We’re all guilty of procrastination, some more than others. I hate to admit it, but I’ve been stuck in the procrastination mode for a while. I know I need to find a job. I know what I need to do in order to find a job. I write about finding a job. Yet, have I consistently worked towards finding a job? Nope.
Instead of trying to analyze what’s holding me back, I’ve decided to try something new. No job yet, but I’m feeling much more energized and positive.
Here’s what I’m doing:
1. Schedule quiet time.
For me, quiet time entails prayer and meditation. I understand that prayer isn’t for everyone, but we all can benefit from quiet introspection.
2. Get out of the house every morning.
This may be as simple as buying coffee for my Mom and dropping it off at her house. My Mom really loves the coffee and it makes me feel good to know that I can brighten her day. This errand takes me all of about 10 minutes.
3. Ask for help.
I’ve reached out to several of my friends and asked for their help on different things. My help requests vary from helping keep me accountable, to being on the look out for opportunities, to help practicing interviews. Asking for help was tough for me since I pride myself on being self-sufficient.
4. Just start!
Whenever I don’t feel like exercising, I tell myself to do it for 10 minutes. If, after 10 minutes, I still don’t feel like exercising, I give myself permission to stop. Inevitably, I start to enjoy myself and keep moving.
The same is true for blogging. It is also true for the job search. I usually get so engaged in what I’m doing, that the time flies by.
What tips do you have to stop procrastinating?
Photo is courtesy of Amy Loves Yah Flickr Photo Stream, under Creative Commons Licensing.
Nancy Loderick's Blog 
theretrospectiveentrepreneur
June 16, 2011
Dear Nancy
My wife asks me ‘Why tomorrow?’ – I tell her ‘Because that’s when I do my best work’
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Nancy Loderick
June 16, 2011
Hi – good response š Thanks for giving me my laught of the day.
Nancy
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theretrospectiveentrepreneur
June 16, 2011
It can be a trying time but I can look back on some great times ‘between positions’ when I was able to reflect, learn and re-energise (and exercise). Keep doing the positive things you are doing but the tip of the day is to make sure that you put your set x hours into the job hunt process every day. Good luck
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Nancy Loderick
June 16, 2011
Hi Tony,
Thanks for the advice. I like your tip about putting x hours into the job search every day. I do best when I set a schedule for myself. So, now I will write down (the key) my tasks for the day.
Nancy
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Sajib
June 16, 2011
I have been procrastinating since last two months after my exams ended. I have got works to do but I feel like doing later. š¦
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Nancy Loderick
June 17, 2011
Hi Sajib,
Taking some time off after final exams is a good thing – you were probably under a lot of pressure the last few months of school and you need a break. It might be helpful to write down what you need to do over the next few months. Keep breaking it down to smaller steps. Maybe then the tasks won’t seem so overwhelming. You might feel like doing a small task or two every day. Before you know it, your work will be done.
Good luck!
Nancy
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Jerry Holly
June 17, 2011
In an episode of the tv series “Doc Martin” the doctor is asked for advice by a friend. This friend is meeting another friend for drinks but she suspects her friend has a drinking problem and wondered what the doctor would suggest. The advice – “don’t meet for drinks for starters”.
Similar advice could apply to reading blogs on procrastination?
In the South they have a lovely saying that applies here. When they are asked if they are getting ready to do something they reply, “well, I’m fixin’ to get ready”. Maybe it’s a climate thang?
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Nancy Loderick
June 17, 2011
Hey Jerry – nice to ‘hear’ from you, how are you? You may be right that reading a blog post about procrastination is just procrastinating. I prefer to think of it as education, not procrastination.
As for those Southerners, the heat must make them move more slowly.
Nancy
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samt24
June 20, 2011
Hello Nancy,
i like the quiet time idea, This what i also have found.
The first step to any solution is discovering why the problem occurs or what caused it. Procrastination is the same. There are 4 major reasons why people procrastinate and for over 19 years i have found this to be the case. The first reason comes under the category of “wrong goals” I wrote an article about this reason for procrastination that can be found at http://bit.ly/wronggoals. Anybody is welcome to read it. It has helped many Australians understand what going on
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Nancy Loderick
June 21, 2011
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your thoughts on what causes procrastination. Thanks, too, for sharing the link to your article. I believe that I have the problem of the wrong goals. I need to do more soul searching on exactly what it is I want to do in my next career move.
Nancy
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Bindu
July 2, 2011
I wonder why we procrastinate even the easiest tasks at times. On my sofa I have been seeing a pile of folded clothes for the last three days. It is already folded, why can’t I just take them to their place? I hope I could do it AFTER reading your posts. (See, I did it again :))
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Nancy Loderick
July 2, 2011
Hi Bindu – I laughed when I read your comment. We all procrastinate. I’ve found that rewarding myself after I do a task helps. I might go for a walk, make a phone call to a friend, or peruse my favorite fitness websites. Of course, sometimes I go right to the reward and still procrastinate on the task.
Nancy
P.S. Is your laundry put away yet? š
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Kathy
August 13, 2011
oh hi there! I’m struggling right now. I actually had Googled and typed in, needing help to stop procrastinating. I’ve got a lot of work done in my house but I have a bad habit of sticking little things into containers and those into containers and yah.. sheesh. Must let you know, I’ve got, say, 3/4 less stuff that I used to have! I’ve done good in spurts. Odd thing is, I’m a germaphobe, but I wish I was a clutter phobe. I’d say I would call myself a mini-hoarder. Not to the extent of the shows on t.v. but it’s like this corner, that corner over there in each room.. and then drawers – drawers and closets that I’ve been through many times and thrown bags and bags of stuff out which is good. But yah I want to have everything clear, and have it’s own place. Well, I feel better that I’ve typed it out, for the first time! Maybe this will help
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Nancy Loderick
August 14, 2011
Hi Kathy – good luck with your quest to stop procrastinating! Sometimes taking that first step is the hardest and then it gets easier. Write back and let me know how it goes š
Nancy
PS I know what you mean about lots of stuff. I’m fortunate my house has lots of storage space. But, that means I can fill the spaces with lots of stuff. Out of sight and out of mind!
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