I have often struggled to get started on projects that are particularly important to me so I thought I’d jot down a couple ways I handle procrastination.
Check if I actually want to do the project. Sometimes I like the idea of the project but don’t actually want to do it (maybe I can post the idea here instead), or I’m conflicted because working on this task would conflict with my other values (can I change the plan so it meets my needs more fully?).
Check if I have an actually realistic plan. My subconscious is better at expected value calculations than I am and will not go forward with an unpleasant project that is doomed to fail. Sometimes I’m procrastinating because deep down I know this plan would never work.
Lower the stakes. If I think “I’m going to write the perfect blog post, convince everyone to become EA, and save hundreds of lives” that can easily turn into “I have to write the perfect blog post or else I might miss out on convincing someone and people will literally die.” That mindset does not help me to produce my best work. A better approach is remember perfect is the enemy of done, and take things in stages—for example writing a first draft and sharing it with a friend for comments.
Reducing procrastination on altruistic projects:
I have often struggled to get started on projects that are particularly important to me so I thought I’d jot down a couple ways I handle procrastination.
Check if I actually want to do the project. Sometimes I like the idea of the project but don’t actually want to do it (maybe I can post the idea here instead), or I’m conflicted because working on this task would conflict with my other values (can I change the plan so it meets my needs more fully?).
Check if I have an actually realistic plan. My subconscious is better at expected value calculations than I am and will not go forward with an unpleasant project that is doomed to fail. Sometimes I’m procrastinating because deep down I know this plan would never work.
Lower the stakes. If I think “I’m going to write the perfect blog post, convince everyone to become EA, and save hundreds of lives” that can easily turn into “I have to write the perfect blog post or else I might miss out on convincing someone and people will literally die.” That mindset does not help me to produce my best work. A better approach is remember perfect is the enemy of done, and take things in stages—for example writing a first draft and sharing it with a friend for comments.
I recently wrote about post on procrastination related to my EA work here. Feel free to just check out the references at the end.