Posted by Bob on October 16, 1999, at 16:49:51
In reply to Re: Diagnosis puzzle, posted by Dee on October 16, 1999, at 12:34:15
Looking at putting off academic tasks from a more psychological point of view (vs. a neuro POV), you should try looking at it in terms of task definitions and intermediate goal states.
And now, without the technobabble,
Same thing would happen with me. I tend to see tasks as these monolithic jobs with high demands on my time and skills and high stakes at risk in the outcome. What helps me is to break the task down into subtasks, and focus only on one at a time. You have to start by taking baby steps -- small bites of the whole task at a time. When you finish one part, reward yourself. You really should, if you've started working right away and have made progress towards finishing. Whether that means a ten minute break, some ice cream, whatever, give your nerves a chance to back off and calm. Then move to the next step. Chart your progress -- once you start seeing that you are making good progress on the whole and feeling like you are doing so successfully, just getting each intermediate step done can become rewarding in and of itself.
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:13176
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991016/msgs/13278.html