- “This is too boring, I’ll do it later.”
- “I need more information, then I’ll get to it.”
- “It won’t be good enough, so why start?”
- “I’m completely overwhelmed by everything I have to do, so I won’t do anything.”
- “I think I need a nap, (a snack, a trip to the store, to go to the bathroom).”
- “I’ll do it tomorrow, when I’m feeling more refreshed.”
- “I’ll start it next week, when I have more time.”
- “It will take too long, so I can’t start now.”
- “I’m feeling a little sick right now, but I’ll do it later.”
Stay tuned for more,
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2 comments:
With the possible exception of the "I feel sick" choice, I use them all: "I am so overwhelmed by all the undone and tedious tasks I have to do, and I probably won't do them well enough anyway, so I might as well wait until I have more time and just take a nap right now!"
It is actually interesting to see these choices (aka "excuses") spelled out, because it somehow makes it easier to find the holes in them. The task at hand is not going to get less boring, I won't magically have more data at a later time (unless I get busy and research it), letting another chore be added to the "to-do" list is not going to make it feel less overwhelming, etc. So thanks for that!
Lately I have been using a timer as an anti-procrastination tool. If it is something tedious or unpleasant, I set the timer for ten minutes. I can do anything for ten minutes -- and sometimes I get into the project enough that I continue on to the end. If not, at least I have accomplished something. This works at home for exercise, housecleaning, and weeding the garden, and at work for filing, returning calls, reading documents, etc.
Love your emails, and wish you all the best!
I have to forward your email to a close friend who is Mr. Procrastinator himself. You could be his best solution if he follows your advise. Thanks!
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