Discussion Forum > Just do something
"The only out is through."
Psychology professor Timothy Pychyl, when he did a podcast on his and his colleagues' research on procrastination, called procrastination activities "short term mood repair" and that the only way to break through was to 'just get started.' I think Mark's advice to "just get the file out" is a perfect example of this.
Psychology professor Timothy Pychyl, when he did a podcast on his and his colleagues' research on procrastination, called procrastination activities "short term mood repair" and that the only way to break through was to 'just get started.' I think Mark's advice to "just get the file out" is a perfect example of this.
October 25, 2024 at 13:00 |
Mike Brown
Mike Brown
It's common to eventually just get started, get into a flow and then feel slightly silly that it took so long to get going. Consistently taking some action is the key to breaking this bad habit.
October 26, 2024 at 3:02 |
Chris
Chris
@Aaron
Honestly, one thing that’s helped me is just watching my procrastination without forcing myself to change it. Sounds kinda strange, but it’s like this “observer effect” thing—just noticing your habit can sometimes make it shift on its own.
Think of it like watching a cat. You don’t chase it, you just chill and observe, and weirdly, sometimes it comes to you. When you just observe yourself putting things off—without judging it—you start noticing stuff you usually miss, like why you’re avoiding the task in the first place (fear of failing, feeling overwhelmed, or just needing 10 more cat videos before you start).
It’s like shining a light on it. You’re not forcing yourself to change, but it starts happening anyway. It’s helped me break the cycle without stressing myself out. Anyone else tried this kinda “watch but don’t push” method?
Honestly, one thing that’s helped me is just watching my procrastination without forcing myself to change it. Sounds kinda strange, but it’s like this “observer effect” thing—just noticing your habit can sometimes make it shift on its own.
Think of it like watching a cat. You don’t chase it, you just chill and observe, and weirdly, sometimes it comes to you. When you just observe yourself putting things off—without judging it—you start noticing stuff you usually miss, like why you’re avoiding the task in the first place (fear of failing, feeling overwhelmed, or just needing 10 more cat videos before you start).
It’s like shining a light on it. You’re not forcing yourself to change, but it starts happening anyway. It’s helped me break the cycle without stressing myself out. Anyone else tried this kinda “watch but don’t push” method?
October 26, 2024 at 3:03 |
Mathious
Mathious
Aaron:
<< tendency to procrastinate because of negative emotions [...]
In such a case, breaking out of the loop isn't helped>>
Your post sparked an interest to share my own thoughts about Time Surfing on this forum. Though I'm not sure your comment "breaking out of the loop" is referring to breathers.
Anyway, my post is now live.
<< tendency to procrastinate because of negative emotions [...]
In such a case, breaking out of the loop isn't helped>>
Your post sparked an interest to share my own thoughts about Time Surfing on this forum. Though I'm not sure your comment "breaking out of the loop" is referring to breathers.
Anyway, my post is now live.
October 27, 2024 at 12:55 |
avrum
avrum
In such a case, breaking out of the loop isn't helped by taking a break or trying to reduce workload, but it comes from simply taking any action forward that moves any meaningful project forward, even if only a little bit.
This idea has come up here more than once in various guises, but I find this particular emotional loop somewhat interesting, so I thought I would emphasize it again. I find it counter-intuitive and ironic that the very thing that one might avoid because of negative emotions is the very thing that might alleviate those negative emotions the best.
Things like "What are you resisting most?" or "Just do one thing and cross it off," all get at this idea, but in such things, it isn't always obvious that there's an emotional loop.