Procrastination Disorders? For the people who just can sit and work...(serious)

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-11-2007, 04:39 PM

Is there such a thing?

I dont know whats wrong with me. Im pretty sure i have something wrong with me because i cant seem to sit down and do any school work. Whenever I have work to do, i come home, get on the computer and say "i'll do it in a minute". Every Time.

5 hours pass, "Ill take a nap and do it in the morning". Nope, time for class. "I'll miss class today, turn it in late". Nope, never even wrote it.

I feel like such scum and an idiot. It's almost as if im fearful of attempting to write and essay or do my work. My mind starts rushing, my body gets hot, and I feel like im having anxiety attacks. I'm a smart guy, i just cant get myself to DO IT!

I seriously need some help. I'm already on academic probation with my college, and i already missed a weeks worth of my classes due to procrastination with a combination or not being able to drive to school because of a lower back injury.

What will happen if i break my academic probation? Kicked out? Can i go back next year after i get my **** together, or will the school reject my registration?

I'm reaching out here...

ForumNinja · 03-11-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sHaDyOneDeath

Is there such a thing?

I dont know whats wrong with me. Im pretty sure i have something wrong with me because i cant seem to sit down and do any school work. Whenever I have work to do, i come home, get on the computer and say "i'll do it in a minute". Every Time.

5 hours pass, "Ill take a nap and do it in the morning". Nope, time for class. "I'll miss class today, turn it in late". Nope, never even wrote it.

I feel like such scum and an idiot. It's almost as if im fearful of attempting to write and essay or do my work. My mind starts rushing, my body gets hot, and I feel like im having anxiety attacks. I'm a smart guy, i just cant get myself to DO IT!

I seriously need some help. I'm already on academic probation with my college, and i already missed a weeks worth of my classes due to procrastination with a combination or not being able to drive to school because of a lower back injury.

What will happen if i break my academic probation? Kicked out? Can i go back next year after i get my **** together, or will the school reject my registration?

I'm reaching out here...

No, you're just lazy. Its normal.
Start doing your work

LushStars · 03-11-2007, 04:43 PM

I do this all the time, then stay up all night writing some half assed paper.

One thing- get off the internet! Its too tempting to totally zone out online.

If I spent 1/2 of the time actually doing work as I spend dreading it I could probably turn out some good papers.

Bottom line- Im too distracted myself to give you any advice. Just moral support.

Chris A · 03-11-2007, 04:44 PM

I am the same way i procrastinate a lot and i hate it. I end up doing essays the night b4 and pulling all niters which sucks ass. I just cant make myself do it ahead of time. Right now im sitting here trying to make myself do an essay due tuesday but i prolly wont start it until tomorrow nite... I've been thinking about taking medication to help me concentrate, ive heard ppl taking stuff and it helps them.

Some ppl may say im lazy but i dont really think thats completely true and it pisses me off when i hear that. I think i may have ADD or some ****... who knows

limniade · 03-11-2007, 04:49 PM

If you break your academic probation, you get kicked out.

This is what helps me. I got a whiteboard. I write every tiny little thing on it. If I have to clean the apartment, I don't just write "Clean the apartment", I write "Dust" "Take trash out" "Vacuum". Then, as I do each thing, I can wipe it off the whiteboard. My apartment might not be totally clean right now, but I've done a few things at least.

The trick is to break down the things you have to do into easily managed tasks. If you have to write a paper, that seems like a lot--but if you put, "Write outline for paper," then all you have to do is write an outline. Once you do the outline, you may be on the roll you need to keep going--but even if you stop, at least you've done something.

If you come home and get on the computer and dick around when you need to do your homework, then don't come home. Go to a coffee shop or somewhere instead and (keeping your list), say, "I will read 10 pages of my homework and then go home" (or whatever).

I also find that it helps if I write out my list of chores and put it into a schedule, including free time. For instance:

1:00 - Do load of color laundry
1:30 - Dust
1:35 - Lysol kitchen and bathroom counters
1:40 - Vacuum
2:00 - Read first 10 pages of history homework
2:30 - Play computer games
3:30 - Read rest of history homework
4:30 - Answer history questions
5:00 - Eat dinner

So you set a timer and you do the work. If it doesn't take you as long as you scheduled time for, so much the better. Either move on to the next item or enjoy that free time. Then, when it's time to start the next thing, you put down what you're doing and get it done.

