Comments on: Finding the Motivation to Get Started on Major Tasks http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Lenore http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-725731 Lenore Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:21:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-725731 I have an assignment for you, Trent, the next time you're feeling stuck like this. Pick one of your short stories, revise it a bit if you feel the need, and share it with your Simple Dollar readership as an example of pursuing a maor dream. I know it can be intimidating to open up more personal writing to the public, but it may also be very enlightening and enriching. You might end up with fans for your literary endeavors from among those already hooked on this blog. I, for one, would love to see an example of your purely creative work. Maybe it would inspire me to write more poetry. I have an assignment for you, Trent, the next time you’re feeling stuck like this. Pick one of your short stories, revise it a bit if you feel the need, and share it with your Simple Dollar readership as an example of pursuing a maor dream.

I know it can be intimidating to open up more personal writing to the public, but it may also be very enlightening and enriching. You might end up with fans for your literary endeavors from among those already hooked on this blog. I, for one, would love to see an example of your purely creative work. Maybe it would inspire me to write more poetry.

]]> By: bellneice http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-725528 bellneice Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:18:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-725528 Your solution assumes that you have to "feel" motivated in order to do a task, and approaches a task from that point. Another solution is to realize that you can actually "do" something, without "feeling" like doing it, separating the two things. It isn't literally required that you be in the mood. Your solution assumes that you have to “feel” motivated in order to do a task, and approaches a task from that point. Another solution is to realize that you can actually “do” something, without “feeling” like doing it, separating the two things. It isn’t literally required that you be in the mood.

]]> By: Carol http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-325357 Carol Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:40:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-325357 Wondering what Trent meant by "going to places where ideas for posts will strike me (like warehouse stores, for example)." I don't think you are going to warehouse stores to shop are you? Since we never shop for entertainment, I guess maybe you are going there for something specific, but maybe the atmosphere gives you some kind of energy??? Please explain, thanks. Wondering what Trent meant by “going to places where ideas for posts will strike me (like warehouse stores, for example).” I don’t think you are going to warehouse stores to shop are you? Since we never shop for entertainment, I guess maybe you are going there for something specific, but maybe the atmosphere gives you some kind of energy??? Please explain, thanks.

]]> By: Jarrod - Warrior Development http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324736 Jarrod - Warrior Development Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:45:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324736 The reason for us avoiding doing something is always internal. Rather than overpowering any resistance (either through diversion or something else) we have the ability to see what is really stopping us. Turning our attention inwards to our thoughts and feelings we can see we obstructs us and let it go. The reason for us avoiding doing something is always internal. Rather than overpowering any resistance (either through diversion or something else) we have the ability to see what is really stopping us. Turning our attention inwards to our thoughts and feelings we can see we obstructs us and let it go.

]]> By: Make Money http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324638 Make Money Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:19:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324638 Timed article for me. Really helpful. Thanks mate Timed article for me. Really helpful. Thanks mate

]]> By: Anna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324633 Anna Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:11:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324633 When in doubt, take a nap. When in doubt, take a nap.

]]> By: Julie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324581 Julie Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:03:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324581 I think I'll send this article on to my husband who's working on his master's thesis right now. These are some good suggestions! On another note- I just finished re-reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle for the second time, because I enjoyed it so much the first time! I hope you're liking it too, and I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it. I think I’ll send this article on to my husband who’s working on his master’s thesis right now. These are some good suggestions!

On another note- I just finished re-reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle for the second time, because I enjoyed it so much the first time! I hope you’re liking it too, and I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it.

]]> By: Jules http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324580 Jules Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:01:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324580 Whenever I don't want to do anything, I tell myself, "OK, I'll just do this little thing--five minutes, that's it." And then, once that little thing is done, there's another little thing that I think of doing--and it sort of just snowballs from there until I've gotten done what I need to do. Whenever I don’t want to do anything, I tell myself, “OK, I’ll just do this little thing–five minutes, that’s it.” And then, once that little thing is done, there’s another little thing that I think of doing–and it sort of just snowballs from there until I’ve gotten done what I need to do.

]]> By: Ann at One Bag Nation http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324456 Ann at One Bag Nation Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:37:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324456 What works best for me is to tell myself I only have to work on (fill in the blank) for a short period of time - from 5 minutes to 30, depending on the project. Sometimes I'm ready to do more, sometimes not, but at least I've made a dent. <a href="http://onebagnation.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=34" rel="nofollow">This technique</a> has been essential for getting my house in order and getting freelance projects done. What works best for me is to tell myself I only have to work on (fill in the blank) for a short period of time – from 5 minutes to 30, depending on the project. Sometimes I’m ready to do more, sometimes not, but at least I’ve made a dent.

This technique has been essential for getting my house in order and getting freelance projects done.

