Maybe Procrastination Is A Good Thing

Lemons Make Lemonade - Procrastination Myths

Many people deal with procrastination and view this as the lemons of their life.  You know I love to make lemonade out of those life lemons.  Therefore, I try my best not to procrastinate because I believe that “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it First Thing in the Morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the BIGGEST one first” – Mark Twain.  However, we live in an atmosphere of complete distractions, limited time, and self-help books about procrastination.

Let’s face it. There is a ton of advice on how to fight procrastination.  According to the Fast Company, some of this “advice also perpetuates myths about procrastination that can make it harder to manage.”  They have a list of “five things about procrastination that you need to stop believing.” 

My first time reading the article, I couldn’t really “buy into” the message.  However, the second time I read it, I really do see the points behind the myths. 

#1 - IT’S A BAD HABIT THAT YOU NEED TO GET RID OF

MK’s takeaway: I found this to be very interesting, and the overall theme of the message is that procrastination can lead to enhanced decisions.  It gives you time to think. 

#2 - PRECRASTINATING IS BETTER THAN PROCRASTINATING

MK’s takeaway: I might be (well, I am) a precrastinator.  These are people that get items/tasks done way before the deadline.  I love getting things checked off my list.  However, what I learned from the article is that precrastinators don’t deal with interruptions well.

#3 - SELF-IMPOSED DEADLINES ARE AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO BEAT PROCRASTINATION

MK’s takeaway: Even though self-imposed deadlines help improve task completion, it doesn’t help procrastination because it doesn’t help build attention or willpower.  Instead, do tasks you don’t like, enjoyable.  For example, I despise mopping the floors.  So, now I make mopping floors into my weekday house chores, instead of trying to cram in my entire house cleaning into one day.

#4 - PROCRASTINATION IS A TIME MANAGEMENT PROBLEM

MK’s takeaway: procrastination is deeply rooted in your emption and mood, not time.

#5 - PROCRASTINATION SLOWS DOWN ANY TYPE OF WORK

MK’s takeaway: Some tasks require tons of mental capacity to complete. Taking time can lead to new perspectives.

There just might be an upside to being a procrastinator.

Enjoy - @MaryKRadio