dealing with procrastination

Apple
laude

Go to company page Apple

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Apple
laude
Dec 10, 2019 12 Comments

I have been a big procrastinator all the time. in office, i just can't start my work unless the deadlines are really really close. Everyday I make a schedule of tasks so that I can finish targeted things on time but I just can't start unless someone emails me or ping me about that work. I am not extremely passionate about my work but at the same time it is not that I don't like my work at all. I don't even have any major personal issue which is diverting my focus from the office work. I just keep thinking about all the irrelevent things and keep surfing about them aimlessly on the internet during office hours. I hate to be such a slacker in the work but somehow I am not able to change myself. Luckily I have a very good manager now and he never burdens me with a lot of work, but still I have never been able to finish things in time. In past, I have worked under extremly tight deadlines and I was able to deliver on time. It shows that I am capable of doing my job but if the deadlines are not closer I just end up slacking. everyday after the work I feel the regret of not having a productive day. This regretful feeling always keeps me unhappy, even in weekends.

I have seen so many videos on youtube to deal with procrastination, but nothing is really helping much. I want to be a productive person who completes his office work by 4-5pm and goes home with a happy face. I have just started my corporate life(around 3yoe) and have a long way to go. As I grow in the career and responsibility increases, this will really take a big toll on me may lead to a depression.

Just wanted to post here to get thoughts from blinders. Any help will be much appreciated.

PS: From inside I am not a lazy person, I always want to finish things ontime but I just can't control my mind and end up procrastinating.

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TOP 12 Comments
  • TrueCar / Biz Dev
    tippin

    Go to company page TrueCar Biz Dev

    tippin
    its called ADHD and its a thing. Try talking to a MD about it.
    Dec 10, 2019 2
    • Lol, is it not just procrastination. Everyone does it
      Dec 10, 2019
    • Google / Eng
      betamax!

      Go to company page Google Eng

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      JPMorgan Chase & Co.
      BIO
      infrastructure engineering, DevOps/SRE
      betamax!
      This is what people don't get about conditions like ADHD.

      Everyone experience some symptoms to some degree, but it is about frequency and intensity. But most people don't feel almost all day long and to the point it is harming their career, health and well-being.

      Not all persons with ADHD will experience to that degree either. But overall, it will be more frequent and intense than the general population.
      Dec 10, 2019
  • I am also suggesting ADHD. I fall as borderline (it is also more difficult to diagnose in adults for some reason.)

    If you do get a prescription, I recommend Strattera. The other ADHD drugs are essentially amphetamines. Strattera is a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor. It keeps your own brain chemicals in circulation longer.

    I took Strattera for a year or two and was able to take the patterns I developed while on it and carry them forward without it. Not quite as on-target as I was while in it, but MUCH better than before.
    Dec 10, 2019 0
  • Amazon / IT
    MrRobo

    Go to company page Amazon IT

    MrRobo
    I have a few questions to ask before I can comment on your situation.
    1. What is your everyday office timing?
    2. How regular are you in office? Do you take work from home quite often?
    3. How many times are you present for stand ups and team meetings?
    4. How involved do you feel in your team?
    5. Apart from the deadlines what else motivates you to work? This is a very important question so think hard. Have you observed any trigger which have led you to be motivated and be totally focused on work for even a single day? This can be a 1:1 with your manager or appreciation from your co-worker or some extraordinary work.
    Dec 10, 2019 1
    • Apple
      laude

      Go to company page Apple

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      Apple
      laude
      OP
      Here is my reply.
      1. Around 10am to 7-8pm. I just stay in the office late to finish my work but doesn't happen.
      2. I m not regular in the office work. Most of the times I slack in the day and think that i will finish the work at home. But then push it to a next day
      3. I attend all team meetings
      4. I am not so involved in the team. Not making an impact
      5. Money is my main motivation for the work. I am in the hardware but willing to move in the software because it pays more. Apart from that, in the current work i was able to focus on some work which was new and no one was able to do it before. But in general, i feel the start is the only issue. Once i start anything and get into the flow, I don't slack anymore.

      Thanks a lot for taking a time and asking questions. Means a lot :)
      Dec 10, 2019
  • Google
    zoologist

    Go to company page Google

    zoologist
    IANAD, I have (had) ADHD but I was able to overcome it to a certain degree by breaking down my work into smaller tasks, gamifying it and turning everything into a competition in my head. It may not work for everyone but worked for me.
    Dec 10, 2019 0
  • JUUL
    lmnopzyz

    Go to company page JUUL

    lmnopzyz
    I used to be in your position until I got diagnosed with ADHD. I take Vyvanse now and I love the changes that happened after. More energetic, I follow through on tasks and my over all focus is just great. I suggest talking to your doctor about your lack of focus, I bet it is happening in other aspects of your life outside of work.
    Dec 10, 2019 0