by CalvinCD on October 22nd, 2006

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How can I keep from procrastinating? This is a serious problem for me.

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Answers. 90 helpful answers below.

by Stableboy on October 22nd, 2006
There are various techniques you can use, but in my view they're all "band-aids" which have limited value. The real issue for most people with procrastination is that there's a disconnect between whatever you're procrastinating and what your real goals are.

For example, maybe you're going to college and procrastinating about homework, because what you really want to do with your time is party and have fun. You don't really feel like your education is something that's important to you, you don't see how it connects up with what matters. So anything connected with schoolwork gets shortchanged.

To start resolving these kinds of issues, it really helps to be honest with yourself about what your life is really about and what you think you are being "forced" to do by your situation (parents, school, etc.)

Ultimately, we all have to grow up. That means doing lots of things we don't necessarily feel like doing. But it helps if you can learn that fulfilling your obligations (sorry, we all have them) is actually very satisfying. It allows your mind to be at peace, and that's actually quite pleasant. On the other hand, just doing whatever you feel like every day eventually leaves you bored, restless, and frustrated: its like having a chronic hangover from too much self-indulgence.
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- Wow. Great answer. I have a problem with this myself, but I'll work on it later.
  
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  by Jodie44 on October 25th, 2006
- Well said.
  
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  by Anonymous too on October 22nd, 2006
- You pegged it. Fantastic!
  
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  by Darkling on October 23rd, 2006
- Jeez, Stableboy. How do you always come up with these eloquent answers? Definitely points for this.
  
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  by Jonnyjojogamer on February 11th, 2007
- Thanks Jonnyjojogamer. I'm afraid I can't answer your question in a comment. I do appreciate the thought, but my response to the question would fill at least a book...! ;-)
  
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  by Stableboy on February 11th, 2007
- You just saved me about $125 an hour.
  
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  by VOD on March 3rd, 2007
- Who were you going to give it to? Nevermind, just stuff it into the comment box and I'll take it from there...
  
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  by Stableboy on March 3rd, 2007
- I was suggesting you save me calling a therapist.Thats all.
  
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  by VOD on March 4th, 2007
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by Rachelle on November 26th, 2011
I will tell you later
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by kikiasumi on June 4th, 2009
i would try to think of something for you, but you see, there's this thing, and well, I can tell you tomarrow
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- umm..I think I'm busy tomorrow..
  
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  by Dan35. on June 4th, 2009
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by cavallerizza on October 22nd, 2006
Sometimes I procrastinate because I think that I perform better under the pressure of a deadline. If you want to stop, you might try adding positive & negative reinforcements to your to-do list. Write them down on the list. Then every time you complete under time, give yourself a treat & every time you procrastinate, you could take away a treat. You could even list several different times out beside each item & the treat would get better & better the quicker your time. It may seem like just more work making the list, but it would be worth it if the list saved you time in the long run, right?
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- Wow, does this sound like me! The other part of it is that i am a frustrated perfectionist..I am convinced that the finished product will not be as good as it could/should be...even though in the past there have been some things I have done that turned out to be very good...what is up with that""""
  
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  by silverondo on October 26th, 2008
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by Shunyata on November 26th, 2011
well just don't.
it's a form of self discipline.
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by Arisztid on February 17th, 2011
Procrastination?

I'll get back to you on that.

No, really... make small goals for yourself with small rewards. Reach that goal, go for the next small goal.
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by Shemarq the Wamama on February 17th, 2011
I'll let you know tomorrow.
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by Shunyata on February 16th, 2011
I am lazy. then I make a list, and do one thing after an other
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by Pith-y on December 16th, 2010
Yes there is.

Stop looking for perfection or completion and instead seek action and progress.

Instead of listing the things you need to do, over and over...actually do some of them and cross them off.

Keep a notebook with a running list of things needing to be done instead of writing and rewriting a list of the s.o.s. (same old shit)

In the morning pick the task you least want to do and start there while you are fresh, optimistic and have the will to live.

Save the easier tasks for when the dew is off the flower.

Work on things for chunks of time. Use a timer.

