What motivates us
Ever known you have a bunch to do, but just can’t seem to start the tasks? That happens to me about every day. I have this simple “To Do List” and yet never seem to get the tasks done. Even as I’m distracted with other things, the litany of what I need to finish scrolls through my head; and yet, I just can’t get motivated to start. There are always so many distractions: books to read on my phone apps or from my bookshelf, endless scrolling through shows on tv, games to play on my phone or laptop. It never fails. I remind myself of what I need to get done and then quickly become distracted by things I don’t need to do.
I recently made the joke that I would like to be a Lady of Leisure after getting seven snow days within two weeks. While you might think that is a great idea or an awesome opportunity to get things done, I found myself having a hard time concentrating on the tasks at hand. Even now while on Spring Break, there is a litany of things that need my attention; and while I have gotten to a few, I really should have handled most of them by now. Today, I sat down with my coffee and laptop with the intent of checking emails, sending a few, working on this blog, and then getting my workout in. Well, two hours later and I’m just now working on my blog because there are fun games on this computer and Netflix and my mom called and basically, I did everything but what I actually needed to do.
So, how do I motivate myself? Not well, if you want the truthful answer. I’m not lazy. I mean, I have action packed days: teaching, grading, family, riding, writing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, crocheting baby blankets for two of my colleagues who are pregnant. But when it comes to completing my to do lists, sometimes I just cannot get motivated. I see this with my students as well; even when I give them tons of class time to prepare and create, they get distracted by the games on their chromebooks or phones (if they can sneak them without my seeing), which also leads to texting, Snapchat, instant messaging, all the fun tech distractions. Why work on school when you can watch an otter video or stupid prank video? Why get your tasks competed when there are much more inane things to occupy your brain? I get it and often fall into that trap as well.
Very often I have to force myself to start the list, and then, once started, I usually keep going. Sometimes, I get distracted mid-task or find my mind drifting to something else; and if I’m not careful, I’m distracted again. I should have had this written, emails answered, and already finished by workout by now. Instead, here I sit trying to finish my great treatise to the world, no workout done, no emails checked, and several hours behind schedule. I really don’t think being a Lady of Leisure is right for me because I would simply vegetate, which would eventually drive me nuts. I need to work on structuring my days better and not allowing so many distractions. Any suggestions?