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Productive procrastination?!
Posted by Pat on August 6, 2017 in Uncategorized | ∞
We’ve all decried it, denied it, defied it. But most of us continue to see procrastination as the bane of our lives.
But did you know?
Researchers now suggest that wasting a bit of time here and there can actually be good! When used correctly, procrastination helps us think creatively and make informed decisions.
After all, historically speaking, it wasn’t until the Puritans came along, hatching such catchy ditties as “a stitch in time saves nine,” that procrastination was vilified.
So…here’s three ideas you can try to make procrastination your friend:
- Be an active procrastinator. When faced with an impending deadline do you find yourself running inessential errands? Stanford professor John Perry in his book “The Art of Procrastination” tell us that if you had done the dreaded task first, you might have called it a day and not accomplished anything else. It may see like you’re being idle, but by knocking out those extra to-dos, you may well be building momentum toward your ultimate goal.
- Trim the fat. Tight time frames can force you to be pretty ruthless, so waiting until the 11th hour can sometimes help because there’s only time to tackle the most pressing elements, letting inessential details and busywork fall by the wayside. (this might be tricky!)
- Change a bad habit. And Zdavko Cvijetic tells us in h
is book “The Ultimate Productivity Cheat Sheet” to postpone that negative behavior until tomorrow. Example: if you’re cutting back sweets and want ice cream (or chocolate chip cookies!) tell yourself I can have it tomorrow. Do that for a few days…and you’ll find it easier to make progress on your food goals.
So…
Have you used any of these ideas to make procrastination work for you?
Do you have any other ideas that you’ve used?
And, like Calvin in the opening cartoon, I’m still waiting for inspiration for a final picture!
3 Comments
I am an experienced procrastinator. Perhaps my Mom planted a seed when she used to tell me it will be there tomorrow. I know she was being helpful. I was bogged down with 5 children under 7.
What I’ve learned since is that procrastination works for me if I set a definite time to do what I put off. At least I get the choice to decide when to do the chore.
Meg and Mary Kay-love that you both mentioned your Mom’s influence! And when I was ducking out of my chores in order to read, my mother would tell me that the “print will keep” so postpone the reading and do the chores!
Now you’re talking my language. I used to tell my mother I would “do it tomorrow”. She said “Tomorrow never comes”. That used to drive me nuts and of course it took me years to understand. The important thing for me now is if I procrastinate I don’t feel guilty about it. It is my choice and I am reminded of another of my mother’s sayings. A hundred years from now nobody will ever know the difference.