Reward yourself for progress and celebrate completion.
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by Hardcore Conservative on September 3rd, 2010
Hang on a minute.....
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by moonkicker on September 3rd, 2010
I was going to reply, but I will do it later...
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by The Anonymous Witch on September 3rd, 2010
i'll tell you tomorrow . ;-)
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by More2Be on April 5th, 2010
I start doing the thing or things I procrastinate. Once doing them then you may as well continue and keep making progress, and at some point you are done.
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by Marky Mark on April 5th, 2010
Diarise it. (Not in next year's diary, though. lol!)
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by ??? on April 5th, 2010
How to battle with procrastination?

Just keep putting things off until later, then decide to think that you should be doing them now, and then believe that this is not okay.

But if you're looking to battle with procrastination, then it won't go away because you'll be in a fighting state insted of in a flowing state.
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by whostolemyhelmet on June 4th, 2009
idk...but when i figure it out i'll let you know....'procrastinators unite! ...tomorrow...'
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by daisychain on January 29th, 2009
A life changing experience always helps people in the movies.

I believe that there is no change without revolution, therefore if there is something holding you back, challenge it or get rid of it. If there is someone holding you back, challenge them or cut them out of your life. If you are too comfortable, force yourself out of your comfort zone. Turn around and move in a different direction.

Kicking yourself in the backside/firecrackers etc is not positive, neither is nagging which is why they don't work!

There is a great website called www.43things.com where you can put down 43 things you want to achieve and meet other people in the process or have done them. You can inspire each other.
Comments
- Well 2 divorces in 10 years and a son who without explanation has not talked to me for 3 years have contributed to my fear of making further moves. I have been self employed for 25 years, but have let it slide because I really have little reason to get off my butt, except, of course me. For some of us, doing for others is easier than for self. For the record, since the second divorce, I have dated and am now in a healthy (i think)relationship, have bought (& thankfully sold) the sailboat (e.g. to sail away from all this), travelled to distant places outside of my zone (e.g. Nicaragua), read lots of self help stuff and been seeing a counsellor weekly for 2 years. I will look atthe 43 things site. Thanks
  
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  by raynorshine on January 29th, 2009
- It sounds to me like you have been struggling for a very long time. I am sorry to hear that.
  
  It is possible that your problems are more deep rooted. Have you ever heard of a type of therapy called Clinical Analytical Therapy. It is very structured and very effective. It will definitely help you to confront your son. Problems with close family members affect us so deeply. From experience the CAT really help me to have a good relationship with my parents.
  
  It does seem like we need something to motivate us. Especially if you had a life plan and it didn't work out.
  
  I hope you find something fun that grips you so you can feel alive again.
  
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  by daisychain on January 29th, 2009
- Well, I thought the sailboat might work.... but know enough to understand the remedies are seldom external. As a psychiatrist will tell patients: "all the answers are inside you". Unfortunately, not all of the questions are though. CAT sounds like other Rational Emotive therapies. As much as I like to talk, I doubt my answers are there, at the cognitive level.... as I continue to get counselling, I become more convinced of this. Sure, almost all problems are deeply rooted. It is the coping with the symptoms that is frequently the (presenting)"problem". I was a counsellor of sorts for years, know most of the lingo, but that does not mean the cure is evident. Some souls are born to be restless. Perhaps mine is one. I have thought that some of my "stuff" is actually prenatal in origin, as I was born less than a year after the death of a infant daughter of my parents, unplanned. They tried, but they never really got through their grief of her. It is interesting how "stuff" gets passed.
  
  PS... outsde of the USA my spelling of counsellor is consider correct
  
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  by raynorshine on January 29th, 2009
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by Piggle on April 28th, 2008
At the end of each day write a "have done" list instead of starting the day with a "to do" list - that'll help focus the mind ;0)
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- Or write both, in order to keep track of what you done and haven't, and score how well you don't procrastinate.
  
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  by Tondoteottotote on April 28th, 2008
- But then I have to write two lists ....time to decide which one to write first ;0)
  
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  by Piggle on April 28th, 2008
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by Anonymous on April 28th, 2008
Just do it. Don't even think about anything else.
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- Do as I say, not as I do.
  
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  by Anonymous on April 28th, 2008
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by Possum on January 8th, 2008
Remember what Mark Twain said, "Eat a live frog the first thing every morning and the day can only get better."

And remember the two rules of frog eating:

1. If you have to eat a live frog don't spend a whole lot of time looking at it.
2. If you have more than one frog to eat, eat the ugly one first.
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- L-O-L
  
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  by Tennantdes. on February 8th, 2009
- Glad I could put a smile on your face.
  
