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Original poster

Procrastination

11 replies

Chimichangaz · 19/01/2015 22:22

Not sure if this is the right place, but it seems the most appropriate!

I seem to be either a real procrastinator, or badly organised or both. I don't think I'm lazy, I'm a single mum with a 13yo DS, working full time but unhappy in my (contracting) job. I took redundancy almost a year ago, had four months looking for another job then got a well paid contracting role with a very large local employer. However, I'm not enjoying it and have been looking for another job. The real problem is, I put off completing the application form until the last minute, then stress about whether I have time to complete it, it takes ages to do, the slightest problem throws me off. It's not just applications - I'm planning on a big holiday to celebrate my 50th at the end of the year and I cannot get myself sorted to do a list of who I'd like to invite, where to go, what to do etc. I've also intended to get into internet dating - but never get round to it.

If anyone's like me have you got any tips on how to get things done, in plenty of time? This really is driving me insane now!

OP posts:
superpoodle · 19/01/2015 22:29

I would write a list of everything you need done and aim to do, say, one thing per day.

sandgrown · 19/01/2015 22:32

I am just like you and could use some tips too. Always busy but feel I could be more organised and productive!

wobblebobblehat · 19/01/2015 22:38

The best thing that works for me is routine.

So, if you're looking for a job... Get in from work, have dinner, bung a load of washing on, tidy up a bit and then work on looking and applying for jobs. When you find a suitable job make a start on the application. You don't have to finish it. The next day, do a bit more and on and on and on until you submit the application. If you work on it every day it will become a habit. If you do it in bite size chunks it will be much easier. Just keep chipping away...

Original poster
Chimichangaz · 20/01/2015 22:39

Thanks for advice. wobble I can hear what you're saying with doing a bit every day, but I can't seem to do it! It seems like such a big job, that to get the job description out, compose my application etc seems like something that needs time to do that can't be broken down into chunks (I'm sure it can btw, it's just my head telling me it can't be done..), and so I leave it until I have a 'good' amount of time to do it.

I think the other thing is I just can't get my head round doing things in plenty of time - I always leave it as a last minute thing. On the (very) odd occasion I've done things in time, I feel quite smug, but there seems to be something about leaving things right up to the death (I'm often late for events too - not known for being early. Ever).

It looks like I need to change how I think about things....

OP posts:
bringmejoy2015 · 21/01/2015 07:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Chimichangaz · 21/01/2015 21:34

Thanks bring

In the spirit of not procrastinating any more I am just about to buy have bought the Kindle edition

Grin
OP posts:
bringmejoy2015 · 22/01/2015 09:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CosyDuvetBliss · 25/01/2015 10:04

One small step can change your life: the kaizen.method. robert maurer

Read it! You will thank me!

Mostlyjustaluker · 25/01/2015 16:13

I read something once about how to manage time and I have tried if a few times. Write down at the top of the page all the things you need to do eg, apply for job, organise party ect. Underneath each thing write, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30. Spent 5 mins max on the first thing and then cross out the 5, 5 mins next on the second, and 5 mins on third, then 10 mins on the first thing, 10 mins on the second and so on.

The idea behind it is as you have so little time you have to get on to it and make some progress and you stop when you still have things to do so want to go back and do more.

Original poster
Chimichangaz · 25/01/2015 22:28

Thanks cosy - I love things like that! I'm a big fan of self-help books - and we use the kaizen method at work.

Mostly that is such a good idea! It's like 'every journey starts with the first step' and 'the important thing is just to start'.

I did the quickest ever job application On Fri night as I had a friend coming to visit - so I wonder how successful it will be? In fact, the interview I've got on Weds came from me rushing to get the application in on time - I didn't do my normal 'perfectionist' approach- and yet I still got invited to interview.

Sometimes, 'good enough' is enough.

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