Procrastination is a dirty word, there is no doubt about it. Whenever someone says they are procrastinating, a little part of the mind seems to rebel. You aren’t doing what needs to be done, you are being lazy, you are putting off something important out of a lack of motivation…no matter what way you phrase it, it doesn’t sound good. Yet, it is something we all do from time to time.
But it isn’t always a bad thing. In face, there is such a method of being efficient called productive procrastination. Essentially, this is procrastinating the right way. It allows you to put off or wait on a specific task that takes a lot of effort, while still keeping you busy enough that the time isn’t wasted.
Here are some tips on being a productive procrastinator.
Make a Procrastination List
There are a lot of things you can get done while avoiding something else. Those little bits of busy work you need to eventually get to, the ones that aren’t time sensitive? Put them on your Procrastination List.
Clearing out your desktop files, writing project pitches, posts on your professional blog or social media account, balancing your checking account, cleaning your office…these are all helpful things you can do that aren’t crucial, but will help you to clear your mind so you can focus on your bigger tasks.
I also like to do things that have nothing to do with work for these lists. Make a shopping list, wash dishes, vacuum out the car, ect. It is amazing how much easier it is to concentrate when these tasks aren’t looming over you.
Get Physical
Another helpful thing to do is to get a bit of exercise when you are dragging on your work. Not only will this help improve you ability to think, it will boost your energy and have plenty of physical benefits. You can always find time to add in a small workout a couple of times a day.
Some people I know choose to go for a walk on their breaks or during lunch. I prefer to remain indoors and do a quick exercise routine from a site like 7Min, or one of the 10 minute videos from SparkPeople’s Youtube page.
If you are going to do this, remember to keep a couple of items on you at all times: deodorant, wet wipes, a water bottle and anything else that will help you to combat the sweat that is sure to occur. Though if you tend to sweat a lot, it is probably better to go for a walk instead.
Socialize With Others
Being social and just speaking to another person can help your focus by putting you in a better mood. It might also allow you to bounce ideas off of someone else, getting those creative juices flowing. Water cooler talk is a primary part of the office environment, and even people who work from home or alone can take part.
Having a social media profile dedicated to your professional life is key to this one. LinkedIn should be a necessity for any industry, though there are other options like Twitter and Xing for professional networking. You might even want to have all three.
Adding networking and socializing to your day is an effective way to both socialize, and gather inspiration for your work.
Catch Up On Work Related Blogs and News
I have this long list of blogs and websites in my industry that I like to read. The only problem is that I never get around to reading it. They fill my Feedly account, and while I might occasionally catch a post or two, I am mostly behind by several weeks, sometimes months. Which means I miss out on a lot of industry updates that could be beneficial to know about.
Use your procrastination time to catch up on your blog and news reading. Often this will be enough to get your motivation up again, and maybe even give you some ideas to apply to the work you are avoiding. Just avoid going to non-related websites and blogs, which can tempt you back into complacency.
Have some tips for productive procrastination? Let us know in the comments!
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Annie Wallace is the business coach and full-time blogger for Dobovo, the private startup based in Ukraine. Annie is best knows as Viral Mom and she can be found tweeting at @ViralMomTweets
I’m horrible at prioritizing, and great at productive procrastination! Somehow, it all gets done, but more and more I aim to meet my top three goals of the day before I worry about the smaller stuff, because the smaller stuff has a tendency to take over.
I’m right with you on the top goals of the day Jeri. Some people call them the big rocks. Whatever they are called, I usually have 3 to 6 of them and it feels so good at the end of the day. Less dilly dallying that way for me. Thanks.
Agree with your about productive procrastination, Pat. Sometimes it’s not only advisable but essential unless you want to do things swiftly at the expense of failing.
We for instance, only have one chance of making a first impression.
My maternal grand mother used to say that it doesn’t show how long something has taken us to do. But the result shows:-)
Fast isn’t always better unless you are escaping a building for a fire warning. Catarina I do hope you will share more of your grandma’s wisdom for us! i think you’ve been holding back. LOL.
I think my parents should have name me procrastination. I have so many things that I am doing I get overwhelmed so many things never get done. Running your own business is hard when you are trying to keep up with everything. If more papers land on my desk I will not be able to see out the window.
I also look at the bright side, if I wait long enough with the papers I find that I don’t need them when I look at the bottom of stack. So I do not start at the top, I start at the bottom. It is actually very rewarding.
I had boxes and boxes of income tax records that I wanted to scan into my computer. Well I wanted long enough, pass the seven years so I was able to burn about three years worth. Again rewarding. Not to say this is the right way, but it does make me feel good. So at the end of day it will all get done in one form or another.
That is for sure the bright side Arleen. It’s looking at what some people might say is not the best way in a positive light. And as long as it all works for you, which it sounds like it does, then hooray! Bottoms up for productive procrastination!
You know I really plan to stop procrastinating! It is on the top of my 2-Do list. I keep meaning to get a round-tuit, but stuff just keeps coming and interfering…FB, G+, Twitter, EA….let me see…how many distractions…I can count them…let me see…Sounds like fun…I will put that on my 2-Do list also!
Great post…now back to work!
That is funny Harold! The truth is, there are distractions. Sometimes distractions serve us a purpose in our procrastination. Count your distractions? Nah. Just enjoy that sometimes they come across your day. Thanks.