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  by Possum on February 8th, 2009
- that was awesome !
  I will say that tomorow !
  
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  by Tennantdes. on February 8th, 2009
- Or the next day?
  
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  by Possum on February 8th, 2009
- mmm...
  yes ... or the next day..
  
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  by Tennantdes. on February 8th, 2009
- ;-)
  
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  by Possum on February 8th, 2009
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by Anonymous on January 8th, 2008
break down your task into even smaller tasks. when look at it that way it doesnt seem so hard to do so your more likely to do whatever your procrastinating.
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- This seems like a good idea.
  
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  by whatitdew on September 15th, 2008
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by koldkanuck on January 8th, 2008
by putting it off indefinately
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by Roger Kovaciny on October 23rd, 2006
I work at a desk and found that it works for me to put every incoming piece of work into a box. When my desk is clear, I turn the box upside down and do the assignments in the order they came in to me. If I do the opposite--take the newest stuff first--I find myself procrastinating horribly,.
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by n1kkigirl on November 26th, 2011
Do it, like now, get off your computer, now...OFF!
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by Forbidden Snowflake on November 26th, 2011
I used to procrastinate a lot (still do sometimes, but i've improved)

I found that if i was more organised i procrastinated less. It might not work for everyone but thought i'd add my 2c.

:)
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by Scotslass on February 17th, 2011
Think about the outcome of the procrastination and how much things will build up if you dont start acting.
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by Shemarq the Wamama on February 17th, 2011
I'll let you know tomorrow.
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by Bohemian is back on February 17th, 2011
Find something that you enjoy doing and keep on doing it.
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by spider on September 3rd, 2010
come on guys! I'm looking for life changing answers here... not the stuff I've heard before. Although, I think in the end it all comes down to me and my decision to change.. Not an easy choice for a person who loves to put things off.
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- You will get some good answers, in between the obvious jokes ;)
  
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  by Johnno on September 3rd, 2010
- yeh just wait a sec...
  
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  by spider on September 3rd, 2010
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by Shunyata on September 3rd, 2010
360 to turn. you pick one direction continuously.
you can change it.
start with exercising regularly.
habits, new habits are formed within 3 weeks.
try a new habit.
force yourself for 3 weeks.
then an other habit.
you will see it will change your life.
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- I think I'll try this one..
  though I already excercise, if anything that is probably one of the things that I allow to take place of what I'm meant to be doing.
  
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  by spider on September 3rd, 2010
- Kspic,
  just hang in there. IMAGINE you can pick any direction in 360 degree. Right now you only are in one single one. You got 359 to try.
  Hang in there: changing habits takes 3 weeks.
  3 weeks, consistantly doing the same thing... just one habit at a time.
  
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  by Shunyata on September 3rd, 2010
- ok now for my first habit....
  I like that analogy, I have 359 different paths to choose from :)
  haha now i can't make up my mind! where to start??
  I think I'll start with going to bed earlier..so I wake up earlier...that's a habit I can change in three weeks.
  Thanks 4 the advice
  
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  by spider on September 3rd, 2010
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by level headed on September 3rd, 2010
You have to just do it. Easier said than done. I've procrastinated from time to time too.
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by Sethdragon44 on September 2nd, 2010
You sound exactly like me. I'm procastrinating right now too. Procrastination is ok, but all things in moderation. If you have an important paper due tomorrow, it's probably time to start, but if it's a little math, a few more minutes couldn't hurt. My point: the only answer is will power. Literally, you've got to suck it up and get it done.
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- No. I want a majic pill of some kind, or a great idea to stop procrastination. Work harder and come up with a better answer, the world may depend on it.
  
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  by Special K on September 2nd, 2010
- no I'm probably worse than you Sethdragon.
  I make time for the things I need to do and then don't even start them. It's become increasingly worse haha
  I don't know how i get thru everything. I leave most things to the very last minute!
  Thanks though.... I really do need to suck it up and get it done
  
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  by spider on September 2nd, 2010
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by CaRbOnPrOdUcK is Baccuss on April 5th, 2010
Donuts.
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by hotbri on April 5th, 2010
Just put it off until tomorrow! That's what do!

