procrastination has zapped all my productivity for weeks and months

[2Design]

I am not getting things done
I am not making money because of worrying about money
I am looking for some where else to live because my outcome is higher than my income

I am not doing the right things for income

The jobs I apply for do not respond or I don't get picked

Yes all negative

Enough to shut down but it is sabatoge

What do others do to stop this?

No drugs, alcohol, or illicit activities

[riderinthestorm]

1. I am a huge procrastinator too. I can completely relate.

I handwrite a list every day. I add and subtract tasks as I get them done. Its so hard sometimes to even get started on the first small task but you must just start.

One step, one task. Make yourself cross it off so you have the small feeling of satisfaction that you got one thing done.

Even if its one thing that first day - cleaned the toilet (or whatever), put it on the list and cross it off.

It helps to motivate me to see things get crossed off the list but starting on the first task is always hard. It never gets easier. Every day I want to just procrastinate.

Good luck..... keep us posted on your progress!

[2Design]

2. yes it is the first thing - sometimes once over that obstacles I think of reasons to interupt

then I lag again

Or I have so many things on the list all yelling at me that I just become overwhelmed

It is so self-destructive
Like those who vote against their best interest
My actions vote against my best interest

[DryHump]

3. Baby steps

...this is Zen - in the moment - do the smallest thing at hand. That done, do the next thing.

[dawg]

4. The smart lady I look to for advice tells me ...

to pick the very toughest thing each day ... the thing I dread the most ... and do that first before I do anything else. When I follow this advice, I get more done. Sometimes dreading something all day is worse than actually doing it.

Also, don't be a perfectionist. Sometimes I procrastinate because I am so afraid of failing or not doing a good enough job at something. When I wind up having to do a rush job at the last minute .... well, there's my excuse for doing the crappy job I was afraid of doing in the fist place. Now, at least I have something to blame it on. But this is a mind killer. Don't be afraid of doing your best at something and still failing. Don't be a perfectionist.

[2Design]

5. yes perfectionist plays some part - the toughest first ?

the toughest is writing articles for pay

the one source reject two in the beginning
I bought some software to help
Used it and got two through

I should be over the fear - but I hate criticism and reject so much I don't show up for the game
This is a source of income - I should be charging ahead once I got some through

As I was talking there - Just reminded me of sailing in a storm with my new catamaran years ago
I kept the fear I felt and Not the success that I did not tip over
and landed and tied up at a dock safely to return the next day and go out from there

Why do I hold on to the Fear even when successful
Why do I stop myself from moving forward

BTW - I have started one of my procrastination project and just side tracked myself as I am almost done to come over and see if anyone was talking to me. Sometimes that is it - I just want someone to talk to.

[femmocrat]

6. Inside, please.....

Is it possible that you could have a case of depression? You seem to have a lot on your plate right now.

Best wishes.

[2Design]

7. Depression yes - probably most of my life in one form or another

or at least that is what others have thought along the way

my plate has looked like this for 20 some years since I had a regular job and health insurance

yes stressful constantly trying to make rent and put some balance in my life

but is is self caused anxiety - if I did not procrastinate - would income increase

vicious cycle

That is why I reached out here tonight

BFF is dating a new guy and less available as it should be

although with kids she has not been very available over the years and it is by phone

Need lots more BFFs - don't seem to know how to do that

I have had periodic moments or times in my life of joy
Joy is usually accompanied by sad events at same time - like a balance
At least bad doesn't seem to happen without joy showing up somewhere between the lines

[JBoy]

8. Try getting a bit of exercise first thing in the morning.

A brisk 30 minute walk will get your blood moving and release some good hormones. I always feel better after a workout, and feel like I've done something good for myself.

For general procrastination, break larger things down into smaller bits, and identify something you can do now. Once you've got one thing done, the second one is easier.

[2Design]

9. that is a good idea

almost finished one thing while talking with you all - something I was behind on at least 5 days and had not bitten me yet - but now it is up to date - well almost some other things need to be done to finish it but at least those depending on me can move forward

[HopeHoops]

10. Give it a few weeks. It will resolve itself one way or the other.

That's tongue-in-cheek. I've been through that. It sounds like depression and I went through a serious bout of that (as in suicide attempt). Get medication. It helps. I still don't get things done a lot of times, but it isn't because I'm too depressed to try. You pretty much defined depression. Your GP can help. Please mention it.

[2Design]

11. no doctor no health insurance

will take more vit B complex which has vit b 12 maybe need to start taking 5htp again - MUST get out and walk at least 30 minutes every day - need joyful things to look forward to doing