If there was a prize for procrastinating I would surely win it. I have thought a lot about this blog over the last few months, but have I actually updated it? Of course not. That would involve the uncomfortable task of having to order my thoughts, decide what to write about and write it. That’s before I’ve even started battling with WordPress or finding a photo to go with the post. In my defence, I have been doing actual work work. But I have doubtless frittered away time when I could have been writing posts or, you know, a novel.
Here’s what I’ve mainly been doing instead:
Making tea. Lots of tea
I only ever make a single cup at a time, so every time the itch to do something which isn’t what I should be doing strikes, I have to get up and boil the kettle, and wait for the tea to brew. I can then often get sidetracked with something else only to find my tea is now cold and so I have to make a new cup. Cycle begins again. Although with winter now upon us in Australia I am switching up the endless cups of tea with the occasional hot Ribena. It’s not helping the procrastination though.
Listening to podcasts (usually about productivity)
Podcasts are great and they can encourage me to get on with boring tasks like the washing up, but they can also enable a fair amount of procrastination. So instead of getting on with the task at hand – first let’s listen to a podcast about procrastination (iProcrastinate) or writing a blog/novel (So you want to be a writer).
Checking Facebook (for what I don’t know)
I have deleted the Facebook app from my phone, so I have to type in the web address to get my fix, yet still I feel myself staring at the newsfeed more times a day than I would care to admit. It is not enriching. It is merely a habit. A habit that wastes so much time, but is so hard to stop.
Starting to-do lists
I have lists everywhere. I love making a list, especially if it’s in a shiny new notebook or a shiny new app. Consequently, I have notebooks and apps full of little lists and absolutely no idea what is in any of them. This makes me anxious. Instead of taking the time to get a proper note system going, I tend to start a new list in a new book/app. My latest research/procrastination jaunt was into the bullet journal system. Lasted a day. I now need a new notebook.
Reading the Mail Online
This is the most shameful and wasteful habit of all, yet the most pervasive. I never read anything of interest on this site, yet I am constantly drawn to it. I subscribed to several quality newspapers so if I find myself reading to procrastinate, at least it’s decent stuff. But no; I still find myself drawn back to the Mail Online. I will not link to it. You do not need to go down that rabbit hole.
So there you have it. I wonder if seeing it in black and white might snap me out of some of these wasteful ways. Somehow I doubt it.
Do you procrastinate? Which tasks do you always put off? Are you a reformed procrastinator? Tell me your secrets!
Are you serious about beating procrastination? I’ve been struggling with mine for the last 8 years and read countless books and self help methods. Here is what I’m having best results with. First of all, procrastination bulldozer method has worked wonders for me. I highly recommend you apply it. Secondly, whenever you have a task that takes less than 5 minutes to do, do it right away. No delays. I’m really starting to take control of my life now. Don’t give up!
Oh well done, Lia. That’s so encouraging to hear. I will investigate the bulldozer method.
Thanks for reading and for the advice x
I’m with you on Facebook, spend time scrolling through posts and often wonder why – possibly I’m nosier think I think I am! I spend a lot of time on Instagram, but that’s not procrastination as it brings so much pleasure! 😉 Enjoy your tea! x
Facebook is the worst for encouraging mindless scrolling, I think, Carol. I do find interesting articles on there (like this one, of course!) but there’s a lot of nonsense too. And yes, Instagram is essential – not procrastination! x
This post really made me smile, thank you! I am procrastinating rigth now. Putting off the housework,. Maybe you should try one of those apps that locks you out of Facebook for an hour. And buy a teapot, a thermos!
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A thermos is a great idea Pauline! But then I fear I’d be constantly in the biscuit tin, instead. Anything except sitting at my desk. I always procrastinate about the housework. Listening to a podcast makes it more bearable for me. Good luck and thank you for reading 🙂
I always bribe myself with tasks that I will enjoy to get an unwanted task completed. So I will say to myself, “if I can get this blog drafted in 30 mins, I’ll make my cup of tea”. It usually works well for me!
Love that idea, Ashley! I need to be much more disciplined. I’m so easily distracted!
This made me laugh – whenever something from the Daily Fail pops up in my newsfeed on Facebook, I always seem to follow the link, if only to read it then get cross and rant about it to John. My phone is a major source of procrastination. If I don’t fancy doing whatever I’m meant to be doing, then I just start scrolling through facebook or IG and then, oh dear, that’s half an hour gone…
Can’t tell you how much better I feel knowing someone as industrious as you, Gillian, also succumbs to the Daily Fail! I’m the same on my phone too, particularly if there is washing-up to do x
I’m a major procrastinator, so I can relate. I laughed out loud at deleting the FB app from the phone! You know why lol. What Ashley said sounds like a great idea. I must try that 🙂 xo
Facebook is one of the worst, Yuko! I’ve joined a few Facebook groups, which are really fun, but oh my goodness! Such a time suck! I wrote a big to-do list last night and then a little do-not list underneath – Not Facebook was at the top. Good luck with the procrastinating – although a little procrastination is part of the creative process, I reckon…
This was as if it was written by me! The reason that I’m reading your blog, is because I was on one of my many
Facebook trawls. I have so much to do on the current to-do list that I can see, but before I start I think that I’ll just make another cuppa!