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Productivity for procrastinators

26 replies

AlexaShutUp · 31/12/2021 12:49

I have a lifelong problem with procrastination. I strongly suspect adhd but have forever procrastinated about seeking a diagnosis. I have so many plans and aspirations about what I want to achieve, but I really struggle to get started and to see it through.

Please would you share your top tips for getting stuff done? If you're a serial procrastinator, is there anything you've found that has helped you? Any apps that help to keep you on track? Please share your tips so that I can finally kick the habit that has been holding me back for as long as I can remember.

(I know that I will probably lots of advice about seeking a diagnosis for adhd, and I fully intend to do that, but I need some tips to help me achieve that, along with everything else... otherwise it will just get put off again and again like everything else.)

OP posts:
AlexaShutUp · 31/12/2021 13:08

Anyone?

OP posts:
altforvarmt · 31/12/2021 13:12

An app called FocusList that uses the pomodoro technique. It chunks time into 25 minutes of focusing, then a 5 minute break.

It stops me going "I'll start at 10..." ... "Oops, I missed it, I'll start at 11.." all day.

BigGreen · 31/12/2021 13:14

Sorry, I'm a serial procrastinator too so no tips!

I've realised it's a protective mechanism in my case, I think related to fear of failure. I should go back to my perfectionism workbook!!!

I'm not sure organisational tips really work for me, when it's more about emotions. Happy 2022, I'm so behind in work I could do with a productive year.

AlexaShutUp · 31/12/2021 13:28

@BigGreen

Sorry, I'm a serial procrastinator too so no tips!

I've realised it's a protective mechanism in my case, I think related to fear of failure. I should go back to my perfectionism workbook!!!

I'm not sure organisational tips really work for me, when it's more about emotions. Happy 2022, I'm so behind in work I could do with a productive year.

Interesting perspective. I also struggle with perfectionism and fear of failure. However, my biggest problem is just getting started.

I'll check out FocusList @altforvarmt. Thanks for the suggestion.

OP posts:
StrangerThanSpring · 31/12/2021 13:35

Setting challenges such as I'll pick up 3 things up from the floor and put them away or I'll wash 5 dishes. Smaller challenges are easier to get started on.

Another good way is to set a timer for however many minutes and just spend that time doing a task. Like 20 minutes folding and putting away washing.

I keep a whiteboard in my kitchen and write a checklist on it. It's easier if I have a checklist to focus on rather a neverending list in my head.

Setting smaller challenges like just picking 3 things from your to-do list to work on each day is more manageable. Today, I'm going to clean the toilet, sweep the steps and vacuum the living room. It gives you a greater sense of achievement that yo could finish your three things.

Giving yourself rewards. If I put the dishwasher on then I can watch something on Netflix.

Twinkleylight · 31/12/2021 13:43

Check this thread in chat on organisational tips: Organisational tips for 2022 please

Twinkleylight · 31/12/2021 13:47

And this thread:
Organised Christmas people - tips for next year!

Just copy and paste into the search box, I'm not able to link atm sorry.

AlexaShutUp · 31/12/2021 13:52

Thank you @StrangerThanSpring, I will try setting small manageable challenges.

@Twinkleylight, I'll check out those threads too, thank you.

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 31/12/2021 13:57

It will be partly emotional (fear of failure/success/rejection/or just fear of change), so work on that, ideally with a therapist. You may not need to dive deep into your psyche, lots of people have success reframing their thinking with eg CBT.

3 principles:

  • Keep it simple. There is a whole productivity industry out there, coming up with fancy ideas to grab your money. Plus, lots of people who are interested in productivity love complex systems. Complexity will exhaust you - you need systems that are simple, visual, with minimal friction (friction = anything getting in the way of you getting stuff done).
  1. More than one or two priorities is no way priority at all. Decide what your key goal for the year is, and focus on that. Figure out what habits/behaviours you need to change to get there, and work on one a month. I know you want to do loads of things, but if you try, you will fail.
  1. No one can do more than 3 to 5 high intensity hours of work each day. It’s this work that will most likely get you where you want to go. So, start with blocking out 3 hours per day, in two 1.5 hour blocks, divided into 2 x 25 minute sessions, with 5 min mini breaks btwn then, as PP suggests. You can either have a 20 min break between the two 1.5 hour blocks, or you can do them at completely different times of the day. During this time do not take calls, messages, meetings, answer emails, talk to anyone, look at SM or get up to make a sandwich. Put a note on your door or where headphones. If people interrupt you say you are in the middle and you will get back in X time.

Practical stuff:

  • Try a bullet journal for work, and personal stuff. NOT the fancy ones with future logs and habit trackers and fancy colouring systems, just a note of what you need to do each day. Matt Ragland is good on this so look him up.
  • Try the organised mum method at home
  • Try mini meditation. Meditation is really good for training you to bring your attention back when it drifts. Start with a 3 minute breathing space. (Google it). Start doing it first thing, and then work up to 5 times a day over the year.
  • Get some exercise. If you don’t have a habit of the gym or whatever of it walking is best. Work up to 45 mins a day over the year, starting w 5 mins and building up.
  • Get out in daylight (do some walking at lunch time).
  • Get into the habit of getting off social media. Buy a phone safe if you are crap at this.
  • Give yourself proper time off, you won’t succeed unless you do.
loloballlolo · 31/12/2021 13:59

Just do 1 minute of a task you've been putting off, then come back later and do 1-5 minutes more, repeat if you're still struggling. You'll find this helps get your brain in gear, subconsciously you are more than likely to continue because you have made that initial progress on the task! It works a dream!

