Help
With Your Rule
Dealing with Procrastination
Dear Holly,
Firstly I would like to thank you for such a wonderful book! I read it all in a couple of days. It has given me a great insight into what life as a mum is about. At the moment I am newly married (Feb 2005) and have no children. I am not working but studying primary teaching full-time over the internet. I have tried to write up a schedule and for a few days it goes really well. However, I have a huge procrastination and will-power problem. I find it hard to really knuckle down to my study and get bored and angry at myself. What can I do to get motivated and to really give my study the attention and hard work it deserves?? I am just so slack and unmotivated!!
Labels: About a Rule of Life, Miscellaneous
posted by Holly at 12:11 AM
4 Comments:
On the one hand, somehow, someway, your study does not seem 'relevant' to you - it lacks 'meaning' in your life, or you would want to do it. You'd be 'hungry' for it.
So, I think the first question is -Why are you studying this? Is it something you feel called to? If so, why is there little practical interest? I would take this to prayer and discussion with my husband.
Secondly, why are you studying in this format (online)? Could it be that your personality type needs interaction with others to get motivated? If so, is there anyway to study with others - in a group or chat line format or thru classes at a local university? Or, barring that, is there anyway to have someone impose deadlines upon you to give you "external" motivation?
As for internal motivation and your rule - before you go thinking you are simply slack - I would place yourself in 'assess' mode for a couple of months.
Your present schedule isn't working for a reason... have you your Ps in order? Is prayer first? Rest, exercise, good meals etc second? Time for hubby third? Because God has promised you the graces you need to fulfill his will,and these you get thru prayer.
But lastly, I would look at your rule from a personal point of view. Exactly WHY do you not go to the computer when you say you will? WHAT exactly ARE you doing at these times?
Why not record all your movements and activities for a week, so you can get a feel for what comes naturally to you. If you can tune your study in with your natural rythym of life, you would be greatly aided.
I discussed this somewhat in MROL... if you are not a morning person, don't put your main study time in the morning...
Walk thru a week and watch yourself. Write down the times and actions. Then, take your rule and see how you can temper it to better suit what comes naturally.
I am a mom of three and former elementary school teacher.
Although I was a good student in high school I found that dorm life was way too distracting. I could always think of countless things I'd rather be doing than studying, even if it was a subject I enjoyed.
However, when I finally got my job as a first grade teacher I would arrive at school by 7 am, leave at 7 pm and then stay up until midnight to finish my lessons and grading.I had absolutely no problem with procrastination then. Why?
Like Holly, I believe the motivation comes from doing something you really love and are "meant" to do. It's not to say that you're not meant to study at this time, but rather that this way of studying is not clicking with your personality type....you're probably a people person and love to be with others. Online studying requires much more independent work than if you were studying with a group of classmates...but it is not impossible.
We don't always get to choose the way in which we need to do things, life is not like that, so what do we do to get our work done and not let procrastination get the better of us? My answer: Lots and lots of prayer. Everything is possible to one who trusts...Mark 9:23. Put your trust in one who created the universe!! Ask Him. He'll help lead you to do what you need to do...perhaps more persistence, cat naps, better night time sleep, exercise, nutrition, or study group etc. God knows the answer and He will bless you.
I don't have a choice about whether or not I do it internally or externally as I live on a farm in country Australia. I do feel called to be a teacher, but somehow the study subjects are just not all that enthralling. I did leave one thing out, my mum passed away last semester suddenly. Does losing someone, even when you have a strong faith, sub conciously effect you?? I really felt unmotivated to do ANYTHING let alone study.
However that all said I have taken on board what you have said Holly and it makes a lot of sense. I have also taken on board what maria has said as well and I think I need some time out with God.
Thanks again!!
Hi Anonymous!
Yes I am afraid that the death of your mother probably has MUCH to do with your experiences right now. They say it takes a whole year to grieve, and sometimes I think our hearts are grieving when we are not consciously aware of it. I am so sorry for your loss and your pain. I wil pray for you.
I think in the meantime, you need patience and to slow your pace. There will come a time when you will be able to 'work' more effectively. But perhaps right now is not the time for you. Lots of prayer time, or to put it in less 'work-related' terms perhaps - read your bible or a good spiritual book; ask Jesus to show you his intent for you; give yourself time to walk in nature and allow your heart to heal. Then later, your mind will be able to resume it's work.
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