Some examples: I don’t really like studying, housework, or exercise. When I’m supposed to study, I often find myself decluttering, cleaning, or tidying. Or I have the sudden urge to be active and get on our static cycle. When I know I really need to do a workout because I haven’t for three weeks, or I need to clean for an upcoming flat inspection, my mind switches to study mode and starts contemplating theory, begging me to take notes. I also love cooking, but when dinner time is nearing, sometimes I just can’t bring myself to get up and start. Instead I sit on the internet wasting time even although when that activity brings me no joy.

For me, the problem seems to be avoiding doing the tasks because they are the most important. When I avoid doing the task, it can be because thinking about a task that needs doing causes me anxiety (about doing it well, in-time). When I avoid doing the task I avoid thinking about it and avoid the anxiety – even if I know that putting it off will make it worse. This of course escalates – because thinking about a task that I’ve put off but still need to do leads to even greater anxiety.

Another occasional reason for procrastination for me, I think, it a mismatch between the energy I currently have and the tasks that need doing. When I’m restless I can’t get my head around academic work, but I can scrub the bathroom. When I’m sleepy it’s easier to stay in front of the TV than to get up and walk to the bedroom for an early night. When I need to cook, I’m getting hungry, which often leaves me either weak or cranky.

Sometimes, though, procrastination can be a good thing (I may just be reaching for straws here!) – if I’m procrastinating from one thing, I’m often increasing my productivity in another area!

Rana, thanks so much!

Chele, it is hard when your plate seems to be overflowing. There are definitely times, esp. around the holidays, when there are so many To-Dos I don’t know where to start. I like puzzel games a lot. So I start by setting aside a good chunk of “investment time” to get my head on straight. I write all the to-dos I can think of on scraps of paper. I arrange them in categorical piles. Then I sort through each pile, and prioritize them (or order them), numbering the papers 1-n, and then write them in a list with “wish” deadlines to post prominently. Then I look at my weekly calendar and slot the times at the top of the lists in the times I have available. Some wks I have more time, and some less time. I keep in mind “be flexible, re-evaluate frequently, and that I am investing time to create calm in my life.” I don’t know if this will be the method you choose, but it might help inspire you to create a new hybrid method that helps you. Happy Organizing. Abbie

I think I do it because…I really don’t know. Because I’m lazy is my first thought, but I’m thinking there’s something more to it. I’m going to be thinking about it some more!