I read a lot about procrastination, I tried the systems and tips, they worked for a while. Then it was always back to procrastination.
The best technique that works for me was from an article I read months ago. Researchers did a test where they formulated the same project as such that the subjects either thought about the project in a abstract form or in a practical form.
The conclusion was when people think abstract, they tend to procrastinate and when think in practical terms and steps they didn't.
I think this resonates with me. The moment when Im thinking in abstract forms I begin to procrastinate.
Okay knowing this.. Now use a formula wich works for me..
although of course you have to put some determination and investment in the follow trough. But it is going to work.
1. First think abstractly about what is exactly needed and what is exactly needed to be done for the project to be accomplished. Don't be too perfectionistic. But do determine what EXACTLY needs to be done to make this project mission accomplished. Take your time for this! This is the only time that you can think about this.
2. Write down the practical steps.
(maybe think about it again if these steps exactly are good to complete the project)
3. Determine the time when you are exactly done with this and consider and write down the implications if you DON'T follow trough with it.
4. Follow the steps that you have determined previously, and follow trough!
Of course this is the hardest part.. But knowing the enemy and trying to consciously to recognize when you are thinking abstractly again.
Don't be perfectionistic, and think heyy its better if I change what I thought about and do it this way or add this..
Here also it goes wrong a LOT of times. PERFECTION.. is one of the reasons of procrastinations I read years ago, I believe this is true.
You know the project is accepted, doing the steps you have determined! A good enough project is what is best! fuck perfection or better then good enough, seriously..
So knowing your demon, is making it a lot easier to use force to follow trough on the previous determined steps while also reading and knowing the implications of when you blindly follow these feelings of abstract thinking.
It is also fun because you in the beginning try to consciously recognize when you are going to think abstractly again and second guessing what you predetermined! it is going to happen!!
Don't get mad at yourself when this happens but accept this.. and consiously recognize these feelings. Maybe take a break, and think about the
implications of thinking about another plan or adding something. at this part of the project. (you already wrote this down)
Then start again, dont be mad at your perfectionistic abstract thinking demon,,,bc you now know him.. and cause of his genious it is easy to work trough his predetermined steps..
It is not going to be easy! But it is really going to work, and with a lot less stress! You can do it, it works for me!
Please try it, and be strong bc you will get derailed a couple of times, that doesnt matter..but continue.
If for some reason you find it impossible and constantly are distracted and doing something else. set an alarm every 10 minutes. To remind you if what you are doing u are really should be doing? Or better use
http://lifehacker.com/5163488/procrastination-killer-times-your-short+burst-work-dashes
I hope u try it and it works for u too?
