Daily Anti-Procrastination Accountability Thread

[Zulkraa]

@Some People! Suggested starting this thread for those of us that are queens & kings of procrastination!

It could be:

• Housework
• Uni/home work
• Paperwork
• Life admin
• Etc / anything you’ve been putting off!

It could 1 item or several things that need doing. I am hoping that this thread will hold me accountable for getting things done

 

[Lalla]

I've not answered the poll because in true procrastinator style, I'll come back to it later

My life is a study in procrastination. I can't even admit certain things I've put off for YEARS.

It all started when my dad died when I was 25. I think I rebelled against adulting and responsibility by relentlessly putting things off. And it's continued basically for 25 years (I'm now 50 and have 2 ardent procrastinator children - they are in their 20s. I told them 2 years ago to choose new furniture for their rooms. They still haven't 'got round to it')

My current main items are house/ garden. In the short term, I have guests coming next weekend. Between now and then I need to
Rake the garden
Jetwash and oil my decking
Buy new cushions and lights for the garden plus food, drinks etc
Jetwash my drive and paint the front steps
Plus clean my whole house
I was also considering redecorating my downstairs loo but realistically that won't happen!

I intended to start the above this weekend.
Needless to say I didn't.
So that list starts tomorrow (as ever!)

I will report back tomorrow with progress (or lack of!)

 

[RibenaBerry]

Oh I’m so glad it’s not just me who procrastinates! I think mine stems from overthinking everything and having difficulty making decisions because of anxiety, but also perfectionism - I often don’t do things until I feel certain I’m doing them “properly” even if that’s just cleaning things around the house

 

[oksobasically]

Love the idea of this thread!!
My favourite way to procrastinate is with writing out lists of what I need to do. I set up a Trello board and I think my main list view has maybe 11 separate lists cos separating them by type of to do list was a better use of my time than actually completing any of them.

I recently got diagnosed with ADHD and my medication and new coping mechanisms are definitely making it easier to get some of the longer/easier lists started but I'm also someone who doesn't want to do something unless I'm going to do it properly and thoroughly, so it's definitely still a challenge. It's odd that after so many years of so much procrastination, I always think the next to do list or the next weekend/monday/month I'll be different and find the answer to be consistently productive. I don't think I've had a day in my whole life where I have forgiven myself for not being that sort of person. I feel like I'm so busy procrastinating that I don't actually have any time where I'm 'allowed' to do nothing and relax. Do other procrastinators feel this way?!

Priorities this week for me that I'm going to be accountable on here with:
-finish a website that's it's been under maintenance since May, and almost totally completed in May - something about just finishing it that I'm hitting a wall on
-book flights visit a friend next month
-reply to an email I've been ignoring
-look up how complicated it is to redo bathroom flooring yourself

 

[Libbylulu]

Thanks for starting this thread. My procrastinating depends on my mental health. If I’m feeling low or lacking in confidence I can’t get motivated and I find it so difficult to actually do anything.

 

[prozacprincess]

I think I procrastinate with my own personal stuff because I’m the total opposite at work. It as if I get home and totally switch personalities. I’ve been needing to scan one document to send to the accountant for a week now, it’s just a few feet away from me right now, but instead I’m here telling you all about it

My to do list for the next week includes

Scan that bloody document
Pay a bill that I should have paid two weeks ago
Reply to numerous WhatsApp messages from friends and family, that I always think about replying to but then leave it till they fall out with me
Order a rabbit run extension
Plant the plants I recently bought rather than leaving them to die in the sun

Wish me luck

 

[Some People!]

All such relatable experiences!

I write endless lists too (absolutely love Google Keep for this!)

This week I need to:
* RSVP a wedding invite + email them (bleh!)
* Check on the plan for my mam's birthday and communicate with her about it
* Finish sanding the bureau I've stripped, order the wax I need, apply a couple of coats, and put the whole thing back together —I'll need to do a bit every day to get this done in time for the start of start of term.
* Do my morning walk every day - I've totally let this slip lately.
* Keep on top of the basic household upkeep stuff - I've got a massive week at work and I really just need to not let everything go totally to shit at home. Partially to shit, max.

We can totally do these things!! Let's go, procrastinators!!

@oksobasically I've laid every floor in my whole house, including the bathroom - you can almost certainly do it yourself! Let me know if I can help

 

[Some People!]

Classic bit of procrastination from me yesterday: did a big shop- went to Aldi, then Tesco, then got petrol. Got home almost 4 hours later tired and cross and £300+ lighter and just. couldn't. make. myself. put. it. all. away.

I managed to force myself to put away the frozen and fridge stuff and then just went and sat for a bit till I had to pick the kid up for 3.

After her swimming lesson we popped to Lidl to get the bits I could get at either Aldi or Tesco (!!!!!!) and, once again, having put away the couple of fridge/freezer bits I couldn't face the rest. Made dinner, sat about, and had an early night.

