Embrace Procrastination to Be More Creative and Productive

We can’t do it all.

Nor should we. We can’t be productive all day every day. So don’t be.

Embrace procrastination to be more creative and productive.

What is procrastination?

Procrastination occurs when we choose to put something off that needs to get done.

• The delay is unnecessary or irrational. We know it’ll harm us and goes against our best interests. But we can’t help it.
• We continue to put the task off despite potential negative consequences. We may pull an all-nighter, produce low-quality work and get poor results.
• The delay comes with subjective discomfort. Our feelings of guilt, stress, and fatigue increase.

Yet, sometimes we need to procrastinate.

Stuck

Have you ever felt frustrated, defeated or overwhelmed?

Me too. It’s like when your car is stuck in the mud. You spin your wheels but don’t move.

The harder you try, the dirtier you get.

Embrace procrastination

You’re not a robot.

You can’t always be productive. Recognise and acknowledge how you feel. Then set a timer. Anywhere from 15 minute to 1 hour is good, depending on your needs and schedule.

Then pick one of the following:

1. Listen to uplifting music or a podcast.
2. Chat with a friend or loved one.
3. Take a power nap to reset your energy levels.
4. Spend time with a pet, playing or cuddling with them.
5. Engage in a hobby.
6. Pray and read scripture.
7. Practice some gentle stretching or do a quick workout.
8. Go outside and spend time in nature, especially if you can catch a sunset or sunrise.
9. Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
10. Write in a journal, start a gratitude list, or write a “Thank You” note to someone.
11. Do a random act of kindness for someone else.
12. Watch something funny and laugh until you cry.
13. Take a hot shower or bath to relax and unwind.
14. Doodle or sketch.
15. Reflect on your accomplishments and celebrate even the smallest wins.

When the timer goes off, take a few deep breaths and check how you feel.

• Jump back into your work if you feel revived and focused.
• Repeat the process if you’re still feeling off.

Remember, your aim is to regain your creativity and be productivity, not to avoid work forever.

References

This blog post was inspired by:

Dionne, F., Gagnon, J., Raymond, G. (2020). Déjouer la procrastination pour réussir et survivre à vos études: Une méthode scientifique basée sur l’approche d’acceptation et d’engagement (ACT). [Outsmart procrastination to succeed and survive your studies: A scientific method based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).] Les Presses de l’Université du Québec. link

Pip Decks. (2024). Productive procrastination. In Productivity tactics. link

Note

Use this link if you’d like a 10% discount off Productivity Tactics or any purchase on Pip Decks. (I only endorse products I use myself and highly recommend.)