Experiment: Day Two

Published on August 11, 2005 By momijiki In Life Journals

I’ve got a summer cold from using the air-conditioner. Figures. Work cancelled today, fortunately.

So now for today’s new website: http://www.lifetoolsforwomen.com/main-personal.htm
Link

In general, the procrastination tips were about as specific as yesterday’s. Ok.

This web-site is a lot more faith oriented which provides a different slant. Since the procrastination tips weren’t so hot, I checked out the links. Lots of short articles about “Balance”, “Writing Memorable Speeches.” If you just need some quick inspiration to get started, this would be your site. If you needed more specifics, I think you’re out of luck. The articles were well written, but generally about as helpful as reading a “Cosmo” “How-to” article.

Today’s second site is from Concordia University
Link

This is almost the same as the lists of 7 except that they came up with 20 items if you don’t count the variations of “just get started.” Again, a general list.

My favorites were:

2. Plan to work on it "just 10 minutes." You may get momentum!
9. Make it a game to finish a task within a set time limit.
10. Cut off temptations: unplug your phone, shut your door, study away from TV, or bed, etc.
11. Lower your expectations and just do the best you can within the time limit.
12. Suspend your criticism to get through the task. Just get it done!

The first of these three really highlight the need to focus. Probably the hardest thing is to get something started. Add to that fear of starting something but getting it wrong and sometimes and things feel really inhibiting. If I feel something is within my competence level, no problem. If not, then I know I’m more likely to procrastinate unless someone helps me. Mainly, this happens in regard to financial things which I think is really dangerous. I have no problem getting started if I feel I am getting enough help, but get it started on my own…? Ok, just identified another goal. Develop more knowledge and confidence in regards to finances.

And as a bonus (?) I checked out a third site: mygoals.com Link

I liked this website a lot. It takes the place of one of the procrastination tips “get someone to remind you about your goal/ thing to do” without putting anyone in the position of being on the bitch-seat. 10 day free trial and 5.95 a month (US). You can create your own goals. By scrolling through the pre-made goals, you can see a list of obstacles and suggestions for how to overcome them. For people wanting to make a change or start something new which they have no familiarity with, this is a great tool. As Dan said, figure out what you want to do and start doing it” but figuring out what those initial questions are can be difficult, and getting answers can be even more so. The goal-setting advice is actually quite good, useful and realistic.

So how do I feel in terms of growth today? Hmmm... spent a lot more time reading about it than doing anything. In a way, I'm okay with that trade-off. I have a lot to think about in terms of all this stuff.

I totally understand about how difficult it can be to go about figuring out what resources are needed and how to get them. Living in Japan is a great experience. I really like it, but when it comes to personal growth, it can be a real challenge. The main challenge is the language barrier. The second is money. Most of the classes in English I find are basically designed for the wife of ex-pat executives with a full-pay deal, minimum of 6 figure salary (and not 6 figures in yen).

A lot of “culture classes” in Japan are shockingly expensive as well. There are other resources out there, but if you don’t know someone who knows, then good luck finding any info, especially if you only have intermediate language skill.

This may have a lot to do with some kinds of my procrastination. I know that doing some of this stuff is going to be a major pain in the ass causing frustration for me and the other person. I also tend to get really cranky when I say something in Japanese and the other person responds “No English.” Obviously, they haven’t heard a word I’ve said and just saw my gleaming whiteness (I have a strong dose of Irish pale-skin) and freaked. I speak pretty good Japanese and my accent and intonation are actually pretty good. My husband, who is Japanese, counsels patience in these situations as their main problem is being confronted by the unknown—i.e. me.

Tasks for later today: master-list of tasks...

Time to write this article: way over time limit and did the dishes and took a bath before finishing

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