5 Creative Ways to Practice Productive Procrastination Like a Pro
There will be days when you are too exhausted and overwhelmed to work. That's when procrastination kicks in, making you even more stressed. So, how do you handle these situations?
Of course, there are numerous ways to trick yourself to avoid procrastination. But what if you could use your boredom to your advantage? Read on to know more!
What is Productive Procrastination
As we all know, procrastination is simply the act of postponing tasks. However, procrastination can also help you get things done.
And this practice of using procrastination to get work done rather than wasting time is known as productive procrastination.
At this point, this idea of productive procrastination may appear to be contradictory. But, once you understand the concept, you'll be compelled to embrace it.
Consider the following scenario for better clarity:
Suppose you're a freelancer and you have a bigger task that requires analytical skills, as well as stressful writing that you're having trouble getting started on.
If you're a procrastinator, you'll put off this task to watch your current favorite Netflix drama.
If you're a productive procrastinator, you'll put off this task and use the time to do simple tasks like answering emails and doing other reactive work.
Essentially, you start to carry out tasks that are simpler and more manageable (yet still important) for the time being.
Procrastination, on the other hand, is generally not regarded as productive. But, if you are aware of how to do it effectively, productive procrastination can actually help you get things done.
“If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.”
How to Practice Productive Procrastination
Here are 5 creative ways to practice productive procrastination that I've found to be effective so far:
1. Make two separate to-do lists
Having a lot of free time during the day will lead to procrastination, especially when you're having a hard time working on difficult tasks.
The solution is straightforward; fill your schedule with two separate to-do lists:
One for daily tasks
One for monthly tasks
Your daily list will include the bigger, urgent, and important tasks, whereas your monthly list will include all of the smaller tasks that you'll have to confront over the next few weeks but aren't as urgent.
When you don't feel like doing the task on your daily list, you can refer to your monthly to-do list to find easier activities to do.
RELATED POST: How to have a Productive Day at Work
2. Divide the task
A challenging task can make you feel overburdened, which can lead to procrastination.
The key to completing such tasks is to take one step at a time. Simply break down the task you don't want to start into manageable chunks.
Here's how you should go about it:
Make a list of all the steps you need to take to complete that particular task.
Now that you've divided your task into sub-tasks (steps), get started and do one thing at a time.
When you're finished with one, move on to the next.
This way, even the most difficult task can be completed in a simplified manner without procrastinating.
3. Alter your surroundings
This, in my opinion, is the most underrated yet important activity that most people overlook due to laziness. A slight change in your surroundings, on the other hand, can sometimes help you refresh like nothing else. It could be as simple as going outdoors for a few minutes or moving to another room.
4. Perform mundane tasks
Performing mundane tasks in between your work schedule (when you're bored) will provide a break for your brain. That's when your mind starts to wander. As your mind isn't stressed, you'll be able to think of new ideas and solutions at your own pace.
Try activities like filing, sorting through your stationery, or simply cleaning your desk. You might come up with really creative ideas for the task you put off, which will eventually help you when you return to it.
5. Take a pause
Sometimes all you need to do is slow down and take a pause. It not only enhances your personal productivity but also reduces your chances of procrastinating.
It might include engaging in some physical activities, like walking around or simply talking to your colleagues. These small things will re-energize you and encourage you to perform your task.
“Procrastination is the thief of time.”
The habit of procrastination is hard to break, but you know how to embrace it. So, make sure to implement these ideas and watch your productivity graph rise.
I hope this post has inspired you to start practicing productive procrastination.
For more information, check out this detailed guide on how to overcome procrastination and laziness if you haven’t already.
Here are some more resources that you may find useful:
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