Procrastinating With Purpose: The Art of Constructive Delay
Strategic Delay: 5 Justifications for Procrastination
New York (dpa/tmn) - Procrastination, often viewed as a sign of laziness or poor self-discipline, can be turned into a productive strategy with the right approach. This is known as constructive procrastination or "structured procrastination." Tracy Brower, a sociologist, explains this concept in the US business magazine "Fast Company."
Here's how constructive procrastination can work in your favor:
1. Delve Deeper into Thinking
When you take a moment to step back, you can examine the problem from multiple angles, test potential solutions, and brainstorm the presentation of your results. Revise and refine these ideas, then commit to starting the task, Brower advises.
2. Tackle Small Jobs First (Not Netflix and Chill)
By tackling smaller, less time-consuming tasks first, such as responding to emails or making a quick phone call, you can create mental clarity for tackling larger, more critical tasks. Remember to focus on actual work, not mindless scrolling through social media.
3. Generate Positive Urgency
Feeling the weight of a deadline can boost your focus and motivation levels, resulting in increased productivity. Constructive procrastination helps create a sense of "positive pressure" that encourages task completion.
4. Collect Information and Ask Experts
Delaying the start of a task can give you time to gather additional insights and consult with experts. Brower suggests using this time to research, learn, and broaden your perspective. This extra knowledge will help improve your results.
5. Seek Inspiration
If you're struggling to find motivation for a project, taking a break to find inspiration elsewhere can help. Listen to music, engage in a hobby, or spend time with loved ones. Research shows that going for a walk can even boost both the volume and originality of ideas.
So, does it sound like a good idea? Constructive procrastination offers countless benefits, but it's important to remember: The task still needs to be completed...
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Incorporate constructive procrastination into your lifestyle for improved productivity, especially in home-and-garden projects. For instance, spend time outdoors enjoying nature as part of your research for a landscaping project, gathering ideas and design inspiration from the beauty of outdoor-living.
