For me that happens when there are two or more nontrivial and longer-running tasks at the same time that have a certain level of uncertainty/difficulty associated with them. I can’t really focus on one because the other one is also in the back of my mind worrying me, so I procrastinate to avoid either.
Procrastinatory Doom Loops
141–150 of 290 posts
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#142I spent about a third of 2021 more or less consumed by this phenomenon. In my case it was triggered by job searching: I quit my existing position, intending to do a leisurely search over a few months... and then avoided nearly everything related to the job search for over four months. (While still experiencing a ton of stress as a result of constant anxiety and guilt about it.) Once I actually started, I landed an am…
Ugh I feel you, had same situation, except I can’t live with my gf due all the border closures and lockdowns so it was extra hard for me. You should consider yourself very lucky and privileged.
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#143>I do tasks on three timescales: they either get done immediately, after a shamefully massive delay, or not at all. There’s little in-between.
To anyone relating: that's an ADHD symptom.
It falls under the umbrella of Executive Dysfunction[1].
I have been beating myself up for it all my life, and turns out there are many things that work differently for people with ADHD - and many things that help (from medication[2] to social techniques, like body doubling[3]).
Here's how ADHD looks for me: https://romankogan.net/adhd/ -- if you find yourself scrolling and nodding, maybe get it checked it out, OK?
[1] https://romankogan.net/adhd/#Executive%20Dysfunction
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#144Usually, I solve this by making it the only thing on my list that day, and clearing as many hurdles as possible the day before. This can mean anything from preliminary googling to cleaning up my workspace and taking out the required tools. This means that on the fateful morning, it’s the first thing I do after making coffee. No checking emails, no small chores, just a shower, coffee and getting to work. I read somewh…
This is great advice, even if it sounds cliché and obvious. I like to say that you have to set yourself up for success. That is, make it as easy as possible for your task to actually be easier and more straightforward (i.e. get the other stuff out of the way the day before, clean up, mute your phone, empty your agenda, etc) It’s very common for us to do the exact opposite, and then we feel bad later because we failed…
The "how" isn't as obvious.
I try to get as far as possible without actually starting work. I'll get all the little things out of the way.
- Prepare clothes for the next day - Prepare a mug with a teabag, sugar and a spoon - Close tabs, launch the IDE, start the Docker containers - Gather the addresses, emails or phone numbers I need to call - Write a very short term to-do list to get the day started - Clear small unrelated tasks if needed (inbox triage, small errands etc)
It's very similar to mise en place when you're cooking. You take care of the small tasks first, so that the main task goes smoothly.
It's really effective. In fact, it's sometimes hard to snap out of it and do other things.
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#145I spent about a third of 2021 more or less consumed by this phenomenon. In my case it was triggered by job searching: I quit my existing position, intending to do a leisurely search over a few months... and then avoided nearly everything related to the job search for over four months. (While still experiencing a ton of stress as a result of constant anxiety and guilt about it.) Once I actually started, I landed an am…
This is interesting since it reminds me of the dynamic I have with my boyfriend as well. We seem to be opposites in this regard. I work better alone. Having someone else there, even if they aren't purposefully distracting me, just adds another tiny bit of awareness: Is he hungry? Is he bored? Does he want coffee? We haven't had lunch - should I cook? I should tidy. I feel like when there's a guest in my house I need…
> He sometimes likes coming over specifically to work. He says my focus on work during the day helps him focus and stop procrastinating, too. In the end, we compromise
FYI: That's an ADHD trait, and what you are describing is a common technique to combat executive dysfunction called body doubling[1].
One trait isn't an indication of anything, but a dozen could be; maybe show him this- I wrote up my experience here: https://romankogan.net/adhd
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#146I had this issue with my first software job right out of college. I was unproductive for weeks, just due to culture shock and (shamefully) malaise. The procrastination snowballed. Luckily a fellow engineer eventually noticed, sat down with me, and recognized exactly what was going on. In the kindest way possible, he sat down behind me and basically made me finally start my next project. He stayed there with me for th…
Eventually that person couldn't be standing behind you making sure you were doing your work and at that point how did you make sure you were being productive?
Not the person you replied to, but I've had similar experiences. Just having another perspective to compare to can help. If I've had a good experience, I can tell when I'm not there. That's often enough to close the gap.
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#147This is an oldie so many may already know it. But always relevant reading for my fellow procrastinators. Part 1: https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrasti... Part 2: https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/11/how-to-beat-procrastination.h... Bonus: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/03/procrastination-matrix.html Highly recommended! While I still procrastinate this understanding has helped me control my urge tememdou…
I found myself relating to these particular three articles a lot.
Then, last year, I have learned about ADHD - and, to my surprise, realized I'm a textbook example.
There are a lot of resources available for us, and ways to do things differently. If you relate to WaitButWhy, check this out:
And if you find yourself scrolling and relating - there's a good change your life will drastically change for the better when you get help for ADHD.
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#148>I do tasks on three timescales: they either get done immediately, after a shamefully massive delay, or not at all. There’s little in-between. To anyone relating: that's an ADHD symptom. It falls under the umbrella of Executive Dysfunction[1]. I have been beating myself up for it all my life, and turns out there are many things that work differently for people with ADHD - and many things that help (from medication[2]…
Good stuff. I have lived with ADHD as long as I remember. Going on and off prescriptions.
Adult ADHD has mostly revolved around depression/mood swing cycles of hyper focus and motivation (new interesting project/work, new job) and procrastination, lack of focus, and depression caused by that feeling of know I should be doing X but not being able to bring myself to.
I have some coping techniques and it isn't something I think about all the time. The worst thing about it is that while prescriptions are effective, they are not pleasant and the tolerance you build to them is even worse. I try to balance them (threshold dosages, only using when I really need it) with other techniques.
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#149>I do tasks on three timescales: they either get done immediately, after a shamefully massive delay, or not at all. There’s little in-between. To anyone relating: that's an ADHD symptom. It falls under the umbrella of Executive Dysfunction[1]. I have been beating myself up for it all my life, and turns out there are many things that work differently for people with ADHD - and many things that help (from medication[2]…
Extra points if you beg yourself or a higher power to please let you start the task that "isn't even that hard".
Re: Procrastinatory Doom Loops
#150That's me. And still in the same loop after several ADHD medications; this makes me think that it's not something that can be solved by a pill. I hope I can solve this someday. My coping mechanism is to never commit to anything (outside work obligations).
That's me too; and I've also been diagnosed with ADHD last year.
Medication[2] does help me quite a bit, but it's not a silver bullet.
Have you tried Body Doubling[1]? It works wonders for me. The idea is working alongside others, when everyone is doing their own thing. There are online Zoom and Discord groups that facilitate it (look up Discord Study sessions; and also more at [1]).