31–40 of 67 posts
Kind of painful to read such an accurate account of my own psychological failings while currently carrying out such failings (procrastinating by reading this article)
It's the most accurate and empathetic description I've read.
Labels are dangerous, and labelling yourself as a procrastinator will just make you even less likely to do the work you need to do. I think I get a lot of work done (solo game dev on my own), but I also re-organise my task list about every week too, does that make me a procrastinator? If I get stuck on a hard problem, I'll often browse the internet mindlessly, then come back and solve it. Does that make me a procrast…
> I think I get a lot of work done (solo game dev on my own), but I also re-organise my task list about every week too, does that make me a procrastinator? If I get stuck on a hard problem, I'll often browse the internet mindlessly, then come back and solve it. Does that make me a procrastinator? If I take a week off, am I a procrastinator!? No, that behavior seems pretty rational, not like what is described in the a…
At the end of the day it seems a personal choice to me. Similar to people with drug problems, it might be harder or easier for certain people to get the willpower to do (or not do) certain things, but it's still under your control and up to you.
I don't see the point in arguing over what to call it and whether it's a problem. Either you do the work or you don't. Just do your work if you want the results.
Labels are dangerous, and labelling yourself as a procrastinator will just make you even less likely to do the work you need to do. I think I get a lot of work done (solo game dev on my own), but I also re-organise my task list about every week too, does that make me a procrastinator? If I get stuck on a hard problem, I'll often browse the internet mindlessly, then come back and solve it. Does that make me a procrast…
But the most effective thing that I've found is getting some piece of the work done. Maybe just a tiny piece. That puts me on an upward spiral, and so it's easier to get more done. And so on.
Labels are dangerous, and labelling yourself as a procrastinator will just make you even less likely to do the work you need to do. I think I get a lot of work done (solo game dev on my own), but I also re-organise my task list about every week too, does that make me a procrastinator? If I get stuck on a hard problem, I'll often browse the internet mindlessly, then come back and solve it. Does that make me a procrast…
I get what you say. Blaming oneself for procrastinating (or for anything else) for sure doesn't help. But awareness of the issue is essential. And doing something to address it. Exercise is always a good thing. Naps are good too. Or reading. Or ... But the most effective thing that I've found is getting some piece of the work done. Maybe just a tiny piece. That puts me on an upward spiral, and so it's easier to get m…
Can confirm from personal experience. If you manage to make yourself start working and get at least something done, it is a huge incentive to continue.
Labels are dangerous, and labelling yourself as a procrastinator will just make you even less likely to do the work you need to do. I think I get a lot of work done (solo game dev on my own), but I also re-organise my task list about every week too, does that make me a procrastinator? If I get stuck on a hard problem, I'll often browse the internet mindlessly, then come back and solve it. Does that make me a procrast…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> I think I get a lot of work done (solo game dev on my own), but I also re-organise my task list about every week too, does that make me a procrastinator? If I get stuck on a hard problem, I'll often browse the internet mindlessly, then come back and solve it. Does that make me a procrastinator? If I take a week off, am I a procrastinator!? No, that behavior seems pretty rational, not like what is described in the a…
Labeling or not, calling it a problem or not, I don't get your point. Are you saying that you cannot control yourself and it's not your fault that you didn't do all that work? At the end of the day it seems a personal choice to me. Similar to people with drug problems, it might be harder or easier for certain people to get the willpower to do (or not do) certain things, but it's still under your control and up to you…
Quote from the article: "As I tell people, to tell the chronic procrastinator to just do it would be like saying to a clinically depressed person, cheer up."
Earlier quoted context omitted.
To be fair, sometimes self-interest merely means bribing myself, like for instance with a new Macbook Pro in exchange for seeing a contract through to completion, or maybe an expensive bottle of whiskey. The self-efficacy portion is harder, but most of the failure of procrastinators is due to the self-created problem of not having enough time. Fortunately, focusing on increasing self-efficacy leads one to start makin…
Eh, I have pretty harsh clinical depression, so I only really see horrible conclusions. but, yeah, I have tried a few things. They only last up to a year before I conclude that it's not worth it. I sincerely apologize for this post (because I know you are trying to spread positivity & encouragement), but I think I offer a different perspective where these simple changes do not offer much help.
Your perspective adds value and insight to the conversation. We all learn from eachother..thank you for offering your perspective.
The fact you can try something for a year is a big win. Strategies I come up with to get motivated, focused and implement are usually good for a week at best. Keep on trying!
I am a remote worker and suffer from chronic procrastination. This is a great article but I believe procrastination is an addiction. At times I feel like a compulsive alcoholic who sneaks off to do fun things all day instead of working. I have procrastinated as a student and my entire career and have always gotten away with it. I've been rewarded with praise of my great work, higher paying positions, and bonuses. I f…
That's very interesting observation. That explains why procrastinators eventually get to things when they hit the rock bottom of tiredness and self loathing.
I am a remote worker and suffer from chronic procrastination. This is a great article but I believe procrastination is an addiction. At times I feel like a compulsive alcoholic who sneaks off to do fun things all day instead of working. I have procrastinated as a student and my entire career and have always gotten away with it. I've been rewarded with praise of my great work, higher paying positions, and bonuses. I f…