Focus- Never Finishing Anythi-

By JPGriffin · Dec 7, 2011 · ·
  1. I have all of these brilliant ideas, called so by people other than myself, and yet I always seem to lack the follow-through to finish the task at hand. Let me share you an example:

    For tomorrow I have to read an article and answer seven questions, each answer about a paragraph long. I have to answer 5 extensively long math problems, and on top of that I have to rewatch a physics documentary to answer questions and write two reports (albeit, short ones) by Friday. I had the mindset that after school, I'll go get a hot chocolate (I'd go with a coffee, if I actually drank it) and get back home and knock it all out before it's too late. It's now 10:43 EST and I've done none of this. Instead, I checked my balance at the bank, not trusting online accounts, and stopped at the grocery store to get some dip (leftover chips at home). Please note that I'm a pedestrian, so the travel time goes from 3 minutes to about a half hour. I get home, open the dip and grab the chips. I see the clock- 4:30, plenty of time. I go downstairs, with the mindset that I'll do it after dinner. 6:03 comes around, and I promised to play a game online with a friend, so I'm back downstairs until 8:55. Then I remember LOST is going to be removed from Netflix in a few days. I'm on the last season, only 12 episodes away, so I watch until 9:31. After showering, getting settled in, I move my backpack from my bed and feel its weight. It's now 10:35, and I immediately turn on the computer to start typing. My mouse strays to the Internet Explorer icon, and I find myself here. It is now 10:48.

    Clearly, I'm easily distracted. I apply this same method of "working" to writing, too. As of now I have fragments of sections, in no particular order, all of them almost completely perfect. I now have the task of collecting them all in a single medium of data, either physically or electrically, and there is always this "wonderful" distraction I call technology. If I can find some sort of controlling device on my computer to limit what hours it will stay connected, then I will use it without hesitation. Almost like Facebook, it was distracting, and so I just said, "Forget it" (More vulgar that described) and deleted my account. It's now 10:53, and I've decided to cut off here and start this dreadful all-night workathon.

    With my regards,
    -A soon to be dead-as-a-doornail tired JP Griffin.

Comments

  1. Ixloriana
    This sounds like me. A lot like me. Actually, I am supposed to be writing right now! Hah. "Well I'll just look at one more forum thread. Well I'll just check my messages one more time. Oh, I've got something else I have to do real quick." Etc.

    I think I have some options for you, though.
    Freedom locks you off the internet for up to 8 hours. It costs $10 but you can download a free trial to see if it works for you.
    AntiBrowser makes you type in a randomly-generated 12-digit number whenever you try to open your browser. (The idea being that it's too much of a pain to bother with if you don't really need to get online.) This one is free.
    DarkRoom is a full-screen text editor that blocks out all distractions. It's also free.

    Hope it helps! Good luck!

    Edit: I forgot! There is also Write Or Die, a program that helps develop anti-procrastination skills by giving you consequences for not writing. Costs $10, or there is a free online version.
  2. amviolette
    I completely and unequivocally can relate to your post. In my academic program, classes are 2 hours and 40 minute long with one break in the middle. It is REALLY hard to stay focused for that long so along with having my class notebook out, I also have a planner and notepad for making lists. I will develop a one to two-week "plan" where I itemize what I will do each day and for how long. I find that my estimates and goals are overly-optimistic, but at least it helps me see the near future with clarity. Then, each one of those assignments and tasks weighs on my mind. In all honesty, I think I am going to check out these tools that Ixloriana suggested - especially Write Or Die. I think that we would all like to think of ourselves as capable, motivated individuals. But I think the reality is, we have to put ourselves in the right position to succeed. If that means staying at school, or confining ourselves to an environment with minimal distraction - whatever it takes. And THEN, if things are left to the last minute, they only take a minute!
To make a comment simply sign up and become a member!
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice