The Kick Butt Club (Anti Procrastination and laziness)

[gustavofring]

For lack of a better name, this thread is for all those of you who feel somewhat stuck in life, lost, goalless, aimless and have enormous difficulty FOLLOWING THROUGH with whatever needs to be done in your life because you lack the basic motivation or are prone to procrastination and slacking off for whatever reason and causing problems in your life. This club is to have other people encouraging and motivating you and you in turn can do the same for them, and kicking butt whenever it needs kicking.

To become a member of this club, describe your current
Life situation.

Then start writing your goals down to improve this situation, describe the time in which you realistically expect to do it, stick to these goals, and keep everyone updated on a regular basis (whenever you feel like it, you don't have to force it, but if you don't do it, expect some butt-kicking).

Let's keep this mainly career oriented. So for example let's break the goals up into:
1. Work
2. Study
3. Social life

Identify obstacles and behavior that prevents you from getting things done. Also list how you plan to overcome these obstacles or deal with them.

Other suggestions and ideas are very welcome. Let's make this a collaborative effort. I'm sure my template could be massively improved, so please post your idea.

 

[gustavofring]

I'll start

Life Situation
Unemployed, study on a permanent hold, almost out of money.

Goals

Work:
- need to find a job. I should be spending atleast 4 to 5 hours a day applying, searching, writing letters. I will stick to this from this day on.
- Creation of a better CV. The current one is a bit messy and people noticed some mistakes and it could overall be a little better to increase my chances on the job market.

Study:
- I need to graduate.
- In order to do this I need to contact my teachers, even though I don't like it, and show them the progress of my grad project so they can give me feedback and tell me what needs to improve. I will make sure to have contacted them before january 1st, when holidays are at an end.

Social:
- Obviously needs changes as well, but this isn't a priority. I will make sure though that each day I will talk to someone and will meet friends and make sure to keep in touch with family.


Obstacles
- Very prone to procrastination.
- Mindlessly browsing the web instead of being productive.
- Easily distracted
- Gaming
- Daydreaming
- Worrying (self-talk)
- Fear (of rejection, of being ridiculed)
- Fatigue/tiredness

Method to overcome obstacles:

- Whenever negative feelings and thoughts arise I take a moment to meditate, or clear the mind so that I don't get carried away by it and feel the need of escaping it.
- I will make sure that I make daily planned time for mindless webbrowsing/TV/gaming so that it doesn't take over my days.
- I will eat healthy, exercise, sleep at regular times. (this I was already working on.)

 

[Gadfly]

I like this idea! ......I'll...fill this out later...I KID!

Following your format:

Life Situation - Unemployed middle aged hermit with health issues facing prison on MJ charges, nearly friendless and nearly broke.

Goals - Keeping my pets alive while incarcerated and finding employment as a felon with no resume after. Getting fitter for general reasons and for my likely future as an aging menial laborer. I should do some push ups now..or something...but a sandwich also sounds good...

 

[1BlackSheep]

I reeeaaallly need a swift kick in the behind to get out of my laziness/procrastination funk, so sign me up! :bigsmile:

My situation more revolves around letting my house get messy (to the point of where I don't even want to have anyone over), not getting things fixed that need to be fixed, not finishing projects I've started, and just letting things pile up in general. I think it's mainly caused by the circle of low self-esteem-->depression-->laziness/procrastination-->avoidance-->isolating-->back to low self-esteem, etc, etc, etc. It not only causes me added anxiety, it fuels my tendency to be a hermit and not get out there and be more social. I use the excuse that I should be working on house stuff instead of going out.

I share many of the same obstacles:
- Very prone to procrastination.
- Mindlessly browsing the web instead of being productive.
- Easily distracted
- Fear (of rejection, of being ridiculed)
- Fatigue/tiredness (partially due to being hypothyroid)

My goal last year was to employ a method that Hoppy mentioned worked for him, which was to set a timer for 15 minutes each day and devote it to cleaning up clutter. I obviously failed miserably, but need to give it a try again!

I think these methods would help me as well:
- I will make sure that I make daily planned time for mindless webbrowsing/TV/gaming so that it doesn't take over my days.
- I will eat healthy, exercise, sleep at regular times. (I was doing pretty good with eating healthier but have fallen off the wagon since Halloween, when all the candy was out everywhere. Sleep and exercise are another story!).

I also would like to try to do something social, or even just getting outside for a walk downtown at least once a week. It's too easy for me to park my butt on the couch and do nothing!

 

[razzle dazzle rose]

What a good idea!

Okay, so this is me:

Life situation: unemployed, friendless, in a ldr.

Goals: get a part-time job; expand online business; take a class or two at the community college; take an exercise class; get my own place

Obstacles: carless, friendless, little money (and little motivation), SA

How I will succeed: browse cl ads nightly; send out three resumes a week minimum; start volunteering a day a week; enroll for classes

And to get motivation I have to start adopting healthy habits, like having a regular sleeping schedule, eating well, and exercising

I also have to work on being more patient. Not only with myself but others.

