Losing interest

[Hayyel]

It happens to everyone, but for me it's getting ridiculously frequent nowadays. I come up with something great to do, to write about, to study or just to think about, and then just as suddenly I lose my interest in it.

One of my friends (INTJ) always gets annoyed at me when this happens, because I seem to have everything under control, and thought out for a long time in the future, only after a few days or weeks even I get bored and just sit around doing nothing until my next "bright idea".

I'm curious about what is generally the point where you guys lose your interest and give up? (it usually comes with procrastinating, then coming up with all kinds of reason why you can't do it, and then give up entirely).

Also, how hard is it for someone to actually come up with a project that said someone could do for years without getting bored?

(And yes, I'm writing this as a procrastination)

 

[Pyropyro]

I think this page might help you
http://www.intpexperience.com/Romance.php
It's about romance and the intp but there's a concept there that could help you. It's called hyperMindfulness by the author

 

[Breeze]

I get like this myself. I've always found that doing something you want to do when you shouldn't be doing it always seems to help keep interest as it ends up becoming something nice to rest with.

My example of this is when I've got spare time at work I'll always look at my languages. (or youtube)

 

[Happy]

I've managed to get myself out of this habit. I accomplished it in the simplest way. Every idea I have, I write it down immediately. I always carry a notebook around, or, more recently, my iPad. When I have these ideas for things I want to do, I write it down, then when I have time, I think about whether or not I really want to do it and if I do, I write it down on a post-it note and put it on a whiteboard that I have - which is titled 'Wishlist'. Then I find it easy to keep interested in things because theres always a reminder there for me and there is a really high level of satisfaction to be gained when I cross it off.

After that, the most important thing is action. I usually create an action plan for each project and work out exactly what it will involve, what I will need, how long it will take, etc. Basically just project management principles. This way I have something to keep me on track, and essentially someone to tell me what to do (even though that person is 'past' me).

 

[Brontosaurie]

I've managed to get myself out of this habit. I accomplished it in the simplest way. Every idea I have, I write it down immediately. I always carry a notebook around, or, more recently, my iPad. When I have these ideas for things I want to do, I write it down, then when I have time, I think about whether or not I really want to do it and if I do, I write it down on a post-it note and put it on a whiteboard that I have - which is titled 'Wishlist'. Then I find it easy to keep interested in things because theres always a reminder there for me and there is a really high level of satisfaction to be gained when I cross it off.

this is such a great idea, but pride has kept me from putting it into practice for several years now. i'm glad it works for you. was it an instant or gradual process to start gaining from it?

 

[Milo]

Used to be the story of my life. Now instead of just planning out these awesome ideas and telling all my friends, I don't tell my friends at all! Lol.

But seriously, it seems like you are just in a rut of boredom, so your mind is just looking for things to do. You are idealizing how fun it would be only to realize reality when you get to having to do it.

Now, I just think of things to do in the moment and then just do it. Long term project will trap you commitment-wise until they are just another chore for a result that might not even turn out the way you thought it would. But, don't let that stop you from doing it.

Just do whatever, mannn.

 

[Magus]

Can't really offer much of a solution to you because I seem to be afflicted with the same disease!

I have a real commitment phobia which prevents me from sticking to tasks/projects. It isn't just a case of new shiny things appearing in my peripheral vision but also a case of thinking about slow progress or whether I really want to be doing what I want to be doing etc and it all spirals away. Momentum is so important to getting things done.

I think part of it, at least for me, is not being able to conclusively decide on the type of person I want to be (odd as that may sound). Once you are sure of your core values and vision, and know you are truly dedicated to seeing it through, you're in a position to guard against distraction. If you're not sure where you want to go, you will never get anywhere.

 

[Happy]

this is such a great idea, but pride has kept me from putting it into practice for several years now. i'm glad it works for you. was it an instant or gradual process to start gaining from it?

Fairly instant, but took a while before it became effective. Its a system that needs tweaking.

 

[Nick]

Everything interests me, but nothing holds me. —Fernando Pessoa

 

[TimeAsylums]

Everything interests me, but nothing holds me. —Fernando Pessoa

ntp to da max

also like your FC sig reference.

 

[Taspia]

I am horribly fickle; I get so excited for a new project then after some time I completely lose interest and motivation. I rarely ever finish any of my artwork and the same goes for relationships. Sad thing, I must seem like a cruel heartbreaker. Whether or not my behavior is due to my procrastinator habits or my general fair-weathered nature is beyond me. Ah well I don't necessarily see my personality traits as a hindrance, it's who I am and I have no problem accepting it.

 

[Brontosaurie]

Fairly instant, but took a while before it became effective. Its a system that needs tweaking.

i see. it must take some time getting used to the kind of clear-cut structure that comes with definite wordings.

 

[Valentas]

I think writing down your tasks as soon as possible, as well as your ideas is efficient. You write that stuff done and forget about it because there are more immediate things to do. Then you just review your list...it's great!