The object of both the list and the schedule is to make small increments of progress that will accumulate into a large result. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you set a lot of smaller goals instead of just one big one that seems intimidating.

bionic Redneck · 03-11-2007, 04:51 PM

Just get a quick Visual in your mind on What'll happen when you keep up screwing your studies and life in gernal like this and how you'll end up

And if that vision is scary enough YOu'll get back to Studies in no time

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-11-2007, 04:53 PM

thanks limoniade, really appreciate taking your time to write that.

So once kicked out, you can never go back?

LushStars · 03-11-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris A

I am the same way i procrastinate a lot and i hate it. I end up doing essays the night b4 and pulling all niters which sucks ass. I just cant make myself do it ahead of time. Right now im sitting here trying to make myself do an essay due tuesday but i prolly wont start it until tomorrow nite... I've been thinking about taking medication to help me concentrate, ive heard ppl taking stuff and it helps them.

Some ppl may say im lazy but i dont really think thats completely true and it pisses me off when i hear that. I think i may have ADD or some ****... who knows

Same same. I like to say that I work best under pressure, but i am really just a procrastinator. We all probably have ADD, damn high fructose corn syrup & infinite hours of tv watching.

limniade · 03-11-2007, 05:05 PM

It depends on the school. At my former college, once you went on ac-pro, you had a semester to clean it up. If you didn't, you were KOed for a semester. Then you were readmitted for a semester and had to clean it up. If you still didn't, you were KOed permanently.

Not to encourage this, but if you get to the point where you are required to leave the school (for a semester or permanently), consider taking a break. Then, consider going to a community college for a semester or two, get your GPA back up (go half-time or whatever to accomplish this) and then transfer to a different 4-year school. The credits of the classes you passed will transfer with you, but your GPA will be that of what you did at the community college. If you go back to your original 4-year school, you'd have the same GPA as you did when you left, and only the credits from the community college would transfer.

Getting put on ac-pro doesn't mean you're doomed to failure at college. It does mean you need a change, though. Don't be afraid to make one. But you also have to put in the work.

Also, consider this: Maybe you have ADD or ADHD. See a psychiatrist and get tested. If you are, they can put you on Ritalin, which in ADD sufferers *really* helps you focus and calm the noise in your head. ADD doesn't go away outside of college, and you may find that you have the same trouble concentrating in your job as you do now, only the stakes are considerably higher (money, financial security, retirement). If there's something about this that you can fix now, it's a good idea to look into it.

Laws · 03-11-2007, 05:09 PM

you'r thinking about it all wrong.

its how you perceive the subject(s), bottom line being you're just not engaged into them. if you were a *proper* student, the material would always be on your mind, and you would be eager to start that next essay, paper, question sheet.

it would be a joy to study rather than a chore - you may think im talking like some idealistic fool or only a loser would think like, but believe me, THIS is how a student is suppose to think, and THIS is how a student gets top grades (at least at degree level) and these are students that become successful after their education. if you don't have an interest/passion for what you are studying you are gonna fall short.

and theres always going to be that dude that has top marks and says he doesnt give a **** or spent all weekend drinking and partying, trust me, 99.99% of the time you can rest assured its total bull****. or they've already put the time in before hand.

my advice is to really look at what you are doing. why you are studying, what you are studying, etc, because looking for the mechanical methods to get through your current work is clearly not a long term solution.

limniade · 03-11-2007, 05:15 PM

Not everything at college is a joy to study. I know I didn't give a rat's ass about chemistry, but I still had to take the class.

Part of succeeding at college is developing good study habits. I agree that it's a benefit if you love what you're studying, but I can speak from experience that I can love what I do and still have trouble concentrating on doing it. Hence the whiteboard solution.

Assuming that the OP likes what they're studying and wants to be there, the best way of combating procrastination is keeping to a structure and minimizing distraction. If you can't be near the computer without playing games on it instead of working, turn it off and leave the room/house. Same with the TV, music, cellphone, friends, etc. And in my experience, allowing a schedule that focuses on small goals AND allows me designated break times makes the whole thing seem much easier to accomplish.

I like to consider it "proactive slacking". If I do the work first, I have that much more time to play computer games.

