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Starting a Task and Procrastination

by pbjay
14 replies
20 years ago when I worked in a factory, we started work when the bell rang at 8.30, took lunch brake when the bell rang again etc etc. These days I am in control of when i work and that's my major issue.

I am good at coming up with ToDo list, prioritizing etc etc but when I need to do the most important task on the ToDo list I do not do it. What I have found out is that if some how I start then I will get it done so concentration or completion of the task is not the issue for me, its just starting

I wish their was some one standing back and firing a starter pistol and I start working on my most important task and nothing else.

I have talked to others and all of them are like "just do it" but its not that easy , for me its like my hands a tied so i cant do that task but any thing else i can.

any one else have issues like this and any times on solving it.
#procrastination #starting #task
  • Profile picture of the author zannix
    Hi pbjay,

    Believe me, I hear every word you're saying.

    I was in the same position, and I absolutely had to do something about it!

    I searched the internet, I asked people how they do it, I thought really hard... but I just couldn't think of a way to motivate myself.

    However, recently I have found a GREAT way to motivate myself, and so far it has worked EVERY TIME!

    I don't know if it's only me, and whether it will work for anyone else because I've never shared it with anyone else (up until now).

    - Ok, so how do I do it?

    First, think of someone who really REALLY inspires you. Someone who does things quick and without hesitation. Someone who would rather DIE than to be called a procrastinator. It can be anyone, dead or alive, anyone who really inspires you!

    For me, it was Anthony Robbins (a great guy!)

    Secondly, ask yourself this set of questions in your mind: "CAN me and [The person who inspires you] really do this? Is this too hard to do for me and [The person who inspires you]? Will we (you and the person who inspires you) really just give up on this?! Are we gonna allow this **** to BREAK US!!?

    All the time, while you're asking these questions, think of the person who inspires you IN ACTION. Picture them in their full STRENGTH and DETERMINATION. Picture yourself by their side.

    Feel the unity between the two of you. That person inspires you. That's who you really want to be. It's your perfect self! Fell the unity, and feel yourself having the same feelings about those questions as the person who inspires you! IMAGINE YOU'RE A TEAM! Are you going to let your team-mate down, or are you gonna GET UP and CRUSH that **** to pieces!!?

    This pumps such an emotional charge into my body that there's no way I'm letting the task get away. I'm on it! There's nothing that can stop me from completing the task! It's DONE!

    I sincerely hope this technique will help you. As I said, I never told it to anyone, up until now. Please let me know if this works for you!

    Kind Regards,
    Zannix
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Z
    The best way I have found to get started on the things you put off is to schedule it. When you create your schedule write it on from X:00am to X:00am you will be working on a specific task. I've found that giving myself an exact schedule for something is a great way to get started. If after doing that you still don't start the project then it's time to put it aside and start on something else.
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  • Profile picture of the author mgreener
    Hi,

    Another way to motivate yourself is to imagine where you will be if you don't do the specific task. Close your eyes and really see yourself a month, a year, 10 years down the road without having accomplished whatever it is that you want to accomplish.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daymon
    I can understand you man, I suggest keeping goals in front of u all the time and thinking about why and what u want to achieve. When I am down I pull up photo of my wife and son and it inspires me
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Freeman
      Banned
      Try listening to some pumped up music like techno or bass..It really really helps put me off procrastination!
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  • Profile picture of the author anthonywaldrop
    great share
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  • Profile picture of the author pbjay
    Its been 10 days since I posted the original question. Few things I have found

    1. Get up early and work, I go to bed at 8 pm and get up at 4 am (I found my self I am best 4.30 to 10.30 AM)
    2. Meditate (just sit quite for 10 min before you start)
    3. Note down what other stuff you are doing with out starting on your most important task (for me, checking cnn.com , espn.com , facebook) and try to block them best you can


    I will say I am only 20% their , still not 100%. I wish their was a guy behind me with a wip like what they did when they built the pyramids.
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  • Profile picture of the author AdWordsUzmani
    Here is a great book for this "Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracy.
    watch this on youtube watch?v=0W7GB5Fh2XM
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    • Profile picture of the author D Alishouse
      You're on the right path by getting up early and getting started. One of the biggest obstacles most people face with self-motivation is determining what time of day is their most productive. For instance, I like to get started at around 6:00am. I know other highly productive people who do their best work after 9:00pm.

      Something else that can be a difficult hurdle when you are the master of your own destiny is expectations from others (friends, family) who know that you control your schedule. Not answering personal social messages during your scheduled work time is a good exercise to try.

      Also, try to remember that even though all of the motivation has to come from you, all of the rewards are returned to you as well. In the end success can be a very good motivator.
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    • Profile picture of the author dunkinbbb
      Hi:

      A few thoughts:

      Pearson's Law - the concept that "what is measured improves. What is measured and fed back improves exponentially."

      Keep a time log daily in 30 (?) minute blocks and just honestly record what you have been spending your time on. I think you'll be surprised how much time is spent on non-productive activity.

      There is a software program - Action Enforcer - I think its available in the War Room - that fits in well with the concept that work expands to the time allotted to it. - Parkinson's Law - and its inverse - the power of deadlines - also address the concept of "perfect is the enemy of good enough" Thinking the project has to be perfect can stop one from taking action in the first place.

      There is also the concept of a "committed listener" - or coach - just someone who's opinion you respect - who's approval you desire - and make public your promises of action for them to see and monitor. Just the fact that you know you will have to report back is quite motivating.

      Motivation - it seems like the most powerful motivator is fear of punishment rather than hope of reward. Behavioral economics has shown that people will do more to prevent a loss than receive a gain of equal amount.

      So set up a structure that reinforces what is already in place - human nature.

      Lastly, there is the concept of "chunking it down. Taking a big project - cleaning your office - and breaking it down into smaller tasks - clean desk, organize bookshelf, etc. and immediately taking action on one smaller item to build some momentum - and get the buzz that comes from checking off an item on your todo list.

      Hope this helps,

      best,

      dunkinbbb
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  • Profile picture of the author Jarrod
    zannix, great tip! I have found that to help me as well. My Granddad is the hardest working man I know, and the one more than anyone else I've ever seen that cannot be described as a procrastinator. When I find myself procrastinating, I think of him, imagine he's next to me, see him working on the project, then do that work myself.

    pbjay, great three tips you came back with too! Hope they continue working for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author perfectlovehere
    Set your major goals, know why you want to achieve them, then develop a plan of how to achieve it. Every day do 1 step of that plan even if it's tiny.
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  • Profile picture of the author ralchevd
    I just make sure to finish my job when I feel inspired. It takes 100% less time and the quality of your work is prolly 100% better when you feel inspired about the job.
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    • Profile picture of the author jmdw99
      Maybe you can use an online tool like focus booster. You already know you complete tasks once started and probably have a pretty good idea how long it will take. During your peak hours decide what task you will be doing. Set focus booster.

      The ticking in the background should tune you into working. Then the bell rings to let you know when to quit. It works for me while writing the same way interval training does when working out. I know no matter how much I'm hurting, the bell will ring and time will be up. You don't have to do anything but focus on the task at hand.
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