I am pathetic

[pemba]

I do not have the willpower to stop procrastinating. I have tried so many times to stop. Everytime I try to do a task(like homework) it takes me along while to to actually get started and when I do after a small problem I get overwhelmed and start procrastinating. Help please

[Bud921]

Pemba,

Fortunately you are not alone, in your tendency to procrastinate. For you to fix this problem you must have the desire to implement some change, which I believe you do. There are numerous websites out their that provide valuable content on overcoming procrastination. My favorite website by far, is 43folders, I advise you to check that out. Remember take small steps, rather expecting dramatic over night change. Best of luck Pemba.

[CroMagna]

You're trying to do a perfect job. Why not just get in the frame of mind of doing a half-assed job? You can always make the corrections later. Every grade doesn't have to be an A, really.

[Lauxa]

Reading this tread makes me want to stop procrastinating and go do something productive instead of taking time to answer, lol.

I think one problem is that you are making it all about willpower, like you are trying to force yourself to do something you don't want to do, so then you rebel against yourself and don't do it. Try switching around your thoughts a bit, instead of thinking about how you HAVE TO do this thing, just visualize how wonderful it will be to walk into class all prepared with your assignment complete and ready. Every time you find the resistance coming up, visualize the relief of being finished or the joy of getting a good mark in the class or the feeling of being proud of your work.

Don't be down on yourself if you're not getting the results you want yet, just change your thinking and the results will follow.

[Ecce Homo]

Hey Pemba, how could you be pathetic? At least you keep trying! It sounds like you’re not quitter! Perseverence is an awesome quality to have, in my not so humble opinion. It sounds like the exact opposite of pathetic!

What’s more, if you stop procrastinating, you’ll be the opposite of pathetic, right? You’ll feel strong and clear and purposeful? It is my opinion that you’re only as pathetic as you believe you are. And you’re only as strong, purposeful and clear as you believe you are too.

[lifetimelearner]

Originally Posted by Ecce Homo

Hey Pemba, how could you be pathetic? At least you keep trying! It sounds like you’re not quitter! Perseverence is an awesome quality to have, in my not so humble opinion. It sounds like the exact opposite of pathetic!

What’s more, if you stop procrastinating, you’ll be the opposite of pathetic, right? You’ll feel strong and clear and purposeful? It is my opinion that you’re only as pathetic as you believe you are. And you’re only as strong, purposeful and clear as you believe you are too.

I concur

[justfiverules]

@pemba
Here are some suggestions that might work - your mileage may vary.
The first 2 are free - the third is a product I bought.

1- This is an oldie but goodie. You can have a a lot of fun and amazingly get some things done.
http://www.hackvan.com/pub/stig/etex...astination.txt

2- Here's a 2hr interview I did with author and coach, Al Secunda.
The "forgiveness" part you might resonate with - as it helps disarm internal put downs like "I am pathetic"
Free Coaching Resource - Audio MP3 Interview - Fifteen And Forgiveness

3- These guys have focused on behavioural habit change - and thus avoided the let downs that can come from relying just on willpower.
I bought their Motivaider gizmo and it's an excellent product - would make a great Xmas gift if you put the word out early enough.
The ebook is also useful (and a lot cheaper) and I have that too. You can put what they teach into practice without the gizmo but I've found it easier to get results by do-ing than by read-ing (IMO)
Change Habits the Easy Way with the MotivAider by Behavioral Dynamics

[dissident]

What is truer?

1. You fail your assignments because of procrastination and hastily written ones.

2. You either get a good essay or you never write it at all.

If you belong to the second group then you need to get used to failing more.
You should stop caring for awhile about grades. When you get an assignment you should cut it into extremely small pieces and say to yourself that you will do one or two of them before the deadline.

Yes... You essay won't pass. But that is not what is important.
The important thing is that you manage to set a goal and achieve it.
And once you've failed one time you won't be so afraid to fail the next
and before you know it - maybe on your fourth or fifth assignment - you will have crossed the bar and only do you best, which will suffice.