Ditching the Deadline Dread: Strategic Procrastination: It's Not Lazy, It's Genius - Five Secrets for Boosting Productivity
Intelligent postponement: Five justifications for putting things off
Nothing screams slacker louder than the word procrastination. But what if consciously putting off tasks could lead to smarter work? That's the nugget of wisdom from Tracy Brower, who labels this uncomfortable practice as Strategic Procrastination. Brower, a renowned author on topics concerning work and life satisfaction, tells the U.S. business magazine "Fast Company" that strategic procrastination can help boost productivity if done right.
Let's dive into its five key advantages.
1. Mull it over
Putting off a project for a while can offer time to explore different approaches, experiment with solutions, and visualize the desired end result. Brower advises honing your ideas before taking the plunge.
2. Tackle tidbits
Sure, taking a break from work can seem counterproductive, but sometimes it’s necessary to clear your mind. Tackling smaller tasks such as a quick call, email, or some quick organization can give you that mental boost you need for the big tasks.
3. Embrace positive urgency
Feeling the heat means feeling focused. Strategic procrastination boosts productivity through creating a sense of urgency that fuels your focus. Pressure from looming deadlines can help you stay on track and churn out results quickly.
4. Seek input and insights
Sometimes, a slow start means kicking back and doing some research before diving in. Brower stresses that taking time to learn, expand your horizons, and consult experts will only enrich your work.
Guide The Art of Procrastination Six Secrets for Using Distraction to Get Things Done 5. Let inspiration hit
Inspiration can be elusive, especially when you’re up against a deadline. Strategic procrastination allows you to take a breather and seek inspiration elsewhere. Whether it's listening to music, indulging in a hobby, or taking a walk, Brower cites research suggesting these activities can increase both the number and originality of ideas.
Remember, though, the work still needs to get done. Strategic procrastination is all about making the most of your time and utilizing that precious procrastination in your favor.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Employees
- Career
- Consumers
- Psychology
The search results provide only a general discussion of strategic procrastination. However, fast Company does offer insights on the benefits of procrastination. Here are five strategies that utilize procrastination effectively:
- Focus on Urgent Tasks: Putting off less significant tasks makes room for prioritizing the crucial ones, creating a sense of urgency and boosting productivity.
- Gather Input and Information: Delaying tasks allows time to uncover additional insights from others or conduct more research, resulting in improved project outcomes.
- Simplify Small Tasks: Procrastination involves handling minor tasks to declutter your mental and physical space, restoring focus for major tasks.
- Encourage Creativity: Pausing to reflect can sometimes unlock more creative solutions to problems. A fresh approach from various angles may lead to original, innovative ideas.
- Prevent Burnout: Strategic procrastination helps space out tasks and encourage breaks, promoting work-life balance and consistent productivity levels.
These methods can transform procrastination from a negative behavior to a proactive approach, enhancing work efficiency and overall well-being.
- Incorporating strategic procrastination into one's 'employment policy' could potentially lead to more thoughtful and original work, as it allows for a 'lifestyle' of exploration and experimentation before diving into a project.
- Engaging in 'education-and-self-development' or pursuing 'personal-growth' activities during procrastination periods could stimulate ideas and creativity, thus enhancing productivity in the long run.
