For the most part, I've been able to "fake it" - to cover up my procrastination with a final dedicated effort as I approach the deadline.  But recently it's been harder and harder to get away with procrastinating because the projects have gotten too big and I just can't finish them an evening or two.  The results have been poor: I've gambled on extensions, and I've turned in some really sub-par work.  At this point, I somehow managed to finish my master's degree, but I still have two related projects that I need to finish up before I can really move on with my career. 

 Thus, I've decided to get rid of my procrastination habit. 

 I've tried many times before, using endless "anti-procrastination techniques," such as chaining myself to my desk, setting earlier deadlines, scheduling each part of the project, giving up socializing, etc etc etc.  Sometimes my efforts are helpful, but just for a short time. 

 This time will be different. 

This time, I am 100% dedicated to my anti-procrastination quest. 

This time I recognize that I need to fix this problem. 

My new strategy is to just keep on trying: if one technique doesn't work, then I can move onto another one until I find solutions that work for me, as an individual.  I created a blog to document my journey.  And I started looking up resources to help me (books, websites, online groups). 

 And that's how Piers found me, and he offered to help, and I offered to share my progress. 

Together, Ms. Erin P and I will try out anti-procrastinatory techniques to determine what works, how well, and how best to make them work. She takes the role of the client or customer. I will be the service provider and give the theoretical background. Every other week or so, we will try something new and report back to you how it went.

The Unschedule

Next post will be about the unschedule, a technique based on Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It is the most fun of all anti-procrastination methods as it tries to weaken or satisfy desires in a safe and predictable manner rather than let them grow and distract you from your larger life purposes. Basic needs unmet make it difficult to focus on anything else. Try not eating for a day if you need a personal example. Hunger is a basic need that commands your attention.

To properly implement an unschedule, you need to examine your temptations. What do you do while procrastinating? These actions likely fulfill needs that aren't being met otherwise. For example, if you are socializing excessively during hours intended for work, it may merely reflect you don't get out enough after work. By scheduling in quality social time first, you would find it easier to concentrate while working. Competing needs are weak having been satisfied.

In some ways, this is like being a good parent to you or having compassion for yourself. You deserve fun too and you shouldn't create a life for yourself that you detest. Finding the balance between work and play, where we have enough of each, is a lifestyle we can commit to.

Ms. Erin P's big temptation is TV, which is the same for a lot of people. We watch on average close to five hours a day, and having gorged past the point of pleasure, we often feeling unfilled at the end. Does scheduling your TV breaks help Ms. Erin P? Read both our posts next week (or so) to get the full perspective.