option paralysis

[geekchick]

Today is Boomtime, day 40 in the season of The Aftermath, 3268.

Ever have one of those times where you just have so much to do that you can't decide where to start and instead just sort of sit there, flapping your arms ineffectually? Yeah. That's me, right now. Gosh, I'm glad I got up early this morning so I could get stuff done. =)

Comments

[griffen.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I shouldn't mention the laundry I've already gotten done and the research on publishers I've accomplished this morning? *ducks*

But seriously, I know what you're saying. I've had too many of those times, myself... especially lately.

*seeble*

[hopeforyou.livejournal.com]

I keep saying I'm going to clean up this apartment, and it seems overwhelming. I really want it much more streamlined and breathable (mould and dust-free) before mikz arrives next Thursday, and that means I have to get it cleaned up and sorted out by the end of Sunday since I'll be in Southern CA and Berkeley for work after that until he arrives.

It appears I have to break a task down into an even smaller set of tasks than I've been doing. If I break down cleaning the apartment into, say, cleaning the bathroom -- that used to be enough to get something done. Now in order to get something done, I have to break the task down even more. I have to break down cleaning the bathroom into tasks such as cleaning the toilet, clearing sink counters, mopping the floor, etc. and see that each little thing gets done.

I think it has a lot to do with my energy, lately. I haven't had a lot, and when I think of the bigger task, it seems overwhelming. If I think of just brushing out the toilet, that isn't so bad, and maybe I have energy to do the next small task.

[tcb.livejournal.com]

I hate it when I do that..

My worst example was my last Sunday in Sydney a few years ago. I wanted to make use of the day, and so I woke up early. At 10a, I started pouring through my tour books to figure out what I wanted to do.

By 2p, I realized that I was spending the whole time trying to decide what to do that I wasn't actually doing anything..

[geekchick]

Perhaps I shouldn't mention the laundry I've already gotten done and the research on publishers I've accomplished this morning? *ducks*

*grin*

I got up at 8:30, and by 10 had put a load of laundry in the dryer and started the next one, but that was *it*. I ended up staring at all the stuff that needed to be put away or dusted or whatever and just was utterly unable to pick a spot to start. That drives me up the wall. It did eventually get done though, and that's the important part. =)

Rules for Procrastinating

[telnar.livejournal.com]

This leads to my rules of procrastination:

1) Always make sure that you're enjoying yourself more than you would be if you were doing what you're putting off.

2) It you're doing nothing or in violation of Rule (1), then pick something you're in the mood to do and do it.

3) If you feel particularly ambitious, then decide whether you'll be better off in the long run by stalling (btw, the answer is yes more often than you might think -- some problems do go away on their own).