Smart Procrastination: Punting Tasks Properly: Five Reasons Why Spacing Things Out Can Boost Productivity
Effective Pause: Five Justified Excuses for Delay – Delay Isn't Laziness, It's Strategy
Procrastination, when done right, doesn't make you a slacker - it makes you smarter, says expert Tracy Brower. Delaying tasks, intentionally and within bounds, can bump up your productivity game. Here's how:
1. Mull it Over
Give yourself some breathing room to mull over your challenges, experiment with solutions, and envision the desired outcome. Once you've done that, crystalize your ideas, and then dive in, Brower suggests.
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2. Tackle Small Tasks
Kick off with small jobs first - steer clear of mindless scrolling or binge-watching, though. Strategic procrastination means attacking manageable tasks, like quick calls or emails, to clear your head for the big stuff.
3. Create Positive Pressure
A bit of time pressure can fuel focus and efficiency. Brower calls it "positive pressure," and it substantially boosts your drive to complete tasks efficiently.
4. Gather More Info
Need more data for that project? Pausing can give you extra time to conduct research or pick the brains of experts. As Brower puts it, take the time to widen your perspective.
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5. Allow Space for Inspiration
When the mojo for that project is nowhere to be found, taking a step back can help. Drop everything, be inspired by your favorite tunes, or take a stroll outdoors - apparently, a walk can spark a surge of ideas[2].
There you have it! Strategic procrastination has its perks, but don't forget, the job still needs to get done.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
Keywords:
- Employees
- Work-Life Balance
- Consumers
- Psychology
Enrichment Data:
Strategic procrastination can offer surprising advantages in enhancing productivity and work output when managed effectively. Here are some notable benefits:
Advantages of Strategic Procrastination
- Creates Sense of Urgency: Delaying tasks can provoke a sense of urgency that sharpens the focus on important and urgent tasks, helping prioritize effectively and make prompt decisions[1].
- Research and Gathering Input: Procrastination gives you time to gather information, consult with others, and conduct research, leading to more informed decisions and effective execution of tasks[1].
- Conserve Energy and Focus: Completing smaller tasks first can energize you for larger challenges, building momentum and reducing procrastination later on[1].
Caveats and Precautions
While strategic procrastination can have benefits, it is essential not to procrastinate excessively, as this can result in missed deadlines and lower productivity. A balanced approach is necessary to capitalize on the benefits of strategic procrastination while maintaining steady productivity[3].
Compared to Other Productivity Strategies
Other strategies, like restricting work hours or implementing time constraints, can also promote productivity. For instance, working fewer hours can reduce burnout and boost focus, resulting in increased productivity[4]. The Pomodoro Technique, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, and building in breaks can be effective in managing procrastination and improving productivity[5].
In summary, strategic procrastination can be a practical tool if it fosters urgency and promotes preparation. However, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid compromising overall performance.
[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/procrastination-nation/201808/what-does-science-say-about-procrastination
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6295135/
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracylee/2014/12/23/procrastination-therapy-5-ways-to-conquer-it-once-and-for-all/?sh=6d3b2e846fbf
[4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201203/the-pomodoro-technique
[5] https://www.smarterism.com/blog/productivity-focusing-on-tasks-with-the- wondered-of-the-einstein-brain-technique/
Community policy should address the responsible use of strategic procrastination in the workplace, ensuring it does not disrupt the work-life balance of employees. Employment policy can be revised to include education-and-self-development programs that emphasize personal-growth and productivity enhancement, such as training on strategic procrastination and its advantages.