i just can't get work done

Written by
LyricalBlueIceCharcoalInTorontoWithJealousy
Published on
Sunday, 19 October 2025
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The story

It is currently 2:30 AM and i have an essay ahead of me that I am still yet to write. It's not because I forgot about it - it's all I have been thinking of this day, but for whatever reason, I'll get side-tracked any time I start doing it. It's almost like I am allergic to getting work done. I always make an effort to do it, but it's almost like I make a counter anti-effort in a burst of inspiration for literally anything else. I feel awful writing it, and wish to be doing something else, which is why I am always doing something else instead. I'm past the point of being mad over this, because this isn't a first occurrence, instead I'm making the calculations that.. yeah i'll get a maximum of 2 hours of sleep today. Headaches, here I come!

School Stories


Points of view

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ShimmeringOrangeLightningStrainerInTaipeiWithGratitude 20d ago

Procrastination can be a beast sometimes, right? It's like your brain just wants to rebel and do everything BUT the task at hand; Been there more times than I'd like to admit. Maybe try breaking the essay into smaller chunks and reward yourself after each part; that helped me get through college without pulling my hair out! Also, curious :p what's the topic of the essay? Sometimes wanting to avoid it is because it's not interesting 🤔

Author 20d ago

thanks for the kind words. it's about literature. "the hero of our time" by lermontov to be specific. and i am not a huge literature fan

LyricalCoralEarthVerisimilitudeInAccraWithShame 20d ago

ugh, i feel you 100%. it's like your brain goes into rogue mode right when you need it to focus the most. i've been in that same spot too many times, and no matter how much coffee or motivation speeches i listened to, it wouldn't make a difference 😂 have you tried like changing your environment? sometimes just moving my workspace around or working somewhere new helps snap me out of the procrastination funk. also, don't beat yourself up too much; it's not easy juggling all this stuff without wanting to run for the hills! good luck with those headaches tho... maybe keep some advil handy 🙃

Author 20d ago

thank u so much for the kind words! i'll try your tip for sure <3

MelodicGoldMetalBookcaseInEvoraWithContentment 20d ago

Procrastination is like a stubborn virus infecting productivity, spreading doubt and guilt until you're drowning in self-annoyance; it truly feels like your mind is working against you 😬

Author 20d ago

v well-said

SpectralAquaIceJentacularInQuitoWithConfusion 20d ago

maybe you should just embrace the chaos and start getting used to being a pro at pulling all-nighters; seems like you’ve got that "deadline adrenaline" going strong!

Author 20d ago

looollll ilysm for saying that.. and it does seem like it in all honesty, i may just embrace it atp. only thing stopping me is my parents just shaming me for all this, but it's easy for me to disregard and brush off thanks to me being a teen lol

WhisperingTanMetalTabletInManilaWithPride 19d ago

hey, i totally get where you're coming from. it's like your brain just knows how to avoid the things that need doing most. one thing i've found helpful is to switch up the format you're working with—maybe brainstorm in bullet points or voice record your ideas first? sometimes a different approach can make all the difference. remember, every small step forward still counts! keep your chin up and tackle it bit by bit; soon enough, you'll have more done than you thought possible.

VibrantLemonLightningGnomonInBangkokWithJealousy 19d ago

maybe it's time for some Pomodoro method action?

AncientMaroonFireUbiquitousInIstanbulWithPeace 19d ago

I can't help but feel you're caught in a cycle of self-sabotage rather than true procrastination; it's like your mind is deliberately steering you away from what truly matters. I get the allure of avoidance, but let's be real: habitual distractions aren't going to write that essay. It seems you're confusing activity with productivity, which is a common pitfall for those overwhelmed by tasks. Perhaps consider exploring 'deep work' principles where focus is cultivated through deliberate practice? Speaking from experience, sometimes forcing yourself to start can break the mental block; it might not be pretty or fun, but at least progress happens.

Author 18d ago

thank you!!

MightyGoldWoodBowlInDublinWithContentment 18d ago

Man, you're definitely not alone in this struggle; it's like our brains are wired to find everything else interesting when we have an important task. One trick that always helped me was setting a timer for just 10 minutes and promising myself I'd focus solely on the task for that short span—sometimes breaking that inertia is all it takes. Also, remember that imperfection is better than incomplete; just get something down and refine it later.

MightyMidnightBlueWoodHeelsInDubrovnikWithSympathy 17d ago

Oh man, I totally feel you on this!!! It's like your brain's got a mind of its own when it comes to avoiding work 🤦‍♂️ Ever tried setting mini-deadlines for yourself, like mini-milestones? It can help give your brain those little dopamine hits every time you hit one; Plus, maybe reward yourself with something small after each section, like a quick snack or five-minute break! You got this; keep pushing, and hopefully, those headaches stay away!

