I have a love/hate relationship with procrastination. Believe it or not, I think there is a good side to procrastinating but there is also a burden that comes with its weighty load.
Let’s first define procrastination. I am not going to reference a dictionary’s definition. I’ll give it my own spin. Procrastination is putting off a task for various and sundry reasons until a later time when the completion of the task becomes even more vital and, in most cases, time sensitive.
Delaying a task has it benefits. Putting off a “to-do” item creates time to focus on other tasks that may be more pressing. Postponement of a task can also free the mind, decluttering it, if you will.
Every day we are confronted with decisions that must be made. Sometimes they can be very big and life changing. However, on most occasions, these decisions are everyday choices that will determine what, if any, progress can be shown at the end of that date.
Thanks to the old-school Franklin Planner, I think of tasks to be completed as either “A”, “B” or “C” priorities. “A” priorities should receive greater focus. “C” priorities are items that require some attention but do not have the same urgency.
Time-sensitive priorities may start at the “C” level but, as deadlines approach, they could make their way up the list. One could argue this is a formula for procrastination. You simply watch tasks make their way up to the top of the list and, figuratively, start flashing red because opportunities to address the items were either ignored or delayed along the way.
Delay is not always a bad approach in managing your tasks. Tasks must be prioritized daily. Deferring some tasks to another date or time can allow for greater productivity in the moment. Arguably, you have procrastinated/delayed a task for the sake of accomplishing a “greater good” in another aspect of your work or life.
Some may argue a long delayed or ignored task that makes its way to the top is a sign of poor time management. But … is it really? The phrase, “necessity is the mother of all invention” comes to mind.
Sometimes the pressure of a looming deadline can fuel creativity and motivation that may not have been sparked otherwise. The inevitable stress of a deadline can increase focus and determination that can, ultimately, result in a better outcome. To engage in this practice on a frequent basis would not be appropriate but it can serve productive purposes – on occasion.
Allowing tasks to continually move to a crisis stage before giving needed attention can become an unhealthy practice that will not only take its toll on your overall quality of work but on your mental health as well.
When given a deadline for a specific project or task, when the task is still a “B” or “C” priority, create time to focus upon moving the task to its completion. This can be accomplished by scheduling a block of time on your calendar. Approach this time like a meeting, a time when no interruptions will be permitted.
When looking at a task, sometimes all that is needed is a “next step” to keep the project moving towards completion. The next step may only take a few minutes but the simple, momentary attention to a detail may be all that is needed to continue working towards timely completion.
Procrastination is not always a bad thing unless it becomes a practice that becomes a habit. Conscientious procrastination, aka task management, is simply a way of monitoring work to ensure needed attention is given to accomplish tasks in an orderly manner.
Procrastinate with purpose.
by Shane Inglesby, CCE, Geneva Rock Products