all good things take time

Here is an inspiring quote for you this morning:

"Procrastination is like Masturbation; In the end you're just screwing yourself."



Best,
Shane

Myself as well. Wondering how you can vacuum a swimming pool? Did you empty it first, or there is a filter which does this and is called a "vacuum"?

Hi Allen

I sympathise - been feeling like that the last few days - my excuse has been a bout of flu.

Go back to basics and divide the tasks into bite-size chunks. Maybe go to the grocery store first and get it out of the way - you need to eat today to keep your strength up.

Review x number of articles and take a mini break. Then write x number of niche articles and have another mini break.

Now you've achieved something, go and clean the pool, then come back and finish the other half of the tasks.

As we also keep getting told 'Just do something!'

Mary

Just be grateful you have a pool to vacuum! Heh heh! It's autumn way up here in Montreal, and my pool is all closed up... *sigh* When's summer??

Try the 'gimme 5 or gimme a reason' method (which works well with exercise): get working. If you're still not into it after 5 minutes, stop and figure out what's going on (are you overworked, unfocused, etc. -- is there a reason?)

But usually, after 5 minutes, you'll get into your groove.

Suzanne

Suzanne,

It's supposed to reach 90 degrees F today. I'm giving it one last good cleaning before we close our pool in, like January, LOL.

Thanks yáll for the feedback. I am going to get started on some things now.

I like the mini-break idea too. Maybe I'll play the kids' Wii in between!

Allen

p.s. Mary - I hope you're feeling better!

Make a short list of things you need to do.
Pick relatively easy task
Do nothing else until task is complete
Cross the task off your list with that satisfying sweep of the pen

At this point you'll hopefully have forward momentum and will be inspired to cross more things off your list.

For longer tasks/projects I use a timer and work for 40 minute blocks.

I'm feeling the same....after all, I'm reading this aren't I?? Should have been well into the work by now but feel like going to get a coffee instead.

Sometimes though, I think it is good to listen to your body and take it slow. Last week I had a visitor and didn't want to stop working to show him around for a few days, but man did I realise how much I needed the break. Worhaholism needed an intervention.
brent

1. Redbull
Actually something healthier that will give you energy.

2. Chunk your tasks
Overwhelm can set in if you look at a mountain. If you look at the next level up it doesn't seem so bad. Just do one at a time with a proper break in between.

3. Reward yourself at each task done.
Give yourself some treat when you complete a task. A starbucks, a steak, perhaps tell yourself you'll order that toy you've wanted at the end of the day if you get the stuff done.

4. Farm it out: Like doing the pool? Great, do it. Hate it? Then get some kid from Craigslist to come over and do it while you order that toy you've wanted. You can be selfish at times and spend a few $$.

5. Make it fun.
Find a way to make each task a joy. Hire a knock out escort to go shopping with you. ( just kidding ) Make each task fun in some way. Write on your laptop while in the hot tub, ,,,etc.

Other ideas?