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Old 05-24-2007, 03:27 PM   #13 (permalink)
Ilya
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Moscow, Russia
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I've found that my pattern of procrastination was to remember about some action, then check if I can do it later and then start doing something more pleasant.

So to break this pattern, I like to fight procrastination the "Aikido way".
If I start putting something off, I ask my self "Should I start doing it NOW?" And the inner voice usually says "Nope."

But I don't go doing other things. Instead I just wait several seconds and ask again... and again... and again... This focuses my attention on the task while avoiding stress and brings out the obstacles. Sometimes I realize (much like in GTD) that I have to do some preparations before I can even start the problem task. Then I focus on this prerequisite problem instead.

If nothing like that comes up, then after some very short time, the inner voice says "Well, why not?" And then I set in motion.

This mind trick works both as a way to focus on tast at hand, and as a check if the procrastination is a sign of actual problem that needs to be solved.
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