Not Being Able to Start
Submitted by Malcolm on Tue, 02/03/2009 - 14:30.
I am going to post something on my blog today as I am not happy with myself!
I am at home because of the inclement weather here in the UK and have been trying to put together a presentation which I am due to give to collegues on Thursday.
Its going to be a dry run of the first presentation of the first course I am presenting. It is also the first module of the whole course which is due to start in June.
I just haven't been able to get started. The more I think about it the harder it has become and the more anxious I have felt.
Has anyone else experienced this? If so, would really appreciate any ideas about how to overcome this type of situation.
Starting up
I always had difficulty with things like this. At first when I give it good thought it seems very simple and possible but once I actually start it's very hard to put my thoughts in action and on paper plus sometimes I can't really express my thoughts either. I had this problem when I use to write things such as papers, letters and even stories. I tend to get pretty anxious and frustrated when this happen plus I tend to give up!
I really don't have any good solid advice to really conquer this, I wish I did.
Pressure and Beginning
I am beginning to increasingly believe that pressure has a lot to do with this which, of course, would be applicable in relation to Asperger syndrome.
If I am under pressure or worried about something - a deadline, whether I can actually do a task or, maybe, whether I can do it to the required level whilst not practising perfectionism - then it makes me slightly anxious. This may be the reason for any procrastination or delay.
The answer? Well, starting as early as possible is important. My mode of operation is to try and do "something" in relation to the task in hand so that I have something tangible in front of me. I can then work on/adapt it later. It also helps to get my thought processes going.
Going back to something later also enables me to look at an issue with fresh eyes. I usually can then see something that I may have missed or can add to my initial draft.
The key issue, of course, is not to let the task drag on forever. Be mindful of the deadline and be sure that I satisfy it.
Doing things this way also enables me to know I have done something which takes the pressure off internally.