Procrastination - It is something we all do from time to time, chances are someone is doing it right now while reading this. But is procrastination always a negative?
I thought about this earlier this year when it came to my study, I was extremely organised with my study plan and ended up being a few weeks ahead of schedule. I was so far ahead I completed my first assignment two weeks in advance. I was especially disappointed when I received what I considered to be a mediocre mark. I decided for my next assignment not be so organised, that is; to spend more time on other reading and resources and less on the actual writing of the assignment. This did mean there was more pressure on me to get the assignment done in less time and this time I received a distinction mark. Obviously, this was not a scientific test there was no ‘control group’ and the assignments were different but I found that for me spending that time differently worked well. But is this the exception to the rule?
Procrastination can be damaging, it can waste time and resources and for companies this is often your money that is being wasted. Procrastination can be caused by fear - fear of failure or not getting things right or the consequences of what we’re considering. What are the positives then?
For me the positives of procrastination are being able to use the time to re-focus, clarify and develop ideas. I was recently working on a learning and development initiative and could not get the wording of my proposal right, it got to the point where it was getting worse before it got better. I decided the best option for me at the time was to take some time out and think about something else, so I started reading some blogs on bnet and HBR. I ended up coming across an article which was on the topic I was working on and found the spark I had been looking for in my proposal. This for me was a huge positive.
I dealt with similar themes in my post, driven to distraction, as with becoming distracted, procrastination is often brought about by needing to take a break. Often we become so wrapped up in what we’re doing that we’re unable to think clearly anymore and stress makes it even more difficult to get back on track.
When I’m doing something now and find myself drifting towards procrastination I stop to ask myself ‘why?,’ I find that by asking myself why I’m doing something and whether it is going to benefit me I’m able to work out why I’m procrastinating and stop the behaviour.
Have you been able to benefit as a result of procrastinating and what do you do to stop yourself from procrastinating?
I thought about this earlier this year when it came to my study, I was extremely organised with my study plan and ended up being a few weeks ahead of schedule. I was so far ahead I completed my first assignment two weeks in advance. I was especially disappointed when I received what I considered to be a mediocre mark. I decided for my next assignment not be so organised, that is; to spend more time on other reading and resources and less on the actual writing of the assignment. This did mean there was more pressure on me to get the assignment done in less time and this time I received a distinction mark. Obviously, this was not a scientific test there was no ‘control group’ and the assignments were different but I found that for me spending that time differently worked well. But is this the exception to the rule?
Procrastination can be damaging, it can waste time and resources and for companies this is often your money that is being wasted. Procrastination can be caused by fear - fear of failure or not getting things right or the consequences of what we’re considering. What are the positives then?
For me the positives of procrastination are being able to use the time to re-focus, clarify and develop ideas. I was recently working on a learning and development initiative and could not get the wording of my proposal right, it got to the point where it was getting worse before it got better. I decided the best option for me at the time was to take some time out and think about something else, so I started reading some blogs on bnet and HBR. I ended up coming across an article which was on the topic I was working on and found the spark I had been looking for in my proposal. This for me was a huge positive.
I dealt with similar themes in my post, driven to distraction, as with becoming distracted, procrastination is often brought about by needing to take a break. Often we become so wrapped up in what we’re doing that we’re unable to think clearly anymore and stress makes it even more difficult to get back on track.
When I’m doing something now and find myself drifting towards procrastination I stop to ask myself ‘why?,’ I find that by asking myself why I’m doing something and whether it is going to benefit me I’m able to work out why I’m procrastinating and stop the behaviour.
Have you been able to benefit as a result of procrastinating and what do you do to stop yourself from procrastinating?
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