[nickster]

Hi everyone, this is my first forum post. Let me just say that these forums and everyone on them are awesome...you guys are so helpful & supportive!

I have dysthymia (chronic, mild depression) and find myself constantly procrastinating (for the past 20 yrs!). Sometimes things are better than at other times (esp. when I'm very excited about a project) but I feel like it's always there and seriously compromises everything I do.

Suggestions on how you combat it?! Thanks!

[depressedalaskan]

procrastination... Make yourself a list of things you want to get done. You may only put one item down if you like. Like me I want to clean my garage. This to me is a huge job so I try to work on it everyday. I don't always work on it but seeing it on my list makes me think of it again. Do not put yourself down because you don't get it all done a once. Just something that comes with depression. Good luck, If you have a good day pound out your list. Then start over.

[gimmeice]

I like depressedalaskan's suggestion of making a list, it could be a gentle reminder of the things that need done. The procrastination cycle can be hard to break but definitely go easy on yourself. Frustration with yourself could add to your depression.

Something that helped me when entering college is to give myself deadlines before assignments are actually due so that I wont wait till the last minute. Then once I accomplish my goals I reward myself by doing something I enjoy.

For me, if I set huge looking goals for myself, I just freeze inside and become overwhelmed...which leads to procrastination. So what works for me is setting VERY small goals for myself. I have been doing this for my school work goals, and it has worked like a charm! Every day, I tell myself that I want to accomplish 10 minutes of school work. My mind thinks "What a small goal, I can do that!" And then I usually end up doing much more than the 10 minutes. However, if I just do the 10 minutes, that is OK too. The important thing is, I was able to do something.

I typically only use this for my school work goals, but I imagine it could apply to any goals you may have. Hope this helps!

Lists are good, I live by them (or would forget everything). I keep many, but there are 2 main ones. One is a list of things that are less likely to get done in the short term, but I want to remember, and at the bottom are things I want to remember to do regularly and therefore won't get crossed off. This list might sound stupid and rather unproductive, BUT their presence on the other list makes me feel very unproductive, even if I have been(!), because it visually leaves so many things not crossed off.

The OTHER list is of what really are most likely to get done. For that day, or in a few days. Ie. Less overwhelming. They tend to be grouped... "computer things", "cleaning things" etc. Because if I can start on the least daunting, it often creates momentum to knock out the rest (like, "well, I've already got my cleaning clothes on and gear out, might as well do that bit too"). Essentially, that list is about breaking things down to more manageable bits, and ideally, create momentum. Sounds like I get a lot done all the time, yeah? No indeed. Sometimes it says "take shower" "remember to eat", because there are times when those are big accomplishments.

Start before I have a chance to think. At all. This is a recently discovered one.

The computer. Oh, this is a biggie. The best is when I refuse to let myself turn it on when I get up. Turning it on will be the reward. AFTER getting x, y and/or z done. I want on it so badly, that it is a really good incentive. More often, but less effective, is turning it off at a later point. It's actually harder.

I am a HUGE procrastinator, especially with certain sorts of things. I'm totally in agreement with depressedalaskan, "If you have a good day, pound out your list". Because those are the days when the ones you really hate are most likely to get done. And that feels really good.

Basically, start as small as you need to, congratulate yourself on what you do get done, not beat yourself up about what you don't get done. Work your way up with tips you find work best for you.

[nickster]

Thanks everyone for your answers. I do make lists - in fact, I think I'm an Olympic list-maker! I make lists all day and usually have a few versions in my car, my house, my purse, everywhere! They tend to overwhelm me, though. I think I put everything that needs to be done EVER on a list and then look at it and get somewhat overwhelmed. I've tried adding specific hours of the day next to specific tasks, which helps often because I know that, "ok, by 12:00 I need to have made that phone call and by 1:00, I need to have done something else."

But long term, the lists seem to discourage me because for every one thing I cross off, two more things seem to crop up in its place! Melissa.recovering - I like your idea of trying to do things for just 10 mins. - that often works to get me started on something, and I'll usually be able to spend the time it takes finishing it because I don't like to leave loose ends. But that gets a little difficult after awhile, because I know I'm playing with myself and actually expect myself to do it for more that 10 mins! But I think that if I can truly be ok with just 10 mins, that would work better.

[depressedalaskan]

If you are getting overwhelmed buy your list, I would say it is to long. Do you have anyone near you that can help??? Good luck - Hope you have a better tomorrow.

[gma45]

I know with me I need to start small, like you said make that phone call in the am. Some days I only have one or two things on my list so I don't get overwhelmed. I also have a problem of starting something and not finishing it. Like they say in AA keep it simple stupid! "kiss" It's the only thing that works for me. And bless my Mother may she rest in peace. She used to tell me when I was working and raising 3 kids. J you can't do it all! Boy I sure tried though!