I'm really great at Procrastination (or why I need a deadline)

If there was a contest for procrastination, I'm pretty sure I'd win, but I would probably procrastinate entering for so long that I would forget to do it.  Basically, I am easily distracted by things like the internet, television, anything shiny, and cat videos. 

For instance, since writing the last sentence I have checked my email 3 times, looked at everything new on my Facebook feed, read half of a speech Steven Soderbergh gave about the state of cinema, and checked Tumblr- twice.

Writing this doesn't have a looming deadline.  I mean, I could write it now, or write it later, or give up completely and just finish reading that Steven Soderbergh speech instead.  Seriously, when left to my own devices I am amazed I get anything done at all, what with all the articles on Cracked and Buzzfeed I haven't read yet. 

Ugh, I just lost another 10 minutes reading about 5 Ridiculous Health Myths and checking a notification on Facebook.

So, since I know that procrastination is an issue for me - how do I combat it?

I need to have deadlines and they need to be soon.  Deadlines more than a week away make it seem like I have plenty of time to do it later, you know after I rewatch all of the Harry Potter movies. 

It helps if it affects someone other than just me.  I hate letting other people down.  Sure disappointing myself sucks, but I can always cure that with some ice cream and British television.

It's a constant battle for me because much of what an actor has to do can't be quantified and put into deadline form.  I have lines to memorize, scripts to read, a website and reel to update - not to mention a house to clean, toilet paper to pick up, and checks that need to go to the bank.  But, that's just life.  There are always things that need to be done and I can't always get mad when I find myself off track and searching for pictures of David Tennant on the internet. 

I just have to remind myself the things I need to do and not be overwhelmed by it all.  I know it will get done - because it has to.

Now for your procrastinating enjoyment here are The 50 Cutest Things that Ever Happened and an otter who got into a car and wouldn't leave.