Posted by Meri-Tuuli on October 26, 2006, at 12:03:04
In reply to Re: Procrastination and self esteem » ClearSkies, posted by Lindenblüte on October 23, 2006, at 8:05:47
Hey!
Interesting discussion. I've been pondering these things (ie procastination and self esteem) lately too. I never used to have any motivation, and this aspect isn't helped by SSRIs etc.
Like some of my friends are just so totally motivated - for instance one of my friends idea of a holiday was to go to Spain for three weeks to do an intensive lanuage course! Crikes! And she's in grad law school, so not exactly easy either!
Anyway not only am I motivationally impaired, but I give up way too easily. Its like you don't feel you're capable of even trying to do something that might stretch you alittle bit.
For instance, I tried to jog. I gave up as soon as I was out of breath abit and it was 'unconfortable'. But then I went with some work collegues - and they forced me to keep going. They suffered too, its just that they were able to suffer through it and not give up somehow. Anyway they even suffered more than me - I was always quicker and fitter than them. So it made me realise just how easily I give up! Its like I can't even be bothered to try.
Well. Cures? One thing I have found is amazing. Rather than getting totally stressed out about all the things you have to do, just concentrate on a tiny bit. Say to yourself 'oo, I'll just start reading this paper' or 'I'll have a flick through this textbook whilst eating dinner' or 'I'll just tidy up a little bit' and soon enough you'll find you've done more than you expected. Then you feel pleased with yourself and do something more, and quickly you've accompished alot! Procastination is just you trying to help yourself, so don't feel bad about procastination. Often the thing you're avoiding is somehow unpleasant or stressing or something like that. But just like, 'I'll do a tiny bit...'....
Also try not to put things off, if at all possible. Do them as they come into your head - don't think too much about actually doing it, just do it! This saves so much mental energy its unbelieveable.
Just some ideas of mine.
Kind regards
Meri
poster:Meri-Tuuli
thread:696017
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/esteem/20060921/msgs/697898.html