Need help finding software to overcome procrastination

[persephonevii]

Is there any software out there that can cut off certain programs, or block the internet for a set amount of time? I often get distracted by the net and end up procrastinating. Cutting them off after a certain time or blocking them altogether is something I'd love to be able to enact on my own software (particularly the web browser and the Internet connection). I have heard it can be done, but I don't have any names? Anyone got any suggestions?

[Cultivate]

I don't know any specific names, but i think if you just google for some type of computer parental control program you should get a few hits. My only suggestion to you is that when you set it up you have someone you trust enter the password so that you aren't tempted to try to remove the block while you're working. Good luck!

[Rose of Cairo]

I know a great program! it's called Plug out the Network Cable 1.0. Alternatively, you can use Close Your Browser 6.2.2. If you don't need the computer to work, you can try Shut Down Your Computer 0.3.1. But I think the most effective program is Decide Not to Procrastinate 4.4.2.

You're talking like it's because of the internet you're procrastinating, that's not true. It's your decision. Why don't you just close your browser or ignore it while you're working? If some program blocks your internet, you'll find other things to procrastinate with. You'd rather examine why you procrastinate and get rid of this habit. IMO looking for a program to do this job for you is a denial of responsibility. Like "it's not my fault! I'm powerless against my browser! please protect me from it!" Well no, you're not powerless. It's your decision. Usually we have strong reasons why we procrastinate. It may be interesting to look at them?

[persephonevii]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

You're talking like it's because of the internet you're procrastinating, that's not true. It's your decision. Why don't you just close your browser or ignore it while you're working? If some program blocks your internet, you'll find other things to procrastinate with. You'd rather examine why you procrastinate and get rid of this habit. IMO looking for a program to do this job for you is a denial of responsibility. Like "it's not my fault! I'm powerless against my browser! please protect me from it!" Well no, you're not powerless. It's your decision. Usually we have strong reasons why we procrastinate. It may be interesting to look at them?

I have been finding other things to procrastinate over in lieu of my usual procrastination objects. But I do find it helps me... I don't expect to rely on this software fully, but use it as an aid. Besides I don't have infinite willpower... heh. I usually procrastinate because of something I perceive to be unpleasant or messy about the task, my procrastination is usually unconscious. Before long I often find myself on a website looking at something I never intended to look at before. Or daydreaming. Or make my fifth cup of tea for myself... and the rest of the family.

The thing is... how will I know when I've gotten past procrastination?

[xander3]

Originally Posted by persephonevii

Is there any software out there that can cut off certain programs. . .

It's a while ago when you posted but check out:

SourceForge.net: Temptation Blocker

or

Prism - MozillaWiki

[Peek]

hmm, let's say there is a good system or software to avoid procrastination.
You still need desire and discipline to use it..............


So that is actually the basic of overcoming procrastination.
You can buy all you want, read all you need...Spend money only gives you a feeling of having something, not a being somebody.
Please trust me, I was in the Buy-and the Problem is Solved-trap also, but it takes more then just purchasing.

A change from the inside-out (7 principles of Stephan Covey) is needed.
Good news: it is free

But, if you like: The Journal is nice.
When I open mine, first page is a sheet full of pictures that symbolize my goals and mission. If I'm wasting time on something I just have to take a quick look and get back on track.

Good luck

[Christian223]

If its not internet, its tv, if its not tv its sleeping, if its not sleeping its music, and so on, i have read that procrastination is caused because your mind tries to escape some kind of pain and then tries to replace it by pleasure, so try to get rid of that perception of pain related to doing that task, i recommend you to try EFT with your procrastination problem EFT Provides Impressive Health and Emotional Freedom--New Discovery Often Works Where Nothing Else it worked for me. Good luck.

[nick pagan]

Wow! There are so many posts on this site about procrastination - I just answered one so forgive me for cutting and pasting this reply but the message is bang on target...

Your desire to procrastinate comes down feeling overwhelmed and not really knowing what to do next or how to solve the tricky issues within the tasks that you need to do.

Most procrastination can be solved through thinking carefully about the preparation needed in advance to complete the final task. Once you do the preparatory work the final thing generally rolls up pretty easily. The exceptions are when you find something within what you have to do 'impossible' on some personal level. That could be a lack of time, or resources, or knowledge, or skill or uncertainty over making a decision. Identifying that issue of perceived impossibility is the key to dealing with your procrastination. If you don't do that then you will keep turning away from what you have to do because a part of your mind is saying "I can't do this, it's impossible to complete right now so there's no point in bothering, I want to do something easier instead."

Once you grasp this concept and face up to your limitations you feel massive relief because you now know what truly ails you. After that it's a question of solving that essential problem of 'impossible in the moment'

For more detail you can read this article:
Procrastination

Take care,
Nick

[AspdenL]

Procrastination is a sign you are out of alignment with your source, with what you are truly wanting.

There are a couple of things you can try. Look at the task you are procrastinating from and ask yourself what you really want within it?

Remind yourself why you are doing this, sometimes we lose sight of our desire, myred by the tasks at hand.

If you are not in alignment, then you may want to look at finding another job, or school program that is closer to your desire.

With gratitude....

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

You're talking like it's because of the internet you're procrastinating, that's not true. It's your decision.

I second this. I once did a 30-day "no internet" trial. I doubled the time I spent watching TV and reading instead.

[The David]

Turning off the computer is probably your best bet. There will always be temptation, so it is valuable to exercise willpower, but turning off my computer seemed to diminish the urges to use it.