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-11-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laws

you'r thinking about it all wrong.

its how you perceive the subject(s), bottom line being you're just not engaged into them. if you were a *proper* student, the material would always be on your mind, and you would be eager to start that next essay, paper, question sheet.

it would be a joy to study rather than a chore - you may think im talking like some idealistic fool or only a loser would think like, but believe me, THIS is how a student is suppose to think, and THIS is how a student gets top grades (at least at degree level) and these are students that become successful after their education. if you don't have an interest/passion for what you are studying you are gonna fall short.

and theres always going to be that dude that has top marks and says he doesnt give a **** or spent all weekend drinking and partying, trust me, 99.99% of the time you can rest assured its total bull****. or they've already put the time in before hand.

my advice is to really look at what you are doing. why you are studying, what you are studying, etc, because looking for the mechanical methods to get through your current work is clearly not a long term solution.

I absolutely do not think your sound like an idealistic fool.

You're 100% right, i dont think that way outside of the classroom. Once i get home, It turns into my sanctuary away from studies.

DanAC · 03-11-2007, 05:20 PM

you just need to recognize that every time you say "u'll do it later" and right after you say that, you say to yourself, **** IT, thats madness! i'm doing eeeet NOW cuz this is SPARTAA!!!

Seriously, everytime u make an excuse, ur weaseling out of being a man. ****ing suck it up and get to work.

Trust me, once u get on a roll, it will become easier.

sword_ · 03-11-2007, 05:26 PM

It could be something that might be related to your personality type. Do you find yourself straying from things that you do not find interesting at all or pointless? I suggest you talk to a career counselor, use that information, and go from there.

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-11-2007, 08:37 PM

If I decide to drop this semester entirely and start off new the coming Fall, would I get a penalty because of my Academic probation? Seeing as how this semester i'm supposed to "shape up".

thanks for all the advice. I'd rep you but the majority don't like the taste of gray...

affy · 03-11-2007, 08:44 PM

go to the library

first and second samester of university i tried to study at home...i ended up with a 2.5

third and fourth, i started going to the library before and after class. and now i have a 3.4, with a ****load of time to spare

problem solved

HIMfan · 03-11-2007, 08:48 PM

o my god this is funny because i have a paper do on tuesday and i was supposed to do it today but didnt and i cant do it tommorow because of work

damn laziness

affy · 03-11-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIMfan

o my god this is funny because i have a paper do on tuesday and i was supposed to do it today but didnt and i cant do it tommorow because of work

damn laziness

id write it for you if you let me PIITB

lmao

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-12-2007, 12:13 AM

thanks tb7.

bump.

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-16-2007, 02:57 AM

We'll, I think I might get kicked out of school. I've made too many mistakes and I dont think my back/hip injury will cover for me.

A buddy told me the last day to drop classes without a W or Fail was March 9... I feel like an idiot for not knowing this. Im also ****ting bricks at whats going to happen. I foresee my life falling like domino's.

-kicked out of school
-ineligible to play volleyball, get scholarship
-Parents find out wasted their money, kicked out of house
-No car, job, place to stay.
-stuck in a 9-5 working to live.

Hopefully I can still get a C in 2 of the classes I have left, physics and math. I'm dropping my English, missed too much already.

I've let myself down. Feel like the failure I always said I was never going to be.

/life/rant/career

EOY · 03-16-2007, 03:09 AM

I kinda have the same problem.

EOY · 03-16-2007, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sHaDyOneDeath

We'll, I think I might get kicked out of school. I've made too many mistakes and I dont think my back/hip injury will cover for me.

A buddy told me the last day to drop classes without a W or Fail was March 9... I feel like an idiot for not knowing this. Im also ****ting bricks at whats going to happen. I foresee my life falling like domino's.

-kicked out of school
-ineligible to play volleyball, get scholarship
-Parents find out wasted their money, kicked out of house
-No car, job, place to stay.
-stuck in a 9-5 working to live.

Hopefully I can still get a C in 2 of the classes I have left, physics and math. I'm dropping my English, missed too much already.

I've let myself down. Feel like the failure I always said I was never going to be.

/life/rant/career

You can always go to China and beomce a Shaolin monk. That's always been my backup plan in case all else fails.

KingSht · 03-16-2007, 03:13 AM

See what the doctor says when you ask him to prescribe something for your little problem

sHaDyOneDeath · 03-16-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingSht

See what the doctor says when you ask him to prescribe something for your little problem

I dont have a problem. I'm just ****ing up.