Luredbyapomegranate · 31/12/2021 14:07

1 more thing -

On really bad days - write down the 3 things you have to do, say 1) write a report 2) write an agenda for a meeting and 3) some grouped admin tasks eg online shop, pay a bill, email your kids school

Write them down in a list of three then do 5 mins on each, then 10 mins on each, 15, 20, 25

On really bad days you may never get above 5 mins each, so just keep cycling that, taking a 5 min break every half hour, and a 20 min break every 1.5 hours. On better days, if you are building up time, and find 20 or 25 mins becomes too much, drop it down a bit.

AlexaShutUp · 31/12/2021 17:34

Thank you for your very insightful suggestions @Luredbyapomegranate. There are lots of good ideas there which I shall try.

@loloballlolo, thanks, I reckon even I can commit to doing something for one minute. I'll give it a go!

OP posts:
MastieMum · 31/12/2021 17:57

Just 5 minutes is ace and works for any task. You set the timer and do 5 minutes of activity on whatever you're procrastinating about. That's all. Then you can stop.

You get much more done in 5 minutes than you think. I use this if I'm feeling too frazzled for pomodoro.

StrangerThanSpring · 31/12/2021 23:35

I really like the How to ADHD videos on YouTube. She has some really great ideas and is very kind and supportive.

www.youtube.com/c/HowtoADHD

MoFro · 01/01/2022 00:24

Great site called Focusmate that matches you online with. Live accountability partner to work with for a set time - great when working from home!

Haggisfish3 · 01/01/2022 00:27

I have a phone safe! Agree with very small and simple tasks.

Freddiefox · 01/01/2022 00:30

It’s who you are op, sorry but organising list isn’t going to work. It might for a day, or an hour. But not long term.

I’m the world biggest procrastinator, I drive myself insane with my lack of will power. But, it always gets done in the end. Might be a break neck speed and by the skin of my teeth. But it gets done.

I think for me, it’s working out why I’m such a procrastinator. What’s stopping me from getting up and being productive.

I thin partly it’s the long held belief that I can’t achieve, everybody else is better.. So why bother.

Haggisfish3 · 01/01/2022 00:48

I also think it’s partly how I work. And everything gets done In the end.

Rummikub · 01/01/2022 03:37

Made a note of that you tube channel. Thank you

HideRanger · 01/01/2022 07:10

Procrastination is a form of stage fright.

Get phobia treatment from a clinical psychologist specialising in brief therapy.

Egghead68 · 01/01/2022 07:14

@loloballlolo

Just do 1 minute of a task you've been putting off, then come back later and do 1-5 minutes more, repeat if you're still struggling. You'll find this helps get your brain in gear, subconsciously you are more than likely to continue because you have made that initial progress on the task! It works a dream!
This
pumpkinfan · 01/01/2022 07:41

We often procrastinate because we're overwhelmed. So with seeking an adhd diagnosis, your faces with quite a few steps (guessing at what these are) - finding out how, making a GP appt, filling in forms, etc etc. Write down the steps you need to do to achieve X and by breaking it down into smaller tasks that can be done separately it becomes less overwhelming and more doable. Your adhd brain will find these small tasks easier to focus on without getting distracted.

I write a weekly to do list. Then each evening write a daily one for the following day, using the weekly one as a guide. You can go as basic as you like. I actually write things like laundry and loading the dishwasher on. I would probably do them anyway but there's something about ticking them off a list that gives me purpose and structure.

For cleaning, or any activity really, keep what you need where you need it. If wiping down the coffee table involved walking into the kitchen, delving into different cupboards for cleaning spray and cloths, you're less likely to do it. Whereas if all you have to do is reach behind the sofa, or wherever, the task becomes smaller and simpler.

5 minute tidies like others have suggested. I do a similar thing with decluttering - every day I just deal with 5 items from whatever box or corner I'm organising or tidying. Much less overwhelming than doing the whole thing at once.

Cut down on phone use and social media, in my experience it just feeds adhd tendencies!

Personally I find that taking a decent fish oil supplement really helps.

Routine is key - I'm not great at this but where I do have it, it works.

Everything needs a home. Tidying becomes less scary when you know exactly what to do with every item in question.

I'm not diagnosed adhd but am as certain as I can be that I have it. So I'm no expert here. But these things work for me!

Burnshersmurfs · 01/01/2022 07:52

I have a website blocking app. You can set a timer on it which prevents you from unblocking until a set hour. This has been a huge help for me.

lljkk · 01/01/2022 08:06

DS is a master procrastinator - I admire him for it. He's very good at getting lots done under pressure. I collapse under pressure, no practice at it.

Routine helps I believe. DS does whatever he's told to do at work (routine & structure there).

anotherbrewplease · 01/01/2022 08:24

Thank you for this thread OP - not your intention, but have just cleaned up island in kitchen. It was a right mess and I had put off doing it for at least a month (can't remember when...)

It looks a lot better!!