

56
this is an excellent post. I’m going to put this into practice.
Deming

Jun 27 08, 5:50 pm PDT

57
I really needed this! I also know many other people who need to check this out! I’m going to study and practice this like it’s my religion! Thank you!
Deming

Jun 27 08, 6:00 pm PDT

58
I for some reason couldn’t stop actually procrastinating. So I tried to instead of focusing on “Just do it!” attitude I’ve focused on what I do which stops me from getting things done. I then try to combined these things with my goals or objectives. For example, I have doing my assignments and can’t seem to focus on them at home because I have endless personal distractions and endless comfort. I also find that if I have no time limit set on my goals, there is no need to ever complete. So I charge my laptop, go to Starbucks and do my assignment with a cup of coffee and it works! Because my battery will eventually die, I have a since of urgency to make progress. Thanks for your tips as well!
Eugene Williams | Power of Motivation BLOG

Jun 30 08, 12:27 pm PDT

59
Simply – thought provoking stuff!

Your miraculous words just made my day:
“Stop thinking. Just do it.
Life is as hard or as easy as we make it”

Thank you so much.
Chris

Jul 07 08, 9:09 am PDT

60
Great post. I’m a big procrastinator, and I’ve found that I really need to commit to a process to get things done. I’ve found 2 processes that work for me.

One’s a hardcore 30 day productivity challenge – basically in everything I do, I ask myself if it’s the most productive thing I could be doing right now. It means no TV (except educational channels such as the discovery channel, the history channel etc.), no surfing the internet – if i’m on the computer, I am doing something productive. When I need a break, I listen or watch motivational tapes/videos – like Eckhart Tolle, Tony Robbins, David Deida, any one of a few dozen motivational ‘gurus’.

The second method is a little easier. I pick one thing that I want to get completely, absolutely handled and I focus on it for a month. If I want to learn a new sport for example, I make a commitment that I’m going to practice twice a week – let’s say every monday and wednesday. It becomes the thing I focus on the most, and I will not miss those days. If I’m sick, I still go. Maybe I won’t be able to play well, or if I’m really sick maybe I’ll have to sit on the sidelines. But I go. If I’m exhausted, I go. If my boss wants me to work late, I say no and I go. It’s about developing that habit. After the first month, I relax with it, but if I find myself starting to skip more of these evenings than I should, then it goes back on my list for the next month. After 6-12 months of focusing on different areas in life, you won’t even recognise yourself.

I go into more detail on my blog post here:

http://www.inmindmotion.com/BlogView.aspx?pageid=4&ItemID=6&mid=7

Cheers!

Chris
Tom Stine | Spiritual Life Coach

Jul 30 08, 7:03 pm PDT

61
The Cure: Stop thinking. Just do it.

Truer words were never spoken.

A spiritual guy that I really like said that if you get into action, you can always correct any mistakes that you make. However, if you sit and do nothing, you can’t change anything. You are simply stuck.
J.D. Meier

Aug 22 08, 6:24 pm PDT

62
As simple as it sounds, I’ve found that scheduling stuff makes it happen.
Oleg Mokhov

Oct 19 09, 12:04 pm PDT

63
“The gap between ignorance and knowledge is much less than the gap between knowledge and action.” -A wise person

Hey Tina,

Just do it.

If something is really important to you, it won’t get accomplished by not doing it. So just do it. The sooner you start the faster you’ll get your desired results.

The easiest way to start is to choose one task that is the most important. What’s the one thing that’ll give you maximum results? Only focus on that one task and just do it.

Once you start, you’ll get momentum, and it’ll be easy to keep going. Plus, because you focused on the most important task, you’ll get maximum results from it too.

I wrote about this – how you should just do it, and the sooner you start the faster you’ll get results (hope the link isn’t spammy – just thought it’s relevant to the topic).

Thanks for sharing your other great tips for eliminating procrastination and getting what we need done so we can achieve what we want faster,
Oleg
reyapot

Oct 21 09, 1:40 am PDT

64
nice blog you got here :-) and this is a very informative post… i was able to relate with it… i’m kind of being in the state of putting-things-off (wel, actually my bestfriend told me that I was, hehehe…)

i took note of “the cure”, for sure it’ll help me “move on”

i hope u can visit my blog too, see u!
shabbarsuterwala

May 18 10, 5:20 am PDT

65
procrastination is one of the greatest challenges.. face it to make it..thanks for sharing this inspirational article

regards
Shabbar
MissMikele

May 20 10, 5:06 am PDT

66
Tina this is great and just what I needed right now! I think a big thing that will help me will be the language. I don’t HAVE to clean or I get to clean so my house will be comfy and open enough to find things, clear my head and have plenty of people come over and enjoy it with me. I think putting a positive spin on my usual to do lists will definitely help me get things done so much faster than usual!

Thank you!
A Me
Mar 28 12, 7:59 am PDT

67
I love your concept of the “story” we create – it really resonates! Thank you – I think this is going to change my life!

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Think Simple Now. Happiness and Happy Life

The Panacea for Putting Things Off

A Few Observations

The Cure

The System: Cure Expanded

More Tips to Beat Putting-Things-Off

Parting Words

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