No but seriously I would make the conscious effort to write down your to do list and put on your fridge and get it done.
I am a serious procrastinator.
Good luck
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by HEYTHERE on June 30th, 2009
By doing something right away instead of putting it off for later. And, instead of being overwhelmed by a huge project ahead, break it down to a bunch of smaller projects so it becomes more workable. And, spend less time on AB ☺.
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by lovesmanoloblahnik on June 4th, 2009
Think about what will happen if you dont get whatever it is done..the thought usually stresses me out and i stop with the distractions
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by Anonymous on June 4th, 2009
I should be able to give you an answer to this, sometime in the next 5 months or so...

WHEN I get around to it...

The Procrastinators Club of America
Telephone: (215) 947- 9020
Fax: (215) 947- 7210
Mail: P.O. Box 712, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
Email: procrastinators_club_of_america@yahoo.com

+5
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- I gave YOU a +5, and all you can give me is a +2?
  Geez....
  
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  by Anonymous on June 4th, 2009
- can only give +2 at the moment
  
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  by Dan35. on June 6th, 2009
- Just joking with you...
  
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  by Anonymous on June 6th, 2009
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by Suby the Coat on February 8th, 2009
Others cannot cure your tendency for procrastination.
You can only cure it yourself.
Now that you have realized procrastination is your problem - you have taken the first step towards cure.
Stop postponing things and complete all jobs then and there.
And you are cured.
All you need to do is to change your mindset.
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by chuck on February 8th, 2009
No there isn't, but in the mean time, don't sweat it, think of it tomorrow
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- Hahaha.>:(
  
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  by Anonymous on February 8th, 2009
- Did my answer help?
  
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  by chuck on February 8th, 2009
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by DwarfClown on February 8th, 2009
I have some great ideas. I'll tell you later.
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by Bridget on February 8th, 2009
Get off the computer and make a list of everything you need to do. Check things off one by one and you will discover what a great feeling getting stuff done is!
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by anguilla on February 8th, 2009
Of course, it's tempting to say "I'll get back to you," but I won't do that.

It takes a ton of willpower. My best suggestion is to make a list of things you want to do and assign a different day to each one. Don't assign yourself anything too big to do on one day. If it's a big job, like cleaning the kitchen, write that you'll clean the counters one day, the floor the next, etc.

Make little boxes next to each item, so you have a place to check off the things you've done. Use the check marks as a "reward." Congratulate yourself for each little box with a check mark in it. It will prove that you CAN achieve the things you want to do.

Also, try scheduling the time of day you'll do each thing. For instance, you might say you'll pay bills before supper. Don't eat that night until you've paid the bills. The supper will be your "reward" for doing something you wanted to do anyway.

Good luck!
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- Tanx!!!
  
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  by Anonymous on February 8th, 2009
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by Roundtree on February 8th, 2009
1st of all: Get off answerbag :P
2 - Unplug your tv and computer and whatever else to remind you not to turn it on
3 - get to work!
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- Good suggestions that I forgot. +4
  
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  by anguilla on February 8th, 2009
- Ok. Im doing it now!!!
  
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  by Anonymous on February 8th, 2009
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by Ripple is back on January 29th, 2009
By committing yourself to do what needs to be done now and not saying Oh I can do it later. I procrastinate also.
Comments
- Maybe I will do that tomorrow. :>
  
  Yes, I know what you mean, but as you know, it is often to whom the commitment is made that makes the difference. With no one but me dependant on me, it is difficult to do this.
  
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  by raynorshine on January 29th, 2009
- You finally replied. I thought you were procrastinating again! lol, take care
  
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  by Ripple is back on January 29th, 2009
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by Don Gorgeous George on December 27th, 2008
I struggle with this one all of the time. It has been very tough. I think the solution for me is to take a day off of work so I can catch up on all things I need to catch up on. I don't like doing things on my days off.
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by Tondoteottotote on April 28th, 2008
That's what I want to know!

I could figure it out for myself, but I'll try to whenever I can get around to it. ;-)
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by anonympus on April 28th, 2008
Get on the ball. make a list, get things done, prioritize...I'll finish this tomorrow... maybe
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by Rock Shiner on April 28th, 2008
Ummmmm..........I'll tell you latter!!
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- and when you get around to it take out the extra t in later
  
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  by anonympus on April 28th, 2008
- I am procrastinating on using my spell check also:~)
  
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  by Rock Shiner on April 28th, 2008
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by Sweet T on April 28th, 2008
I am not sure, let me get back too you on that, later.
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by Ezra on April 28th, 2008
Make a list of things that need to be done and get busy.
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