I'm a professional procrastinator. I've literally sat down to write and instead organized my entire closet by color. Anything to avoid the blank page. After years of this (and a recent ADHD diagnosis), I've collected strategies that sometimes work. Sharing for fellow procrastinators:
Why we procrastinate (according to my therapist):
The 2-minute rule: Tell yourself you'll write for just 2 minutes. Anyone can do 2 minutes. Usually after 2 minutes, I keep going. The hardest part is starting.
Body doubling: Sit with someone else who's also working. They don't need to help. They just need to exist nearby doing their own thing. Somehow it works. Cafes, libraries, study with friends.
The "shitty first draft" permission: I give myself permission to write the worst essay in history. Terrible sentences, bad arguments, no coherence. Somehow knowing it can be garbage makes it easier to start.
Pomodoro but shorter: 15 minutes work, 5 minutes break. 15 minutes feels doable. I set an alarm and when it goes off, I stop even if I'm in the middle. Starting again is easier when I know exactly where I am.
Remove distractions physically: Phone in another room. Internet blocker on laptop. Headphones with white noise. Out of sight actually helps.
Reward system: After 25 minutes of writing, I get 5 minutes of something I actually want to do (usually phone time). The reward has to be immediate.
Write somewhere new: My brain associates my desk with procrastination. Library, coffee shop, park bench — new location, new focus.
Accountability buddy: I text a friend "I will write for 30 minutes and report back." Having someone expect an update helps.
What doesn't work:
Anyone else have strategies that work for their procrastinating brain? I need more tools for my toolbox!
Why we procrastinate (according to my therapist):
- Task feels overwhelming
- Fear of failure (if I don't try, I can't fail)
- Perfectionism (if it's not perfect, why start)
- Executive dysfunction (brain won't initiate)
The 2-minute rule: Tell yourself you'll write for just 2 minutes. Anyone can do 2 minutes. Usually after 2 minutes, I keep going. The hardest part is starting.
Body doubling: Sit with someone else who's also working. They don't need to help. They just need to exist nearby doing their own thing. Somehow it works. Cafes, libraries, study with friends.
The "shitty first draft" permission: I give myself permission to write the worst essay in history. Terrible sentences, bad arguments, no coherence. Somehow knowing it can be garbage makes it easier to start.
Pomodoro but shorter: 15 minutes work, 5 minutes break. 15 minutes feels doable. I set an alarm and when it goes off, I stop even if I'm in the middle. Starting again is easier when I know exactly where I am.
Remove distractions physically: Phone in another room. Internet blocker on laptop. Headphones with white noise. Out of sight actually helps.
Reward system: After 25 minutes of writing, I get 5 minutes of something I actually want to do (usually phone time). The reward has to be immediate.
Write somewhere new: My brain associates my desk with procrastination. Library, coffee shop, park bench — new location, new focus.
Accountability buddy: I text a friend "I will write for 30 minutes and report back." Having someone expect an update helps.
What doesn't work:
- "Just do it" (thanks, I'm cured)
- Waiting for motivation (it never comes)
- Perfect conditions (they don't exist)
- Beating myself up (just makes me avoid more)
Anyone else have strategies that work for their procrastinating brain? I need more tools for my toolbox!