I think that is it for now; of course there is much more, but this is the gist.

 

[1BlackSheep]

^^^ I'll kick your butt if you'll kick mine! :bat:

 

[hidwell]

I'm gonna kick your lazy butt from here to kingdom come

 

[KiaKaha]

I went to the zoo today....saw some baboons.

 

[aNOTfox]

I'm so glad this thread has been made!

Goals - Start a course at college and meet new people!

work

Ok not much to say here, I've never worked before and the prospect of it scares me to hell. Don't get me wrong I'm not scared of hard work, in fact I'll be glad to feel useful, its the people I may work with that terrify me xD. I can barely go to a shop as a customer let alone work in one! Also, the thought of dealing with customers is daunting too.
Also, there aren't many jobs in the UK at the moment and for someone that has no work experience its almost impossible to get a job - therefore it feels pretty pointless focusing on getting a job at the moment and would rather concentrate on sorting my anxiety issues out first.

social/study

I linked these two together because I think one of the best ways to meet like-minded people is college/university. I was due to start university last september but I'm ashamed to say I chickened out due to social anxiety . I think sometime in the near future (I'm talking early 2013) I'm going to enrol on a course at my old college, haven't quite decided what, but something fun that I want to do like Art rather than the serious A level subjects I just finished.- and definitely part-time.
This way I can use my time productively to get a qualification and hopefully begin a social life xD

My biggest obstacle is lack of motivation, which I'm hoping I can get from family members and you guys xD

Edit: Oh yeah, I want me and my best friend to get our own place, we just need money

 

[gustavofring]

Great to see many people signing up!

Accountability is good. I hope we can keep it up.

Yesterday night I spend the entire night sending out application letters. I also am thinking of moving out of my current house (I live in a shared facility with 9 housemates) but I would first need a job. I also went to the Social Service yesterday to apply for Wellfare, in case I don't find a job in time. Rent needs to be paid and I don't want to go broke and get kicked out of the house.

Ok not much to say here, I've never worked before and the prospect of it scares me to hell. Don't get me wrong I'm not scared of hard work, in fact I'll be glad to feel useful, its the people I may work with that terrify me xD. I can barely go to a shop as a customer let alone work in one! Also, the thought of dealing with customers is daunting too.
Also, there aren't many jobs in the UK at the moment and for someone that has no work experience its almost impossible to get a job - therefore it feels pretty pointless focusing on getting a job at the moment and would rather concentrate on sorting my anxiety issues out first.

Hey NotaFox. I know what you mean, when I was your age (I suppose your still in your teens) I really was scared of working. But when I did finally get a job (after some pressure from family) at an office retail store, I liked making money. A job isn't only working, it's also getting to socialise a bit in the breaks and joke around a bit. I was mostly afraid to fail, so I didn't really do anything responsible like working with money or riding those forklifts. I think things like customers you will eventually get used to, and your self esteem will gradually improve. I think you should definately find a job, because now you're still young and employers will definately hire young people (=cheap). You'll also get work experience, which is always good. The economy may be bad, but keep looking. Don't use that as an excuse. The economy has always had ups and downs. I was watching a video of 30 years back the other day and they were talking about exactly the same things. SO GO FOR IT! Even if it's just a few nights a week.

 

[gustavofring]

linked these two together because I think one of the best ways to meet like-minded people is college/university. I was due to start university last september but I'm ashamed to say I chickened out due to social anxiety . I think sometime in the near future (I'm talking early 2013) I'm going to enrol on a course at my old college, haven't quite decided what, but something fun that I want to do like Art rather than the serious A level subjects I just finished.- and definitely part-time.
This way I can use my time productively to get a qualification and hopefully begin a social life xD

My biggest obstacle is lack of motivation, which I'm hoping I can get from family members and you guys xD

You mention you have pretty severe social anxiety. I quit two studies too in the first year. I don't know wether it was social anxiety, because at the time I didn't think I had it. Are you talking to someone about this? A therapist?

Also be cautious with taking on an Art study. Not to discourage you, but you must be absolutely sure you want to do it. Especially with the recession art is getting huge cuts so jobs are getting fewer. I know all about that. Also it can be pretty hard. Be aware that NETWORKING is very important in art. It's mostly about who you know. Also hard work is vital. If I were you I would read a bit about what you wanna do, read some magazines in the art field, watch youtube videos, visit artist blogs etc. Also keep drawing/painting/sculpting and collect it in a portfolio in case you want to enlist in an art college. Develop your style. Study the field a bit and then decide wether you wanna do it. Just some tips!

 

[gustavofring]

Good news, after some relentless job applications, I have been invited for an interview as a Night receptionist at a hotel next thursday. I am really excited for this, because I am a night-owl and I can probably combine it with freelance work and it will probably be quiet at night. Ideal for me! Bit nervous though, but it's atleast some hope on the horizon.

