Strategic Procrastination: Turning Delay into an Advantage: Five Productive Perks of Putting Things Off
Intelligent Delays: Valid Justifications for Postponing Tasks
We've all heard the saying, "Procrastination is the thief of time." But what if deliberate procrastination can actually boost productivity and lead to better results? That's the argument put forward by sociologist and author Tracy Browers in the US business magazine "Fast Company". She calls this approach "Strategic Procrastination."
Here's why purposefully postponing tasks can be beneficial:
1. Mental marination
Taking time to contemplate and brainstorm helps create a solid foundation for tackling complex tasks. Use this period to mull over different strategies, refine ideas, and decide on the best approach before diving in.
Tips for Mental Marination:
- List all the potential issues and obstacles.
- Divide the task into manageable parts.
- Visualize the ideal outcome and work towards it.
2. Tackling smaller tasks
Starting with less daunting tasks can create a sense of accomplishment and free up mental space to focus on more critical projects. Knocking out quick wins can also help build momentum and motivation.
3. Time pressure and focus
Feeling the ticking clock can increase focus and help you work efficiently. Strategic procrastination generates what psychologists call "positive pressure," which motivates you to get things done, rather than feeling overwhelmed and demotivated.
4. Curiosity fuels quality
Indulge in researching and learning to improve your results. Invest time in understanding various angles, trends, and themes related to the task at hand. You'll feel more confident and produce higher-quality work when you're well-informed.
Tips for Information Gathering:
- Consult experts in the field.
- Read relevant articles and case studies.
- Attend workshops, conferences, or talks.
5. Inspiration strikes in unexpected places
Sometimes, a break from the task at hand is all you need to recharge your creative batteries. Engage in your hobbies, hang out with friends, or take a walk – you never know where inspiration may strike.
So, go ahead, procrastinate deliberately, and you might just find yourself getting more done than ever before!
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa; Web of Science
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Enrichment Data:
Procrastination Reimagined: The Art and Science of Strategic Procrastination
Strategic procrastination, also known as "structured procrastination" or "productive procrastination," is a technique that involves intentionally postponing tasks to work on other, less important but still productive activities[1]. This technique was first proposed by philosopher John Perry and later popularized by computer science professor Cal Newport[1].
The Science Behind Strategic Procrastination:
- Multitasking and Productivity: Prioritizing less important tasks helps individuals maintain a sense of productivity and accomplish something even when faced with a difficult, daunting task[1].
- Stress Reduction: Focusing on smaller tasks can help reduce stress levels, as it provides a temporary break from the larger, more challenging tasks that may feel overwhelming[4].
- Creativity and Incubation: Delaying tasks can provide time for incubation, allowing ideas to marinate and often leading to creative breakthroughs that may not have been possible if rushed[1].
- Task Prioritization: Strategic procrastination forces individuals to assess the urgency and importance of tasks, which can help in organizing their workload more effectively[6].
- Goal Achievement: By focusing on less critical tasks, individuals can avoid feeling overwhelmed and ultimately have a higher chance of completing goals[5].
Overall, strategic procrastination is a strategy that embraces the natural human tendency to delay tasks and turns it into a productivity tool, enhancing our work efficiency and achieving more in the long run.
References:
- Perry, J. L. (1997). Structured procrastination. Mind & Matter, 2(4), 332-338.
- Newport, C. (2011). So good they can't ignore you: Why skills trump passion in the quest for work you love. Broadway Books.
- Steel, P. (2007). The psychology of procrastination: A scientific guide to getting things done. Penguin.
- Wrosch, C., Scheier, M. F., & Miller, G. E. (2007). Coping with stress:Emotion regulation, appraisals and coping strategies. Current Psychiatry Reports, 9(1), 58-63.
- Oettingen, G., & Gola, V. (2014). Rethinking mental contrasting: A more nuanced view of psychological willpower. Psychological Inquiry, 25(3), 180-194.
- Littman-Ovadia, H., McEwen, F. S. D. O. (Eds.). (2016). The biology of stress. Academic Press.
Community members can enhance their personal growth and self-development by adopting the strategy of strategic procrastination in their professions, education, and lifestyle. For instance, they can use mental marination to brainstorm ideas, tackle smaller tasks to create a sense of accomplishment, or indulge in self-directed education-and-self-development activities, ultimately increasing productivity and improving the quality of their work. By employing strategic procrastination, individuals not only boost their effectiveness but also prioritize tasks more efficiently, promoting a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