SFriday425 · 03-16-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sHaDyOneDeath

Is there such a thing?

I dont know whats wrong with me. Im pretty sure i have something wrong with me because i cant seem to sit down and do any school work. Whenever I have work to do, i come home, get on the computer and say "i'll do it in a minute". Every Time.

5 hours pass, "Ill take a nap and do it in the morning". Nope, time for class. "I'll miss class today, turn it in late". Nope, never even wrote it.

I feel like such scum and an idiot. It's almost as if im fearful of attempting to write and essay or do my work. My mind starts rushing, my body gets hot, and I feel like im having anxiety attacks. I'm a smart guy, i just cant get myself to DO IT!

I seriously need some help. I'm already on academic probation with my college, and i already missed a weeks worth of my classes due to procrastination with a combination or not being able to drive to school because of a lower back injury.

What will happen if i break my academic probation? Kicked out? Can i go back next year after i get my **** together, or will the school reject my registration?

I'm reaching out here...

You just described me. We are just lazy and will probably never amount to anything.

jason_bh · 03-16-2007, 01:28 PM

If there is such a thing as procrastination disorder, I have it. I am the King of Procrastination.

Might want to look into being tested for ADD.

Fitnurss · 10-07-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limniade

If you break your academic probation, you get kicked out.

This is what helps me. I got a whiteboard. I write every tiny little thing on it. If I have to clean the apartment, I don't just write "Clean the apartment", I write "Dust" "Take trash out" "Vacuum". Then, as I do each thing, I can wipe it off the whiteboard. My apartment might not be totally clean right now, but I've done a few things at least.

The trick is to break down the things you have to do into easily managed tasks. If you have to write a paper, that seems like a lot--but if you put, "Write outline for paper," then all you have to do is write an outline. Once you do the outline, you may be on the roll you need to keep going--but even if you stop, at least you've done something.

If you come home and get on the computer and dick around when you need to do your homework, then don't come home. Go to a coffee shop or somewhere instead and (keeping your list), say, "I will read 10 pages of my homework and then go home" (or whatever).

I also find that it helps if I write out my list of chores and put it into a schedule, including free time. For instance:

1:00 - Do load of color laundry
1:30 - Dust
1:35 - Lysol kitchen and bathroom counters
1:40 - Vacuum
2:00 - Read first 10 pages of history homework
2:30 - Play computer games
3:30 - Read rest of history homework
4:30 - Answer history questions
5:00 - Eat dinner

So you set a timer and you do the work. If it doesn't take you as long as you scheduled time for, so much the better. Either move on to the next item or enjoy that free time. Then, when it's time to start the next thing, you put down what you're doing and get it done.

The object of both the list and the schedule is to make small increments of progress that will accumulate into a large result. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you set a lot of smaller goals instead of just one big one that seems intimidating.

Hey, great system you have there, I'm going to adopt this myself!

Damastaryu · 10-07-2007, 11:24 AM

Wow, what an idiot. Just because you can't concentrate doesn't mean you have a disorder. It means you're lazy.

Chris A · 10-07-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damastaryu

Wow, what an idiot. Just because you can't concentrate doesn't mean you have a disorder. It means you're lazy.

stfu

Couldbebigga · 10-07-2007, 07:20 PM

It's not laziness.

Studies are pointing to procrastination occuring because of a fear of failure. It paralyses you every time you think about starting the work (like now, I have 3 assignments due soon and I'm answering a thread about procrastination! Go figure! haha).

So, you put the work off because you literally can't see how you the end result will turn out and this makes you fear failure. The motivation to work is dampened because of this and you don't get any work done.

However, the motivation will occur when the tension builds to a certain point (the night before) and most procrastinators can create amazing work within a short space of time. This is how most of us get through.

SO HOW DO YOU COMBAT IT?
One suggestion is to create a study plan that has mini goals. Give each goal a date leading up to the final due date. Then plan to stick to the dates. What happens is, your tension builds up at each little due late and gives you just enough motivation to carry out that small portion of work. This finally culminates in a finished paper of decent quality.

Hopefully that helps.

Of course, you could always get Ritalin or Adderall. They'll pretty much help ANYONE, regardless of whether you have ADD or not.