How do I solve my chronic procrastination problem? I have a huge problem with procrastinating through school and my first few years of practice and frequently miss deadlines. I know it’s a problem but implementing time management behaviors does not help. It’s like I can’t self-regulate whatsoever. (I have ADHD, but so do a lot of people). How can I communicate to my firm what is going on with me when I don’t really understand it since it has proven not to be a quick fix but I’m trying everything

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I read an awesome book about mental strength that talked about procrastination as a symptom of perfectionism. Basically, and I’m over simplifying, if you think something really needs to be perfect, and we all know deep down as humans perfection is impossible to achieve, then it’s really hard to start a task because you know in your heart it won’t be perfect. So in addition to other factors this could perhaps be one that you could work on. Once I started giving myself grace and not making everything about perfection I was able to work at a pace that I felt much better about.

like

Have you talked to you attorney development folks? One of my friends got some awesome counseling/coaching for this type of stuff.

like

That’s what I was thinking - I’m just scared of labeling myself (see the partner comment below) since a lot of people don’t understand when I try to explain all the variety of techniques I’ve tried.

like

I think the topic of procrastination is a huge taboo in our industry. Even though probably every human has procrastinated at some point in their lives, our professional value is determined based on hours billed so admitting that we have a time management problem can have negative implications on our careers. I would advise you against raising this with your employer and instead working with a therapist on a confidential basis.

like

Thanks that is what I’ve been doing I’m just concerned that I keep saying I will do better with my getting things done but struggling that and then get in hot water for it my firm will ask why I didn’t tell them what was happening

like

I have a massive life-long procrastination problem too. Not taking on too much work is really key. I’m looking for advice too.

like

If you know you are procrastinating, why can’t you just get going? I advise against talking about it to the firm. It may only create negativity and an impression that is difficult to reverse even if you get professional assistance to learn to deal with it. Start tomorrow. Or the day after.

smart

Have you tried meditation? Seriously! For example, the Headspace app has a program on anxiety/procrastination. It’s not a quick fix but if you do a little every day I bet you will start noticing a difference.

like

I’ve struggled with this myself. I’ve got a few ideas that help, I’ll write them up in a little bit.

funny

Apologies if you answer below, but are you taking medication for your ADHD and if you are, have you considered switching it up? I hear from lots of folks who talk about diagnosed ADHD and don’t medicate and to me it seems like people who have 20/200 vision but dont wear glasses. I understand there are legit reasons for not taking medication but the diagnosis is a professional saying “your neurotransmitters don’t fire like other folks’ do” so treat it

like

I know a coach who helps with procrastination issues. Dm me if you want an introduction. Thanks.

Related Posts

Hi Fishes,

My last working date with TCS is on 4th March 2022 and now they are offering me 80% hike and Canada onsite opportunity and telling that will initiate visa as soon as I take resignation back and also ready to provide written confirmation. On the other hand I have an offer from IBM of 120% hike fixed and performance bonus would be there which I am not considering now.

Which one would be better? please suggest based on your knowledge and experience.

funnylike

Why does the 3% Conference get so much money from agencies & clients when they have a history of showcasing toxic, abusive to female employees underneath them, women in advertising? Every year, people are shocked at who gets featured there. The idea is not just to celebrate women, it’s to celebrate aspirational women. Maybe they ran out of speakers and are dipping down too much. But agencies and clients should take a hard look at who is speaking before giving money.

likesmart

So I’m in people ops (for lack of a better term) at a national nonprofit for 3 years now and I am *struggling* to pivot into more traditional HR roles and people ops positions outside of the nonprofit space. Has anyone here successfully made that pivot? What did you find most helpful?

like

Hiring senior backend developers with 5-15yrs experience in c #,.net,data structures, algorithms @Mediakind

like

Hey desi peeps! I just moved to San Francisco (M 26). I work at Deloitte as a Salesforce Consultant and love watching baseball. Yep that’s it. That’s all of my personality! Just kidding! Anyway, anyone in the city that wanna grab drinks? Don’t know anyone here! :)

like

Hi Team,

TCS has released the offer letter for me & my doj is on 30th Jan which I chose. My current employer is ready to release me early and my lwd is 30th November.

I am confused whether I should join on 30th Jan or I should talk to HR for early joining. Also, there are rumours that Indian MNCs are cancelling offer letters due to recession and hence I am scared as I don't have any other offer in hand

What's the truth 🤔

like

When did you start going gray? I’m almost 31 and have found a few grays in the middle of my head. I have dark hair. Thinking of just letting it be as it will make me look older? I have a young face

like

Nice repetitive bullet here in my McKinsey referral job description. Whats the clear takeaway here???

Post Photo
funnylike

Fishes who did consulting before moving to the region. How do you compare your consulting experience at previous place versus in the ME?

like

How long does it take for IBM to send offer letter? I have been selected in the technical rounds and the financials have been agreed upon too. I then had to complete Cognify test which I did last friday. Still have no communication from the HR. This is my first job change after campus, so I'm really anxious. I would appreciate you advice. Thanks

Thoughts on H4B Chelsea?

like

Recommendation for best marriage counselors in Toronto area !