Well, Pat, I think this is the first article I’ve ever read that said procrastination can be good! Too often, I procrastinate by going to the refrigerator. That’s definitely not good for my waistline. Seriously, you make some good suggestions — sometimes when you have something you must do and you’re stuck, get up and do something else, like exercising or calling a friend. Then when you get back to the task, your head will be clear and you’ll be ready to dive in.
Yes Jeannette that going to the refrig is usually NOT helpful when it’s a procrastination dance. A colleague of mine, Kerul Kassel, has several books out on the positivity of procrastination. It definitely is not as bad as people make it out to be. At least if you recognize it and then snap out of it when it’s served its purpose. Thanks.
I do all of these things when i’m waiting for my children to finish their activities. Glad to know I am procrastinating . . .LOL
Theresa my guess is, you are in good company. As mentioned to my friend Jeannette, a colleague of mine, Kerul Kassel, is the author of several books on the positivity of procrastination. She made me a believer years ago that it does have its time and purpose for us. Thanks for weighing in.
The procrastination list is an interesting concept. I never thought to write down those mundane tasks.
Cassi for me, writing things down somehow makes it more important. You can have all the “ideas,” (words) in your mind, but until they are written now they are just that, ideas. Kind of like, well, blogging, huh? Thanks!
I love these ideas, add a matter of fact I do ALL of them. This morning I tackled a project on my ” procrastination list” I downloaded some new music to my ipod!
Gracr, how fabulous being already ahead of the curve! I do love it when procrastination time comes up for something related to iPod too. Thanks.
I am amazed at how often my little distractions come back to benefit me later. That article that I read online becomes useful insight later during a meeting with senior management. Sometimes just sitting and thinking does wonders for bringing clarity and despite how much we say we value strategic thinking, people still feel compelled to make excuses if they get caught “just” thinking.
It’s all about being in the flow of everything isn’t it Debra. And, paying attention is important. Love your examples. Debra, are you registered with your online photo at gravatar.com – I don’t see a pic of you but inside, one of those infamous helmet head silhouettes. Thanks.
I was registered, but was using the wrong email account as primary. Couldn’t figure out what the problem was until you prompted me to look into it. 🙂 Thank you!!
Very nice Debra! You have such a beautiful smile it would be a shame to only keep seeing that helmet head of you. Glad to be of help.
I chose this article because I agree that sometimes procrastination can be productive. For me, some exercise, gardening, or cleaning helps clear my mind. Sometimes I need time to assimilate information before I can get creative with it. Productive procrastinators unite! :
So agree about time to clear the mind Catherine. And sometimes procrastinating allows that free space in our mind to make the best of it. Thanks.
I like writing lists and putting little boxes or stars around the stuff that simply cannot wait. Just the act of writing it down has made me more productive. Also heard about taking frequent breaks (like you suggest in your post), it keeps you from getting bored and actually makes you more creative! Great Post!
DC breaks are good for reducing boredom and for the health of it – most of us are sitting WAY too much these days, even in the pursuit of productivity. The latest findings have taken up from just a few years ago to a suggested break every 90 minutes to now every 25 minutes. Thanks for your reminder about this.
Great ideas Patricia. I’ve also found that it helps if I set a time limit on procrastinating. For example I like to watch Mad Money every day at 3pm. I have that playing in the background and do the little things I didn’t do earlier. That gives me a solid hour to organize the last couple of hours of my day and hit it hard. It also helps me plan out the next day.
Working out is a favorite of mine too. I work from home so I don’t have to worry about having everything I need when I need it, but I do enjoy a good run during my lunch break.
Very cool Johnny! Right in synch with the posts to time limit on procrastinating that also accomplishes something. I’ve never seen Mad Money but have heard it CAN rev things up! Thanks.
Love this post – being productive while procrastinating. Of course, I do feel it can be dangerous if you start getting to like the procrastinating. So knowing when to say stop would be a great skill to have 🙂
That is so true Joanne. It sounds like the health and eating saying of, everything in moderation might apply here. Thanks for the reminder not to over do it, or take this post to mean – have at it whenever you like.
Hm, i find it strange that everyone just agreed with the term “positive procrastination” – i really like all the ideas in your post, Patricia, bu i wouldn’t call it “productive procrastination” at all… Those are let’s say a number of tips how to get back your motivation; or how to boost your productivity… but the tips for that are not really related to the act of procrastination and the act of procrastination definitely doesn’t help with the productivity… rrrr, not sure if this came out right – LOL, sorry!
Bottom line – i like your post and ideas about boosting productivity, but i definitely don;t agree with the label “productive procrastination” as it is by definition a state which makes you postpone things out of being overwhelmed, being afraid of failure, being afraid of feedback and all kind of negative emotions which you need to cope with to eliminate procrastination altogether.
I can hear from where you are coming from. We will have to agree to disagree about there not being any productive procrastination. My good friend, and mentor, and author of at least 2 books, is a procrastivity authority. Check out Kerul Kassel’s website and blog. She’s been a speaker on my teleclass and people always come away knowing while they cannot use procrastination as an excuse they can be sure there are times when indeed, it is productive.
Thanks so much Diana!
I think we are on the same page and pretty much in agreement about the meat of the post – it’s the wording that bugs me. But that’s not important now… I checked your friend website, a sales page and a couple of materials on self-growth – she is absolutely inspirational… I don’t think I am a procrastinator but I am sure I can use some help with time management (oops, I mean resource management 🙂 ) I am subscribing to her newsletter right now – thanks for letting me now about it!
Aha! Thanks for clarifying for me Diana. I think you’ll love Kerul’s ideas and approach to resource management. Yes; we really cannot manage time; it marches on by its own accord.