The Procrastination Barrier

I used to be able to sit and read for hours on end, or watch a few episodes of whatever shows were on the television.  Nowadays, I feel so restless, that trying to watch even an hour of TV is almost impossible for me, let alone getting my assignments completed.

I have been attending Moraine Park now for over a year and a half.  I am in my final two classes during this last semester, and I anticipate graduating this December.  I say “anticipate” because one never truly knows what could happen in life.  Any circumstance could come up and put an end to a goal, or at the very least, put it on hold.  You just never know.
It’s funny because I will spend the majority of my days sitting in the school library.  The intent is to pound out my homework, but I get distracted easily and cannot seem to sit in my seat long enough to accomplish anything.  It seems I have to get up often to take breaks and talk to people, or get some food, whatever.  Then there is the all too entertaining Facebook, and checking out emails, etc.  I literally have to force myself out of those sites in order to do what needs to be done.

I feel like the urge to keep moving makes it quite difficult for me to get any homework done.  I sometimes speculate that perhaps my Bipolar II disorder is a cause of interference (although it is NOT by any means an excuse!)  While this is a condition I am certain I have struggled with even before my diagnosis in 2010, I wonder if perhaps the particular issue of being restless has gotten worse in the last couple years. 

It’s frustrating to me as I know I am intelligent; my GPA tells me so, and I have been complimented more than once on my knowledge and skills.  At this point, I am projected to graduate with honors.  I have been throughout my time at Moraine Park, and I don’t want to lose that privilege.  I’m on my final two classes, and I know I will do it, it’s just the whole “getting there” that can be an issue.  I’ve had a problem with procrastination since day one.  I am quite sure had I not procrastinated so often, I probably would have made straight A’s. 

I wonder if there are other bipolar types out there that have this same barrier.  I sure would love to hear if there are any good strategies to completing the more daunting tasks.  Please feel free to comment!  Thanks for reading.

-Sandi