I have a partner interview for life sciences senior consulting position at Deloitte. What types of questions can I expect to be asked for this role?

like

Tomorrow is the first day of the new work week. What are your goals for this week?

like

Dear All,
I'm looking for job opportunity as system administrator. I'm any opportunity please let me know. Thankyou
YOE: 6.5

like

What’s the salary range at PwC for senior consultant and manager?

like

I want to brag on my kid, but I don’t want to embarrass him, so I’m doing it here. My college sophomore found out today that he ended up with a B in his accounting class - which is remarkable, given that he received a 50 on his first exam and a 70 on his second. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him work this hard - and I couldn’t be more proud. The grades that come easily don’t impress me nearly as much as the ones that are hard fought.

likeupliftingfunny

I'm interested in the minimalist lifestyle and want to renew my wardrobe. I own tons of clothes, some are worn only once, so it'll be difficult to get rid of them. Any tips on how to make this move?

like

I applied for a job at Embark about a week ago - should I be worried that I haven't heard back? How long does it usually take to hear back from a company after applying online? It's been a while since my last job search and I don't want to get too worked up after only a week if I don't need to.

like

Additional Posts in Big Law

How soon is too soon to lateral (if you’re a three week old lateral)

funnylike

Everytime I work on the weekend I get into some sort of fight with my spouse. Anyone else get annoyed when their spouse constantly asks you when you’ll be done working, or asks how much longer you have to work. It annoys the hell out of me. I don’t want be working on a Sunday anymore than my spouse wants me to be working. But I have to. I don’t need reminded that I am disappointing my family in addition to working on the weekend. Am I alone in thinking this? Am I wrong to get so annoyed?

like

Hi! I’m a junior associate at a big law firm in NYC, and I’m considering a move to Dallas. I’m 28 and single, originally from Texas but have lived in the northeast/midwest since graduating from high school. Has anyone else made a similar move to the south? Thoughts on living in the Uptown area?

like

Lateral here probably not making hours. So frustrated but it was a very slow ramp up period and I was so burned out from my previous firm. 😩 worries about how to address in my review if it comes up.

likesmart

Heard that Baker McKenzie has a tax practice group. Can anyone provide more information on this company and referrals? JD and currently in big 4 doing transfer pricing, looking to transition

like

Who billed the most today?

like

What should you prepare for a transactional lateral conflicts check? Do you have to have prepare a deal sheet for every deal you worked in?

like

New associate and our firm is slowly returning to the office. I really like my work from home setup that includes an ultra wide monitor and a another monitor in portrait mode. Would it be frowned upon to replicate this in my office?

like

The general trend at my firm has been that most folks start work around 10 am. Even when going into the office, most arrive close that 10 am mark. Is this how it is with you? Or is this more of a NY thing?

like

I got an offer from firm 1 before the memorial holiday and have been stalling because I am waiting for an offer from firm 2..
I was working with a partner from firm 2 who got me an interview with the managing partner.. I got a verbal offer last week.. the staff told me they are processing the paperwork.
Should I still wait for firm 2? I feel like I can’t stall anymore.. I feel like I really should give firm 1 a response this week 😮‍💨 but I don’t want to lose both offers

likehelpful

Do you plan on living in NY forever? It doesn’t look like it’s easy to raise children or be old in this city.

likesmart

Is it okay that I’ve been a slow junior as we’re hours away from closing? I’m trying to be proactive and available to cross things off the list but I’m SLOW: takes me long enough that they do it themselves (even though this wasn’t an issue earlier in the deal) and even on quick tasks or emails, they respond to it before I can click send. There’s also so much about closing that I don’t understand and I feel like I’m bothering the higher-ups on the team whenever I ask. *end anxiety post*

like

I've been noticing a new trend in biglaw passive aggressiveness: Adding a question mark to a non-question when you're following up on something. E.g., "Hi X, just wanted to check in on Y as the client would like to see a draft as soon as possible? When can we expect this?"

And to the people who do this... why?

like

Has anyone ever been pushed out after billing over 2400 hours?

like

Any leads for good contract doc review attorneys/companies? Working on a complex internal investigation that requires analysis far beyond simple responsiveness coding and getting quotes that outsource to India for a fraction of the cost of reviewing in house is actually not what I’m looking for. Saving money is a consideration but primary driver is dedicated/consistent time commitment. Team is stretched too thin to make it through the volume.

like

Do you feel bad going in the office at 10am? It's either that or I don't show up and wfh, but still feel a bit bad about it.

like

Dickinson Wright salary scale?

like

What do you prefer: iManage or NetDocuments?

like

I know this isn’t a “biglaw” firm because it doesn’t pay market, but did anyone else see the insane bonus numbers at 2400 hours for Loeb & Loeb? Is that real? $305k bonus for an 8th year?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal