If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re a lazy procrastinator, whether it’s taking a (deserved?) break at work, on the couch at home, or while “studying.” Do you recognize yourself? You’re lazy, don’t hide. What’s more, I’m sure that if you’re procrastinating you have that strange feeling that wanders inside you of feeling a little bad for not doing everything you had to be doing before reading this. Well, now you can stop feeling like this because no matter how much time you think you’re wasting procrastinating, deep down this habit can be good for your productivity.
So do you want to “waste time efficiently” or find out “how lazy procrastinating can be good for your work”? There are 2 very relevant benefits if you can figure out how to be a good procrastinator:
1. Good procrastination will increase in your creativity and, paradoxically, your productivity
According to John Perry, author of The Art of Procrastination, those who practice this habit are often people who think a lot, and putting off work can be an engine of human progress. What???? That doesn’t make sense, does it? Well think about it – if we are carrying out a very difficult task, taking our time can help us think out the matter more, and come up with a better solution or an ingenious idea.
2. Good procrastination can help us make better decisions
Frank Partnoy, the author of Wait: The Art and Science of Delay, says that when faced with an important decision we must examine how much time we have to make it and then wait until the last minute to execute it. According to Partnoy, this extra time to process the dilemma is key to making the best decision.
So how can I be a good procrastinator? There are three key points to become a good procrastinator.
1. Try to be a structured, but lazy procrastinator
John Perry explains that any procrastinator who wants to put aside the most important task must take advantage of that time to do other less important tasks. For example, you have to do something fundamental and important like study but you don’t have the strength or desire to do it. Instead of wasting time trying, take advantage of that space to do less heavy and small tasks like answering emails or writing on Twitter.
2. If you take breaks to procrastinate, take them regularly, but for shorter periods during your workday
It is good for all of us to take short ten-minute breaks throughout the day. The problem is when we postpone work for more than two hours. Being a good procrastinator means being regular; work 50 minutes, disconnect 10. This break gives mental space and clarity and prepares you for long days of work avoiding long periods of wasting time.
3. Adapt your work to your procrastination routine
When we procrastinate we usually have a routine, the same networks, the same newspapers and the same blogs. We know ourselves well from what we read and we know which sites can be beneficial for our work, where we can get good ideas and what can inspire us. Not strictly doing the job does not imply an absolute absence of it.
So now that you know these tips to become a good procrastinator, you can stop feeling bad for wasting time and start taking advantage of it. You can also read some funny procrastination quotes here.