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How to Avoid Procrastination
Distractions are everywhere; you only need open your eyes to see them. If you've got a pressing assignment for work or a sink full of dishes that just won't wash themselves, and you find it easy to simply wait until tomorrow or the next day or the day after that to get things done, you have a problem. To stop yourself from everyday procrastination, here are a few simple solutions that might help. First, as John Prine sang, blow up your TV. Television, especially half-hour sitcoms, provides an excellent way to kill time, as one show leads to another and another until you're watching Ron Popeil infomercials at 2 am. Next, rid your pantry of junk food. Eating potato chips directly from the bag has a narcotic effect that creates a trance-like state until the bag is empty and your lips are smeared with grease. Truly no one can eat just one. The problem procrastinators face is that once they've eliminated TWAs (Time Wasting Activities) they are often reluctant to move on to the Dreaded Activity they're avoiding. One trick, according to experts in the psychology of procrastination, is to build a bridge, or neutral, activity to facilitate the transition. Suggestions include taking a walk, meditating for focus or calling a trusted friend for support.
Do it yourself:
Some good old-fashioned therapy can be helpful in overcoming persistent procrastination. There are a variety of serious issues that chronic procrastination may be a symptom of. If you need to build up some support to interview potential therapists or to tackle your problem solo, look into the advice and shared community available at
www.procrastinationsupport.com
. That is, unless you've put off getting a computer and Internet service. But then you could still go to the library, unless something good is on TV.
