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-   -   Need help and encouragement... (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/need-help-encouragement-t135366.html)

Nanamoms 07-05-2011 08:48 AM

ok, I am having problems getting anything done, from sewing to cleaning. I bop from one thing to the other and get nothing done. I have so much to do and I'm good about making a list; but I get sidetracked when I'm working on one thing. I see something else that needs doing (priority) and I bop on over to it. I live alone so it's hard to do some of the things that require lifting and moving. Sometimes, I get so frustrated, I end up sitting or laying down and then I get NOTHING done. I've always been one of the most organized people in the world. I know my meds make me hyper but I thought I was used to them and worked around however they made me feel. Now I just "flit" around.

Any suggestions?

babyfireo4 07-05-2011 08:54 AM

as a fellow flitter I suggest starting with something small and making yourself finish it Or (as I'm more likely to do) make a deal w/yourself..... as soon as this annoying job is finished I get to do this for 10 min ect.

CoriAmD 07-05-2011 08:55 AM

Suggestion - maybe if you set a timer and make yourself work on one project until the timer goes off, that might help. Then you can reset the timer and move on to something else.
I have a similiar problem right now... I need to go to the chiropractor for an adjustment (appt, for tomorrow) but until then, as much as I want to do things, I am too stiff to feel like doing anything. I feel like I am wasting time, but I also know I MUST wait until the adjustment or I will only make myself hurt more.

SparkMonkey 07-05-2011 08:56 AM

I'm sorry to say it, but research has shown that modern technology... like the internet... has reduced our attention spans and made it more difficult for us to focus. I don't think there's a quick fix, but I do know that the less time I spend online, the better able I am to stick to one task and give it my full attention.

I'm not saying give up the internet completely, but maybe set aside a certain amount of time per day and stick to it? I also try to unplug at least one day a week. I don't go online at all unless it's necessary for work.

ckcowl 07-05-2011 08:57 AM

blame the summer---
it really seems to be (going around)

i know some amazingly organized people who can't seem to get anything done these days----and like you put it...flitting around like a social butterfly :)

one way is to...when that moment hits where you are just laying down---think of ONE THING you really wanted to accomplish TODAY- and get back up and go DO IT! AND ONLY IT!!! when it is done you will feel (energized) to do the next thing---and before you know it you will be organized again- and things will be getting done again.
we all go through these times- and sometimes it is really difficult to pull ourselves back out of it- but know one can do it for us- we have to just ... decide enough is enough and go get something done- it's so wonderful---when you are 'back on track' :)

Glassquilt 07-05-2011 09:02 AM

I sooo understand what you're saying. Everything seems to call my name when I see it.
I have noticed that if I have a deadline of some sort I can stay on track better.
I have to finish Whatever by Friday when I see So-n-so.
Sometimes I use a kitchen timer but more often I use the TV show that is on.
Got to get the room done before shows ends.

irishrose 07-05-2011 09:04 AM

I have exactly the same problem and my house and quilting show it. I was overactive all my life but was able to accomplish a lot. Now my body has worn out and my mind is still overactive. The thing I find helps the most is music. I use my favorite CDs and time myself by how many songs I will stay with something. Yesterday when I needed to stay at the sewiing machine I didn't move through an entire CD.

The other problem is that when you live alone, there's so much to do. I quilted yesterday. When I went out to walk the dogs, I realized I didn't water the flowers, so I had to sidetrack. The dogs thought I had lost it when I put their Flexileads on the railing and picked up the hose to fill water jugs.

Make a list and check off things as you complete them. Be sure to include the little things so you have a sense of acomplishment as you are able to complete each item. Right now my list will say, eat lunch, fold clothes, check the mail, unload the dishwasher and quilt. It doesn't say check the QB, so I'll see you later.

blueangel 07-05-2011 09:05 AM

I understand exactly what you are saying.

jean1941 07-05-2011 09:21 AM

Am there doing that A few years I said been there done that but body says now not anymore

maine ladybug 07-05-2011 09:39 AM

I think many of us have had that same thing happen to us so we understand. Just knowing your not alone is a good thing. I would suggest that you might want to make yourself a schedule. Give yourself a time limit on getting one thing or another done and try to stick to it. I also think that it's okay to ask for help if you need it. So maybe someone could come over and help you move thins once in a while? It may not get done as often as it used to, but it will still get done.


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