 update - monday 29th
Hello!
Well, I had an exam this morning, it went ok so I'm happy about that. It wasn't the best exam ever, but it was average, I did good enough and I'm happy with that.
Concerning procrastination, I seem to have noticed two things recently:
1) I have tried to work more in small blocks of 1-2 hours recently when it’s work that I don't necessarily like. Then, I allow myself a kinda work that I feel is more like a reward (meaning a task a like). I have found that it is at the same time productive, and counter-productive.
Productive: when working on a task you don't like, knowing you are limiting the amount of time you are gonna spend on the task helps to complete it (example: I do 2 hours of work on my main project in the morning, then I work an hour on a fun task like a powerpoint presentation, and then I do another block of 2 hours on the project. That way, the project gets done each day, little by little.
Counter-productive: when starting a task I like (i.e. the powerpoint) knowing that I won't stay on it long because it's only a "break" is kinda deceiving. Plus you always get to do fun task in short block (even when they could be done in one sitting if I did it for 5 consecutive hours), so you always have to "get back" into the task, meaning
- understanding where you were when you left the task (which takes some time)
- and then starting from there.
It’s time consuming.
So, I'll gonna reflect on something to do about that. After all, finding what works is through trial and error...
2) I have encountered last week some mental resistance on waking at 5h30am every morning. Thinking back, I realized that for years, I have gotten up at like 11am-12pm, taken some time to prepare and eat a good lunch, read the newspaper, and then get to work near 2pm. I have come to the conclusion that my mind hasn't completely agreed with me on that change. I liked to take it slow in the morning, and working in the afternoon and at night. So, as a compromise, I have designed the following plan: on weekend, I will allow myself to sleep in a bit late (like 7h30am instead of 5h30am). On saturday, I will take the morning to run some errands and take some air. On saturday morning, I will do a "small weekly review" (I'm starting GTD!), some house chores and prepare a nice lunch for noon. This way, I believe I will allow my mind some relaxing time, and then when I start doing my homework, I will be alert and relaxed.
I know that a lot of books and techniques tell you to work first, and then get your reward. It seems I have worked for years with another principle: relax first, then get to work. So, on weekend, I will continue a bit with my old habit, since it is the weekend so I’m supposed to relax
And, as mentioned early, I started GTD last week. So far, I have implemented the 2 minutes rules, I have emptied my email inbox, and started using an agenda. I also have created 2 inbox (one for my day-to-day things and my weekly review on Sunday morning), and one for after my last exam on December 13th. I figured some things can be left alone until that date, and that I will deal with them when classes are over. For this week, my goal is to go to the store on Friday, buy some folders and a labeler. On my weekly review on Sunday, I will clean up my “stuff”, and setup my tickler file. Then, I’ll see from there what my next step will be.
Also, I have come to the conclusion that even though the opportunity to start a master’s degree in January is a great one, I don’t think I will pursue it. I just don’t feel it in my gut that this is right, that this is what I want to do. I’m going with my intuitions on that one, so in January, I will be starting a new job. But I’m still gonna use this semester to try different things and implement changes in my life.
Whew! Sorry, very long post...
‘till next time, take care everyone!
Lifequest
 |