 

[dottie]

i'll sign up in a bit.

 

[1BlackSheep]

Good news, after some relentless job applications, I have been invited for an interview as a Night receptionist at a hotel next thursday. I am really excited for this, because I am a night-owl and I can probably combine it with freelance work and it will probably be quiet at night. Ideal for me! Bit nervous though, but it's atleast some hope on the horizon.

That's awesome, Gustavofring! Sounds like a good fit for you. I work eves too and really like it!

 

[Gadfly]

And for the aphorism minded, I've come up with this little self help mantra.

Do instead of dwell. (he types, sitting on his ass)

On the productive side of things, I've cleaned some, inflated my tires, had a haircut, fed the neighbors cat and shopped for my berfday manana. $40 dollars I can't afford spent, but that's more activity today than my typical week.

 

[coyote]

I went to the zoo today....saw some baboons.

 

[coyote]

life situation: nearing 50, feel like crap, out of shape and getting flabbier by the minute

goal: slim down, tone up, increase stamina, improve overall health, produce endorphins, decrease depression

obstacles: beer, anxiety over going to the gym, chronic procrastination

steps toward a solution: ordered "The Total Gym" - should arrive in a few days via Fedex Ground. I'm thinking that if i set it up in my living room, i won't be able to avoid it, and it'll give me something to do at home rather than play xbox or hang-out online. i'm hoping to look like Chuck Norris by this time next year

 

[KiaKaha]

^ Buy a pull up bar a couple of dumbells and an ez - curl bar.

I have a total gym - it is good for chest fly's but I prefer using dumbells etc..

If I may...

Do a ****load of pushups, squats and pull ups. Use the dumbells for your shoulders, biceps and use a chair for dips.
Also run alot do a ton of burpees.

Sweat everyday and you will have it sorted. I guarantee it.

 

[Miloticat]

Life Situation
Straight-A student failed most of my classes this semester in college because I broke down and gave up midway through the year. Also no job/money, no ambitions, no hobbies. I'm too insecure to put any value into my current romantic relationship. I gained weight since school started.

Goals

School:
-Talk to the dean when school starts up and put in a request for my program of choice.
-To remain organized throughout the year and not lose hope if things get difficult.
-To not ever give up when I do poorly on a single assignment, and to talk to the teacher for help instead of avoiding attending class.
-Contact the Student Accessibility Centre when the new semester starts and see if they can offer me some help with organization, anxiety, etc.

Work:
-Write a new CV before school starts.
-I need to go out and find a part-time job to work in between classes next semester.
-I need to stop spending money until I have a source of income.

Personal:
-I need to find a hobby, start learning a new trade, or find a way to keep myself busy and avoid my daydreaming and escapism.
-I have to force myself to see a doctor and get some closure on my anxiety as soon as the winter break is over.
-It's time to decide once and for all whether or not I am prepared to handle the long-term relationship I am in.
-It's my goal to get healthy again.

Obstacles
-Lose faith in myself often
-Prone to escapism under stress, this causes me to avoid dealing with problems
-Spend too much time playing video games
-I'm terrified of contacting people (out of fear of being criticized, laughed at)
-I over-worry
-I work myself too hard and burn out
-Depressed

How I'm gonna kick those obstacles' butts
-When I need time to relax I'm going to take it, and look out for my health first and foremost.
-I'm going to get in contact with someone who can help me keep motivated throughout the school year and offer me any extra assistance I may need.
-I will not stay up ridiculously late and I will get a decent amount of sleep every night.
-I will take time to cook my own food, and use this as time to relax from my obligations as well.
-I will make appointments with a doctor in advance so that I am less likely to procrastinate.

 

[aNOTfox]

You mention you have pretty severe social anxiety. I quit two studies too in the first year. I don't know wether it was social anxiety, because at the time I didn't think I had it. Are you talking to someone about this? A therapist?

Also be cautious with taking on an Art study. Not to discourage you, but you must be absolutely sure you want to do it. Especially with the recession art is getting huge cuts so jobs are getting fewer. I know all about that. Also it can be pretty hard. Be aware that NETWORKING is very important in art. It's mostly about who you know. Also hard work is vital. If I were you I would read a bit about what you wanna do, read some magazines in the art field, watch youtube videos, visit artist blogs etc. Also keep drawing/painting/sculpting and collect it in a portfolio in case you want to enlist in an art college. Develop your style. Study the field a bit and then decide wether you wanna do it. Just some tips!

I've got a friend who also suffers from social anxiety, I find it easier to talk to them about it because we understand eachother. They dropped out of college during their first year. Now we're both in the same position of "what do we do now" xD
And thanks for the advice for Art study! I'll bear that in mind when I'm looking for courses. I was also thinking of doing archaeology and the same problems arise in that field.