]]> By: BonzoGal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324387 BonzoGal Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:58:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324387 Heh, I find that the best way for me to get a project done is to have something else I really SHOULD be doing instead. I revamped my company's intranet because I really should have been writing a boring presentation on yearly goals... If the intranet had been a bigger priority, suddenly I'd have found the goal presentation more fun to do. ;) I find the same with housecleaning- when the tub needs scrubbing, suddenly cleaning the knobs on the stove seems much more interesting. Heh, I find that the best way for me to get a project done is to have something else I really SHOULD be doing instead. I revamped my company’s intranet because I really should have been writing a boring presentation on yearly goals… If the intranet had been a bigger priority, suddenly I’d have found the goal presentation more fun to do. ;)

I find the same with housecleaning- when the tub needs scrubbing, suddenly cleaning the knobs on the stove seems much more interesting.

]]> By: Mike Sty http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324381 Mike Sty Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:50:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324381 Props to the link for http://hundredpushups.com -- I've been struggling through it for three weeks now, go go gadget noodle arms! Props to the link for http://hundredpushups.com — I’ve been struggling through it for three weeks now, go go gadget noodle arms!

]]> By: Angela http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324362 Angela Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:19:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324362 One problem I find with all of these wonderful suggestions (and I've tried every one) is that they easily lead to procrastination. I'll hang some art. Ohh, then I'll put a new plant on my desk, and then maybe read a different book. Sometimes I find they lead me further away from a rush of new energy for a project that needs to get done. What I often do is combine #3, #4, and #5. A common strategy is to take a walk (exercise and a different activity). But I use the exercise break and the new environment to brainstorm about my hurdle. On a lucky day, by the time I get home I can't wait to sit down and implement what I thought of. One problem I find with all of these wonderful suggestions (and I’ve tried every one) is that they easily lead to procrastination. I’ll hang some art. Ohh, then I’ll put a new plant on my desk, and then maybe read a different book. Sometimes I find they lead me further away from a rush of new energy for a project that needs to get done.

What I often do is combine #3, #4, and #5. A common strategy is to take a walk (exercise and a different activity). But I use the exercise break and the new environment to brainstorm about my hurdle. On a lucky day, by the time I get home I can’t wait to sit down and implement what I thought of.

]]> By: Sheila http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324351 Sheila Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:05:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324351 Wow - I really understand why you'd rather finish the book you're reading. I've just finished reading it myself and found it to be inspiring and completely frightening at the same time. I hope this one will be reviewed since I'd love to hear your thoughts on the content. By the way, because I just finished reading this book, I have several boxed stacked in my dining room. I read instead of sorting them. :D Wow – I really understand why you’d rather finish the book you’re reading. I’ve just finished reading it myself and found it to be inspiring and completely frightening at the same time. I hope this one will be reviewed since I’d love to hear your thoughts on the content.

By the way, because I just finished reading this book, I have several boxed stacked in my dining room. I read instead of sorting them. :D

]]> By: uri http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324350 uri Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:02:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324350 so, uh, you just read a book for an hour, wrote short stories for an hour, did some yoga for a while, went for some exercise, took a shower, then redecorated your office -- and you're calling that working? of course, at my job, i just read some blogs and posted some comments, and i'm calling /that/ working ... so, uh, you just read a book for an hour, wrote short stories for an hour, did some yoga for a while, went for some exercise, took a shower, then redecorated your office — and you’re calling that working?

of course, at my job, i just read some blogs and posted some comments, and i’m calling /that/ working …

]]> By: Ramona http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324323 Ramona Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:24:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324323 That's the main drawback of working for yourself - motivation. Even though you know you have tons of stuff to do, something just won't let you do it. Your ideas are great and I have participated in many of these. My favourites are going for a walk, working in the garden, and yes, computer games. Sometimes just blasting away at Chicken Invaders for 10 minutes allows me to refocus. But that is hard to explain to others. Especially when the phone rings and you are desperately trying to hit the mute button! Another of my tactics - rewarding myself. Once I have completed a particular task that was stuck in the mud, I get to have a certain snack or surf the web for 10 minutes. Works every time. Thanks for the post. That’s the main drawback of working for yourself – motivation. Even though you know you have tons of stuff to do, something just won’t let you do it. Your ideas are great and I have participated in many of these. My favourites are going for a walk, working in the garden, and yes, computer games. Sometimes just blasting away at Chicken Invaders for 10 minutes allows me to refocus. But that is hard to explain to others. Especially when the phone rings and you are desperately trying to hit the mute button! Another of my tactics – rewarding myself. Once I have completed a particular task that was stuck in the mud, I get to have a certain snack or surf the web for 10 minutes. Works every time.

Thanks for the post.

]]> By: Writer's Coin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324316 Writer's Coin Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:12:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324316 Very timely for me right now, as I'm feeling like nothing is getting done, especially since I seem to be doing things that have nothing to do with my long-term goals. Reading helps me out when I'm blocked like this. Very timely for me right now, as I’m feeling like nothing is getting done, especially since I seem to be doing things that have nothing to do with my long-term goals.

Reading helps me out when I’m blocked like this.

]]> By: Onaclov2000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/comment-page-1/#comment-324315 Onaclov2000 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:05:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/10/finding-the-motivation-to-get-started-on-major-tasks/#comment-324315 I believe this answered the question I emailed you about the other day, thank you. I believe this answered the question I emailed you about the other day, thank you.

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