I tried to not procrastinate for a week. Here’s what helped the most

‘Once someone starts procrastinating, then you start having all these thoughts about, ‘Why can’t I get going?’ That actually makes it worse,’ says Fuschia Sirois, procrastination expert. Illustration: Esme Blegvad/The Guardian

After 33 years, it’s time to admit: I’ve never quite got the hang of myself. Am I a morning person or a night owl? What actually motivates me? Where exactly do I work best?

I often find myself thinking: “I hope I eat some vegetables today” or “I hope I reply to that email,” as though that’s up to someone else. I have no idea how to make myself do things in the consistent, reliable way that others seem to: work out, get dressed, cook a “veg bowl”, book appointments.