I just can't seem to get my sorry tail in motion. I've got the entire week off, nobody here to bug me, and a do-list as long as my arm... and I'm just not getting anything done.

I did visit family for Christmas, and got oil change and front brakes done this morning. (That is, I had them done... I could do it myself, but it would take three times as long, and I'd have to call a friend for help with the brakes. And then we'd get pizza and beer.) I've got desk work to do, a small bit of yard work to do (okay, that's not happening because it's 18° outside), I need to sweep / vac / leaf-blow the garage, send some "after-Christmas" cards, and move some furniture around. My office is a wreck, my workshop is twice as bad, the fridge needs dumping, and the dog needs a bath. Oh, and I'm sleepy as heck, to boot.

And here I sit: watching college football, surfing SF, and chatting with friends by phone and text. I walked around the house an hour ago looking at things that need to be done, and recognized my lack of motivation.

What the heck? Why can't I get even simple things done this week? (Or this month, for that matter?) Good grief, man!

Because you are not being rushed. Enjoy your time off.

I’m suffering the same thing as I said that I would do some work over vacation. Well, that is not goi;g as planned. I’ll be farther behind when I goes back to work on Tuesday but it’s nice doing nothing in the meantime.

You are not alone buddy. Take the small victories and save the big battles for later.

Make a *written* list. Cross them off as you go.

Better question: when was the last time you got to just sit on your butt for an extended period?

Sometimes ya just gotta chill.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Make a *written* list. Cross them off as you go.

The first thing on the list is- Make a List. Then cross it off.

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Make a *written* list. Cross them off as you go.

The first thing on the list is- Make a List. Then cross it off.

Starting off strong... now time for a break

Wow. I think I fell asleep right after my original post.

Oddly, all I want now is a nap.

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Make a *written* list. Cross them off as you go.

The first thing on the list is- Make a List. Then cross it off.

I retired a bit over six months ago. I've got this Man Cave project I'm working on. Gut and remodel an 11x10' room in the corner of the basement. It's 99.999% gutted. Just got to strip the wallpaper off one wall. Haven't done squat with it for a week or better.

Almost went and bought the door and rigid foam insulation today, but the camera lens I ordered was out for delivery and, well...

Mañana

I had a policy when I was still working and on vacation: "Eat when you're hungry. Sleep when you're tired or sleepy."

I wouldn't worry about it.

It is a result of some depression. I think most of us have some level of it. Especially those of us over 50. Especially this time of year.

Some exercise, better diet help. If severe enough. Other remedies might be necessary.

I am not an expert but think this could at least be the case.

A lack of interest might be mistook for a lack of motivation or I don't want to be bothered.

Just a thought.

I'd write a long response, as I am in the same boat, but I think I'll have a nap instead.

Good luck.

I too need to find my wick and light it. Have a new radiator, hoses and, thermostat to install. Its in the teens outside all weekend. Not going to be fun at all.

You need my new book, soon to be available on Amazon.com. It will be titled “The Power of Patient Procrastination.”

It’ll be there as soon as I get around to writing it, ahhh, finishing it.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
Wow. I think I fell asleep right after my original post.

Oddly, all I want now is a nap.

There is nothing wrong with spending a day to decompress. I did that on Tues. I have been invigorated since and each task I complete motivates me to the next. Rest. Relax. Put your mind at ease. Get busy tomorrow. The trick is to only do this sequence once.

I keep telling myself that I can slackass today, but I have to promise [myself] that tomorrow will be a get-er-done day. Get up on time (5:30 is the norm), make coffee, get to the list. Very little on the list is time-sensitive; it all just needs to get done.

But heck, I haven't even focused well enough today to work on a solid list. Perhaps you've nailed it, DF: it's a day to decompress.

orc may have tagged it, too: I need to get back to better nutrition and more exercise. Cold weather and dark evenings don't make for good "bike, run or walk after work" days. And 50 is not far off.

Since retirement I try to plan ahead and push myself to do at least one task every day. For example... yesterday I changed out a burned out light bulb in a lamp....
Today, I plan to making some sweet tea, and tomorrow I plan on drinking it!

A Man has to pace himself after all...

I've suffered ? through this myself on numerous occasions.

I would say you have a bad case of the Toos:

Too hot, too cold, too late, too early, etc... you get the idea

Well, I did get my lazy tail off the recliner for a bit. Dog and I went walking, and had a good time of it. Saw a friend, got a wave (too cold to chat), got back before dark.

Time for some Hulu....

I feel you, Brother. I had plans of loading thousands of rounds of Cowboy ammo and cleaning every gun I own by now.

I did manage to load 300 rounds today.

quote:

I walked around the house an hour ago looking at things that need to be done, and recognized my lack of motivation.

Which is why I have the CUT that I have.
There's a lot of crap that I have to do tomorrow....maybe.