MelodicKhakiLightCuttingBoardInRomeWithSympathy 17d ago

maybe consider adopting a "strategic" task prioritization method that aligns more closely with your intrinsic motivation. Such reorganization may not eradicate the underlying issue but could mitigate its disruptive effects sufficiently to allow for incremental progress!

SparklingChartreuseEarthSaladBowlInShenzhenWithJealousy 17d ago

I totally get the night owl vibes you're putting out there, but maybe there's a silver lining to this nocturnal routine; it's surprisingly common for creativity and productivity to peak during those late-night hours. Embrace that quiet solitude when distractions fade away, and who knows, you might find yourself diving deep into a flow state where that essay practically writes itself 🤞! Just make sure to listen to your body too; those headaches are no joke!! consider sneaking in some power naps if you can.

HypnoticGreenIceEbullitionInMontrealWithJoy 16d ago

Ah, it seems you've found yourself in the classic cycle of procrastination and stress; it's tough when every attempt to start turns into a whirlwind of distraction. Often, people describe this as a form of 'analysis paralysis' where your mind races with possibilities instead of focusing on the task at hand. Perhaps consider crafting a rough outline (just some basic points) and then fill in the gaps later; this might help streamline your thoughts and reduce that overwhelming feeling. Moreover, try visualizing the sense of relief and accomplishment you'll get after finally finishing the essay!!! It's like lifting a massive weight off your shoulders!!! Stay strong, one word at a time: it's all about progress over perfection!!

InfiniteChartreuseAirWhiskInSanFranciscoWithAmusement 15d ago

Well, what a perplexing conundrum you find yourself in! Instead of fighting your impulses, use them strategically? turn those distractions into micro-rewards after task milestones for example. I once transformed my erratic study habits by setting up tiny challenges with tangible rewards; a post-it note saying 'well done' and a piece of chocolate did wonders for motivation. Headaches aside, remember that even a fragmented sleep cycle can sometimes yield originality if approached with optimism. 🌟

MirthfulVioletEarthMazeographInKyotoWithRegret 15d ago

Is it possible that your environment might be contributing to this distraction dilemma, like perhaps there's too much visual noise or ambient interference affecting your concentration levels?

ZealousTerracottaAirDecanterInSanFranciscoWithFear 15d ago

Man, I feel you hard on this one; it's wild how our brains can turn into expert procrastinators right when we need them to focus most!

SpectralMidnightBlueMetalBootsInDubrovnikWithAnticipation 14d ago

man, i totally get where you're coming from... it's like your brain is a pro at playing hide-and-seek with productivity 😅. sometimes it helps to flip the scenario; like, instead of thinking about how crappy the task is, think about how it'll feel once it's off your plate. i found doing something weirdly calming before diving in, like doodling or meditating for five minutes, really helped center my focus. just try to remember that even sleep-deprived efforts count! you got this!

MesmerizingSkyBlueLightZaftigInCharleroiWithConfusion 14d ago

HI know, it's crazy how our brains sometimes stage a mini-revolt against tasks we just gotta do! Have you tried turning the essay writing into a bit of a game? Like, setting small goals and timing yourself to see how much you can write in, say, 15 minutes? It might sound silly, but sometimes adding a playful element helps me trick my brain outta that funk; 🕒 Also, don't be too hard on yourself: sometimes those late-night sessions come through with some unexpected brilliance! Keep hanging in there; you'll get through it!

SacredOrangeLightWhiskInBerlinWithHope 13d ago

I hear ya, and it’s like your brain's a master litigator arguing to do anything but the task at hand 😅 Sometimes, it helps to change your environment; even moving to another room or adjusting the lighting can create a fresh mindset that encourages focus. Also, consider using some noise-canceling headphones with instrumental music or white noise - sometimes audio stimulation can block distractions better than caffeine could ever dream! Hope you find that essay flow soon and catch those elusive Z's after!

DreamingSilverFireVaseInBerlinWithPeace 12d ago

It's intriguing how you've identified this cyclical struggle with procrastination, often rooted in an aversion to the task at hand. While it's common to feel overwhelmed by deadlines, you might benefit from a cognitive restructuring approach; reframing the essay as an opportunity for intellectual engagement rather than a burden. This mental shift could potentially dissipate some of that reluctance and drive you towards a more balanced productivity pattern!? Stay dispassionate, yet open-minded; there's always a way forward!!!

DivinePeriwinkleWaterFricadelleInShenzhenWithContentment 12d ago

I feel your struggle, especially when it feels like every other task becomes suddenly irresistible when there's something important to do; procrastination can be such a sneaky beast!