Is my Anxiety an alien creature that has taken over my decision-making process, Invasion of the Body Snatchers' style?
How do I do what I mean to do that is good for me, and avoid procrastination and doing things that are useless or detrimental?
P.S.: this is a follow-up to: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28654043
Fiore -- decouple any self-judgment or self-validation from your work and its results, and stay focused on the task itself and why you want to finish it. "Lower the board" (see the link [0]) and avoid pressure messages to yourself like "have to" or "should" and focus on rational choices by committing to a schedule of your choosing that intentionally includes "unscheduled" time to relax and recharge.
Pressfield -- anthropomorphizes the concept of "Resistance" as an enemy that needs to be respected as formidable and systematically destroyed. It comes in many forms -- for you it seems like it calls itself "Anxiety" and is possibly attempting to transform you into a pod person. It is merciless and comes from both within and without. But once you can identify its attempts to derail you, you can approach the war with discipline, structure, and professionalism, and thus choose your battles with it intelligently, recognizing Resistance for what it is -- the hodgepodge collection of bricks forming the last wall between you and the choice to become who you already know you are.
I am going to have to chew on "decouple any self-judgment or self-validation from your work and its results, and stay focused on the task itself and why you want to finish it..." for a while. Looking forward to the discovery.
Have you tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? This workbook[1] provides people with ways to deal with anxiety and negative thoughts/feelings that lead to procrastination. While it's meant for people who have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, you can use the exercises regardless.
If you're not comfortable going that far, then "The Practice of Groundedness"[2] is another good book you can read... It discusses habit formation and the need for you to replace your 'bad' habits with new actions... For example, when you notice yourself typing "reddit.com" or something into your browser, force yourself to stop, close the browser, and breath for 5 seconds. You can still revisit the site afterwards, but the awareness of what you're doing can often lead to intentional changes without berating yourself.
Remember that finding what works for you is a journey and what you need to do is be consistent... A few things people recommend won't work, but then you'll stumble upon the one that does and you'll feel better... You'll still relapse every once in a while, but just forgive yourself and move on. Don't punish yourself.
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[1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZE5A4C/
[2] https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Groundedness-Transformative-...
good way to put it.
I have tried CBT and I am going to get the 2 books that you mentioned.
> For example, when you notice yourself typing "reddit.com" or something into your browser, force yourself to stop, close the browser, and breath for 5 seconds. You can still revisit the site afterwards, but the awareness of what you're doing can often lead to intentional changes without berating yourself.
That's an interesting point.
Thank you for your comment.
I have moved to another state and I no longer have access to that therapist that was great to say the least. Eventually (I know procrastination again) I will seek out a new therapist this time just to address my Anxiety.
Thank you for your comment.