Use Random Numbers To Remove Resistance

Random numbers are often used in math-heavy fields like machine learning and cryptography. But random numbers are also a great tool to bust through resistance to tasks that lead to procrastination.

Procrastination is baffling and requires a great number of strategies to defeat it regularly. I find that my procrastination gets worse if I don’t change things up. Using random numbers helps me get things done from time to time.

Using Random Numbers To Approach A Task List

This method works to power you through a bunch of tasks. It’s really easy to apply random number to get things done, with a bit of prep.

1. Make a list of tasks.

The first step is to make a list of tasks that need to be done. Make sure they are do-able in your current place and time.

Don’t add tasks that have to take place at work when you’re at home and vice versa.

Also make sure that your task is ready to be done. If you are waiting for Cousin Dorothy to give you a response before you call Aunt Em, the task doesn’t go on the list.

2. Number the tasks.

It doesn’t matter what order the tasks are in on the list. Just number them from top to bottom.

3. Note the number of tasks.

You will need this to generate the random number.

4. Generate a random number.

The next step is to get a random number. There are many ways to get one:

• >An app. There are several random number generators for both Android and iOS.
• Random.org. This website has a little box that allows you to put in your limits. Put in your number of tasks in the box that reads 100.
• Voice assistant.“Hey Google, give me a random number between one and twenty-six.”

5. Do that number task.

If the number is 12, do task number 12. Finish it before you come back to the list.

6. Repeat until your task is empty.

If the random number generator selects the number of a task that you’ve already done, you can:

• Ask for another number
• Do the task previous or after the number
• Renumber your list so there are no gaps before asking for another number

My Results

I have used this method on average about once every other week for the past couple of months. I find it eliminates my resistance to an overly long task list, and gets me through more tasks. I use it when I find myself reading through my task list over and over, trying to figure out what to do next.