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How do I develop an algorithm?

How can I develop an exhaustive and comprehensive system (mental algorithm) for diagnosing the current type of procrastination I'm experiencing, and then use the appropriate response to eliminate it?

  • Apparently there are more than several "roots" or causes to today's procrastination and therefore different remedies to address each problem. I have no clue how to diagnose whichever kind of procrastination I find myself committing and hence cannot seem to fix my lack of productivity. These times of stagnation are especially annoying because when you experience them, you are absolutely aware that you are procrastinating and consequently wasting opportunities to get things done, for hours on end. Also, I am under the impression that there have probably been countless self-help books written solely to answer this question, but I'm trying to scoop up anecdotal knowledge/tried-and-true methods from successful people here on Quora instead of wasting time with verbose literature.

  • Answer:

    Mate I just think you are over thinking it. Sometimes subjective analysis is simpler and less work than an elegant / or complex algo. Just set a daily habit of task Organisation. Set your priorities. Do them in order. If you notice doing that, think "I am procrastinating!" and stop it, jump in and get back into it. If you do that again, and only then think "what am I doing? Is there a root cause?" Fix the procrastination, and get back into it.

Jay Best at Quora Visit the source

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You could use this 5 part model using a checklist or use it as a ranking system. In "Time Management from the Inside Out", Julie Morgenstern defines  three types of reasons for procrastination, but I think she's missing  two very important ones - addictive escapism and unrecognized inner truth. I identify five broad reasons for procrastination: 1. Skill deficits. 2. External obstacles. 3. Emotional problems. 4. Addictive escapism. 5. Unrecognized inner truth. As a side note--I haven't thought about it as much as Ms. Morgenstern--it seems like its either perfectionism, fear (due to lack of clarity or skill/knowledge or perhaps fear of failure).  I think breaking down those fears might help. I suggest reading a book by a qualified expert--that will make creating a checklist or methodology much, much easier.  You can fuse it with your personal experience--and in that way it will be customized and meaningful for you.  For instance, here is http://www.juliemorgenstern.com/  Her books and products, though seem to focus on practical tools for productivity. Source: http://procrastinators-anonymous.org/node/25 You might also check out "emotional barriers worksheet" or "procrastination worksheet" or "time management worksheet." or "emotional problem solving worksheet."

Nathan Ketsdever

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