Deadlines

[nyuanshin]

I begin to think the best strategy is to treat deadlines like they don't exist. One might dryly remark that I do this in any case, but it's not really true -- and I would point to my rising cortisol levels as they approach as evidence, if I had the convenient measuring means. The procrastinator is in fact so painfully aware of impending deadlines

Comments

[_luaineach]

I'm a procrastinator, too.

I'd like to know how this works out for you.

[nyuanshin]

In about four months, you will.

[csn]

I came to the same conclusion somewhere down the road. When I was in school I was under so much pressure all the time--initially, I dealt with this by getting more scared, such that the stress and perceived seriousness of one more assignment/test compounded by my unhealthy state led me into greater and greater gravity..which is really just counterproductive and paralyzing. Later, I realized that the only sensible way to approach a ridiculous situation is to not take it very seriously, and just do it. Yes, I turned things in late sometimes, I was occasionally lectured or given a disappointing look..but I really stopped caring past a certain point, and as a consequence, it paved the road to me being a healthier person, and actually, a much better student, ironically enough.

[nyuanshin]

Thanks -- I suspected as much, but good to hear it from someone who's been there. I've tended to operate similarly to the way you used to, and it never works out well, so I figured it couldn't hurt worse to try a diametrically opposed strategy.

[csn]

The same thing goes for life in general--when you find yourself under stress, the best thing to do is actually to relax more deeply! My practice in aikido, yoga, and meditation has put into effect constant physical and mental reminders of this, so that I am slowly learning. In aikido we talk about being at your "strongest state," which is when you are focused, yet relaxed, flexible, and centered with mind-body coordination. I find that it applies for all matters.

[nyuanshin]

*nods* The key part is catching yourself early enough to keep from running in the wrong direction. Eventually it'll become habit, but right now I need to work out my own reminders.

This year what I'm after is figuring out how to do as much as I can with as little as possible. I have the sneaking suspicion that I could, for instance, be getting better grades with less effort with a few simple adjustments of habits. But I hadn't yet given much thought to the possibility that making something feel light and easy first will actually make it easier, so thanks for the reminder.