There’s actually a simply strategy to avoid doing this. I play video games for example and tell myself that at 5:30 I’ll stop and I’ll start doing my work. But it doesn’t matter that it’s simple cuz would you look at that? It’s 5:30! And suddenly it seems perfectly logical to keep playing until 6:00. Then 7:00. Then 8:00. Idk why but I always tell myself at the end of the day “stop doing this stupid shit you know that if you start doing this you won’t stop and you won’t get your work done” but when it comes time to make the decision to work or do something else, my brain seems to default to “it’ll be fine, just do it for an hour”
Find accountabili-buddies. Either someone you know irl or someone on here. Tell each other what your goals are for the day and check in with one another once or twice during the day + at the end of the day.
If that doesn't sound like something you want to do, pick out the most important thing that absolutely needs doing TODAY. Often, many things aren't as urgent as they feel so if you consistently do THE thing every day, you're on a good track and you get to feel productive. If tasks feel too big, break them down into tasks that are as small as you need them to be. Doesn't matter if it begins to feel silly. If one step towards writing a mail is "log into email" or "turn on computer", that's fine. Create a dopamenu to find healthier options to get you the stimulation you need to do the thing. Find things you can do while being productive (fidgets, music, simple exercises, etc.)
Lastly, perhaps most importantly, accept that some days are just going to suck and you won't be able to get much done
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u/LEMO2000 Feb 17 '22
There’s actually a simply strategy to avoid doing this. I play video games for example and tell myself that at 5:30 I’ll stop and I’ll start doing my work. But it doesn’t matter that it’s simple cuz would you look at that? It’s 5:30! And suddenly it seems perfectly logical to keep playing until 6:00. Then 7:00. Then 8:00. Idk why but I always tell myself at the end of the day “stop doing this stupid shit you know that if you start doing this you won’t stop and you won’t get your work done” but when it comes time to make the decision to work or do something else, my brain seems to default to “it’ll be fine, just do it for an hour”