IT'S ALL. STILL. THERE. THIS MORNING!!!

Putting away shopping, esp a Big Shop is my absolute worst job. I do this every single month

 

[Some People!]

@oksobasically LOL, I'm definitely not a professional, and I totally relate to the phenomenon of a job taking sfm longer than anticipated and putting you off doing anything ever again!
I really, really like a self-adhesive floor tile and I get a really good finish with them, even if they're a bit cheaper (some large spaces have required a compromise on affordability!!), plus it's perfect for the bathroom.
Depending on what's there already (and what's underneath), it could/should be a really quick and satisfying job... Assuming you don't have a huge bathroom (a smaller space means you can spend a bit more too). Most vinyl tiles can be cut with scissors even (great for round pipes etc) and definitely with a Stanley knife, so no mad tools required. Finish with a bit of sealant round the edges, bosh!

@prozacprincess I'm the same with a hyper-organised work persona and a can't-get-shit-done home persona! I think I use up all my "effectiveness and productivity points" at work so once I try to get things done at home I'm just a useless lump and can't get started
I'm also exactly the same about messaging friends & family - I think I'm gonna start just replying when I see the message, even if it's not my best work, so I don't get into that situation so much.
I also tend to leave plants in trays and I feel so guilty!
Good luck! You can do it!

@Libbylulu I'm definitely the same where MH is concerned - when I'm not feeling my best, everything just seems impossible and then I get to feel extra shitty about that on top of everything else. I think the key is just starting. Any progress is progress

 

[Some People!]

I struggle with the action side, so someone said do 1 minute which sounded ridiculous at first, but once I’m there doing it the action makes me want to continue to maybe 5-10-20 minutes.

This is definitely it for me - just getting started is the hardest part! I do find the UFYH 20/10 or Pomodoro really liberating in terms of both starting and perfectionist tendencies.
Funnily enough "Action" is my word for the year - I have to remind myself regularly to *Just Start* and *Do Something*.

Ive been meaning to comment on this thread since it started

I do this a lot!

I can only survive by writing a list for everything including housework, meals, things for the kids, work etc. I use an app called evernote where I make checklists.

Lists are the only way I can get by and manage the bare minimum to keep things ticking over, and it does have to be the bare minimum because too much to do = overwhelm = cba.
I use Google Keep and have pinned lists called 'Morning' and 'Evening' which I tick off every day. I'll look like a right simpleton, but here's my 'Evening' list:
[] Dishwasher empty/load
[] Kitchen reset
[] Packed lunch?
[] Take pills
[] Check diary for tomorrow
[] Get clothes ready for the morning
[] Charge phone/ tablet/ watch/ tablet

... And i don't go to bed till it's all ticked off.

The 'Morning' one is longer and more complicated because that's mornings for you!

 

[Lalla]

I relate to much of what you've both said. I am a perfectionist and do and redo things until I'm satisfied (actually that's not true, I redo them until I get fed up and then look at them resentfully.

Washing windows is one of those. I do them. See a streak. Redo them. Another streak. Repeat 2-3 times til I give up and still see the streak.

I also can't do one thing at once, generally my brain is whirring with a million tasks. I don't write lists often, not l even for shopping so rely on remembering everything I need to do. I have a good memory but it makes life very stressful!

I'm currently procrastinating about making my bed (changed bedlinen today), washing up and several other tasks. I did at least put the bins out which is something!

 

[Some People!]

Spoiler: What I Got Done Last Week, by SomePeople, Aged 39 3/4

• RSVP a wedding invite + email them (bleh!) Still haven't gotten around to this
• Check on the plan for my mam's birthday and communicate with her about it Done!
• Finish sanding the bureau I've stripped, order the wax I need apply a couple of coats, and put the whole thing back together —I'll need to do a bit every day to get this done in time for the start of start of term. Still working on this - a couple of days of rain meant I couldn't do this (outside), but I'm getting there!
• Do my morning walk every day - I've totally let this slip lately. Managed to walk Monday-Friday this week! Would have done the weekend too, but things got in the way - I'm happy with just M-F as a baseline.
• Keep on top of the basic household upkeep stuff - I've got a massive week at work and I really just need to not let everything go totally to shit at home. Partially to shit, max. Yeah, I'll give myself this one - stuff was basically OK

OK, so 4 out of 5 isn't too bad?

How did everyone else get on with getting on last week?

What's your plans for next week?

This week I need to...

• RSVP that stupid wedding invite & email them
• Keep working on that stupid furniture
• Keep up with the morning walking - I'm nearly at my previous streak
• Sort out my floordrobe/ chairdrobe
• Get the family calendar up to date with working patterns, clubs, and life ready for term
• Once again, try to stay on top of home stuff a bit more - it's another big week

 

[Zulkraa]

Super good progress! You're my productivity inspo for the week

Seriously, having visitors causes me to discover stores of energy and motivation I didn't know I had!

