43Folders, one of my favorite tips blogs even though I don't do Apples, had a great idea in their Kick procrastination's ass: Run a dash post. I utilized a "unit-based dash" to get a bit of work done on quals today even with meetings and errands. I printed out and labeled the two files that need to be analyzed so I can continue writing. I set my count-up timer just to see how much time I invested...Answer = 8:53 minutes.

Three kinds of dashes

Try using a kitchen timer to run your time-based dash.

Plan your dash based on whatever works best for both your project and the particular block that's hanging you up. The key is to pick a goal that's laughably modest. Seriously, this is not the place for extravagant predictions and overly ambitious goals (that's probably what helped land you here, right?).

• Time-based dash - Most jobs lend themselves to a time-based dash, so pick up a kitchen timer at your local drugstore. Choose an amount of time that gives you enough room to do something but that's brief enough to seem completely unintimidating. For some reason, eight minutes seems to work well for most of my own dashes.
• Unit-based dash - Alternatively, depending on the tasks you've been avoiding, you could go with a unit-based dash, during which you agree to plow through an arbitrary number of pieces associated with your project (such as pages to read, words to write, glasses to wash, etc.).
• Combination dash - In many cases, the best solution is a combination dash, in which you get to stop the hated work whenever you reach either the time or unit goal first.

Above all, remember that this is all about doing something, so pick a goal at which you can't possibly fail.

Some Sample Dashes

Here are a few ideas to get you started, although dashes can work for virtually any project you've procrastinated--no matter how monolithic.

• Messy garage - Goal: 10 minutes or 1 full garbage bag. Spend 10 minutes working in one area of the garage. Take out old papers, break down some boxes, or move the Christmas ornaments to the top shelf. When the timer buzzes at you, stop.
• College application - Goal: 5 minutes or 1 page. Start by filling in the easy boxes. If you reach the bottom of the page before time is up, stop.
• Overdue report - Goal: 10 minutes or 100 words. Just start writing, even if it's complete crap. Just keep scribbling for 10 minutes or until you have a paragraph or two. When time's up, stop.
• Holiday cards and family correspondence - Goal: 5 minutes or 2 notes. Grab a pen and start making with the nice. Tell them about Tyler's big day at Computer Camp. Brag about Ashley-Marie's jazz and tap recital. When you've hit two finished cards, stop.

So far no additional words today.  But movement is still movement...and I'll take anything that is crawling forward on this project.

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Posted by prolurkr at September 9, 2005 07:00 PM

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