Procrastination usually involves ignoring an unpleasant, but likely more important task, in favor of one that is more enjoyable or easier. One way to tell is if you are putting off things you have to do for an indefinite amount of time. Instead of writing an essay or story for that contest, you purposely pull up Facebook and start playing a game. Yep, that's procrastination.

There are a few things that can lead to unintentional procrastination.

Are you organized? Did you know that being poorly organized can lead to unintentional procrastination?

Do you have self-doubt? Sometimes when you have doubts about your abilities or when you are putting off school work, it can be because you're worried about failing. People sometimes put off tasks that make them feel uncomfortable to seek comfort in another task that they're more capable of doing successfully.

There are also people on the other side of the coin. They fear success as much as failure. They worry that success may lead to someplace they don't really enjoy or even to more work than they can handle.

Another surprising fact is that perfectionists are very often procrastinators. Why? Again, it's a self-doubt issue. They avoid doing a task they feel they may make a mistake on; so they don't do it, rather than do it imperfectly.

Commit to the item you need to do. Focus on doing only that, not avoiding it. If it helps, write down the tasks that you need to complete either on paper or virtually, and some people go as far as to specify certain timeframes for each task.
Many people find that promising yourself a reward of some kind helps. Keep the rewards to a certain level or you set yourself a limit on spending though so you don't end up feeling guilty for spending money on your reward.
Make sure your internal voice is saying the right things. When you use phrases such as "need to" or "have to," you automatically imply that you have no choice. Instead use, "want to".
The best tool to limit procrastination I've heard is to minimize all distractions. The easiest way to waste time when you need to be doing something is to click up Facebook and play a game. Don't fall prey to this! Then again, you could use playing a game as part of the point above and use it as a reward.

I retreat hurriedly into the passengers quarters - he's right, the head is no place for someone as inexperienced as me.
Wow, that jellyfish had been huge.
As far as I know, my mother still has nightmares about the shark that attacked her sub a few months ago. I haven't heard from her for a while. I hope she's ok.
I stare out of my window, and shiver as the jellyfish floats back past.
Really huge.

Eight years.

"Wilhem's brothers found Jean Luc's body under the concrete rubble of his grandma's house. He did not survive the earthquake, along with her and another woman, a cousin. Jean Luc is dead."

I read the message again, again, and again, not wanting to acknowledge its finality. After days of worries, anguish, uncertainties, our worst fears were confirmed. Jean Luc, my step-grandchild did not survive the disaster. They combed the rubble for days, without tools, with bare hands, always hoping...

Madeline Transom checked her tablet. As a personal shopper to star, Amanda Birch, she was expected to pick up trends before they became trendy. Her choices had to be perfect, before she began to shop.

“I wish I knew Amanda’s itinerary. I know what she put in today’s email won’t be it. She may to do nothing at the last minute!”

“I hate bringing things back when she decides they are too this or too that or NOT RIGHT!”

The harried woman didn’t realize she’d spoken aloud, until she saw gawkers.

“I'm sure they didn't forget your birthday. They just didn't remember it right away."

So they say, sniffed Samantha.

“I’m sure the cake is now on its way. Traffic must have been the cause of delay.”

I dare say, huffed Samantha.

Animals were given baths and put outside.The lawns were mowed and the paths swept. Anyone would have thought the Queen of England was coming for a visit. Our bedrooms had to be tidy and, poor Tribbles had to be locked in his cage. I had to ensure he could not get out; she didn't want a rat running around, in between the ladies legs. I kept telling her that Tribbles wasn't a rat, he was a Guinea Pig. Besides he would not want to play with stuck up women. He was too intelligent for them!

The cruel beast that stole her heart
He’s charming, so funny, and smart
Treats her well, so gentle and kind
Fates intervened, the stars aligned

Thanks for helping newbies to navigate around this website.
While I am procrastinating with my memoir (hahaha, yeah, me too), I am still writing little pieces. Soooo thankful to anyone who wants to give me feedback.
Best,
Anne

I have tried several ways to stop myself from procrastinating: 10-minute interval of writing. Just write, don't correct, don't think about a subject, set a timer. I find it limbers me up for other writing.

Sit down with a timer and just do it as they say.

If your life is busy, just write when you can for as long as you can.

Start and see where you go. Don't let your mind stop you with doubts.

Sometimes its fear for me, I'm not sure what to write, how long to make it etc.

Snapewives??! Good grief! You're right -- I absolutely can't unlearn that now (nor did it help with my procrastination issues).

I haven't got the perfect cure, but I've discovered that when I find myself stalling at a new task/project, just aiming to do it badly helps me get started.

Hope that helps!

I also love NCIS and Mr. Jethro Gibbs, but I don't procrastination about him, but I do procrastination, big time.

Oh, you know me so well! There are so many fascinating things on the internet, I just have to go down the rabbit hole a time or seven. I have to admit, though, Snapewives is a new one for me. Thanks a lot... I can't un-know that.