Struggling with procrastination and endless phone scrolling? You're not alone. This week, our Chief Dinosaur Supervisor tackles the classic productivity problems that keep people stuck: displacement activities, digital distractions, and the dreaded "I'll start tomorrow" syndrome.
Welcome to our productivity advice column where Chief Dinosaur Supervisor Rexie Roller tackles your goal-setting challenges with prehistoric wisdom! Today's letter comes from Sarah, who is having trouble with her motivation.
Dear Rexie,
I'm Sarah from Manchester, and I have a terrible procrastination problem. I'm brilliant at finding excuses not to do things. I'll scroll through my phone for hours instead of working, suddenly decide the kitchen needs deep cleaning when I should be studying, or promise myself I'll 'definitely start tomorrow' (which never comes). How can I stop putting everything off and actually get things done?
Help!
Sarah
REXIE SAY:
REXIE SEE PROBLEM! SARAH NOT DINOSAUR! BUT DINOSAUR BETTER – IS FACT! HUMAN NOW NAME SARAH STEGOSAURUS! REXIE APPROVE!
STEGOSAURUS HAVE THREE BIG LAZY:
MAKE TINY GOAL! GET STICKER! ROAR LOUD! MAKE MORE TINY GOAL! NO TRY EAT WHOLE MAMMOTH FIRST BITE!
KEEP ON ROAR, STEGOSAURUS!
Mrs. Cranky says:
My dear, what Rexie is trying to say, in his rather enthusiastic way, is that you need some good old-fashioned structure. We didn't have those telephone contraptions in my day, so we couldn't do this 'scrolling' that you youngsters keep talking about. Although what a scroll has to do with new-fangled technology, I have no idea. Scrolls are made of papyrus, not electricity and magnetic… thingummybobs. Anyway, put your phone away and take up knitting instead. It's very soothing for the nerves, and you'll have some lovely scarves to show for your time instead of eyestrain and brain rot.
As for the kitchen cleaning, that's just classic displacement activity. In my grandmother's day, when you had proper work to do, you rolled up your sleeves and got on with it. No distractions – just you, your task, and some good old-fashioned application.
And this 'tomorrow' business? Absolute poppycock! My mother always said, 'Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.' She also said, 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch' and 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight,' which have absolutely nothing to do with procrastination but seemed important at the time.
Perhaps you could try my method. Get some nice quality paper – I recommend Basildon Bond – make a nice cup of tea, turn on the wireless, and write down what you need to do. Start with the smallest possible task. Sometimes the hardest part is simply picking up the fountain pen. (Use one with a proper steel nib, and don't forget the blotting paper.) I also recommend that you buy yourself a comfortable cardigan. Nothing says 'I'm ready to work' like a good cardigan.
Chin up, dear. You'll get there!
– Mrs C.
Whether you prefer Rexie's chomping approach or Mrs. Cranky's traditional wisdom, the core advice remains the same:
Got a productivity problem that needs solving? Check out Rexie's Corner in the sidebar to submit your question and let Rexie work his prehistoric magic on your excuses! Fair warning: answers may include strategic chomping and dinosaur nicknames.
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