Nothing like having overnight guests or visitors to kick start a good tidy up!

 

[shadowcat5]

My goal for this week is to ring the fucking dentist!!!!!!!

 

[Some People!]

Spoiler: What I did last week

My list from last week was:

• Rake the garden - partly done but covered in leaves so needs another go!
• Jetwash and oil my decking -jetwashed but didn't oil it
• Buy new cushions and lights for the garden plus food, drinks etc - done
• Jetwash my drive and paint the front steps - done
• Plus clean my whole house - done
• I was also considering redecorating my downstairs loo but realistically that won't happen! - despite expectations got this done too and put a new loo seat on

Clearly I need to have people round more often because it means I am massively more productive

This weeks tasks:
I have some super urgent work stuff which MUST be done by tomorrow and which I'll be working on late tonight
Oiling the decking
Raking the garden (both rolled over from last week)
I also need to send a couple of personal emails/ follow up on refunds not received etc

Super good progress! You're my productivity inspo for the week

Seriously, having visitors causes me to discover stores of energy and motivation I didn't know I had!

 

[Misbehaving]

Omg this is me to a t as well, I have the attention span of a gnat and silly me love to multi task so the house is just a jumble of left over items, things I've forgotten about or lost, or promises that I make to myself to can't hold myself to.
I'm also a hoarder, yesterday I gave my myself a kick up the bum, and did quite a lot, so of course today I felt exhausted and hardly did anything.
It's the pacing, I never get it quite right I'm either turbo charged or exhausted, I need balance, but after going through 2 very challenging years, I find that I have a backlog of things I didn't deal with, because I was just depressed.

Oh dear, coming up for air now and do generally feel better, but sometimes I look around and I feel like shit how did I let things get to this point?
The self blame used to be merciless but I've learnt to at least try to change that inner dialogue, and start to get some perspective, one day at a time, one room at a time and one job at a time, slowly easy does it.
What else can you do? I guess at least I'm not hiding away anymore, and finally facing up to things seems like less of a challenge.

 

[Rodneytrotter]

Ive been meaning to comment on this thread since it started

I've been a procrastinator since I was a little girl. My favourite quote is "Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow"!

I can only survive by writing a list for everything including housework, meals, things for the kids, work etc. I use an app called evernote where I make checklists.

My goal is to get up and get sorted every morning instead of lying on my bed thinking about how I should be getting ready.

 

[prozacprincess]

Well I achieved zero off my list today.

I somehow convinced myself that I needed to tidy up first, but that ended up taking me all day. Rather than just put something away I decide to completely reorganise things I do now have a wonderfully alphabetised wine fridge

Still not scanned that sodding document …. Maybe tomorrow

 

[iLoveMeSomeCanoles]

Spoiler: My list from a couple weeks ago

- ring up company about something Left it so long it sorted itself out lol!
- eBay listings - more than 3
- repot 3 succulents Ended up repotting ALL my succulents, incl. about 60 babies
- manicure Done, now removed so have to start again
- make pizza bases
- make pizza sauce
- clean bathroom
- work on future wage project(s)
- go through bank and credit card statements
- finish small cross stitch project
- laundry
- put clothes away
- varnish a plant pot I decorated a while ago
- take up a dress hem
- organise a cupboard

This week;

- eBay listings - I've sold a few things so feeling more encouraged
- manicure
- pedicure
- make pizza bases
- make pizza sauce
- make batch of pasta sauce
- clean bathroom
- work on future wage project(s)
- laundry
- put clothes away
- take up a dress hem
- go through a cupboard to find things to sell / donate to jumble sale
- start bedroom deep clean ready for Autumn/Winter
- keep eye on chilli plants and harvest and freeze any red ones!
- complete and enter all my puzzle Comps before deadlines

Not going to list too much this week.

 

[Lalla]

Thanks for this! I'm a dreadful procrastinator, except when the deadline turbobrain kicks in eg 7pm on 31st Jan to get the tax return in by midnight. I think it's a combination of perfectionism (see dsm iv for obsessive compulsive personality hahaha - not the same as ocd) , anticipatory anxiety /overwhelm and now the sheer bloody boredom of repeatedly doing the same tasks for 35 years. I did manage to defrost and reorganise the freezer yesterday, no idea what I actually went into the kitchen to do! A list of what I want to get done... I'll come back tomorrow with that. Probably.

I felt a sense of achievement one year when I did my tax return by middday on Jan 31st!

It's like Christmas presents, I never wrap til Christmas eve, and for years didn't start til 10, so was still wrapping at 3am (I don't buy lots of presents but I do fancy wrapping, plus my kids have about 30 small presents in their stockings). 2 years ago my Ex said he was sick of me being up all night, and sent me off to wrap at 6pm after an early dinner. I was finished by 10, it was amazing!

I have done nothing on my list apart from buy cushions. And set up a trap for fruit flies although that wasn't on the list, but was needed.