We’re trained to think procrastination is a bad thing, but sometimes, it can actually be useful. Sometimes, looking at it deeply can reveal a problem, says Jan Yager, author of Put More Time On Your Side.
Photo by Vic.
If you find yourself procrastinating a task repeatedly, then Yager recommends asking yourself questions about why you are doing that, instead of pushing through procrastination. It could be that you lack certain information or resources, maybe you need to discuss the idea and figure out a clear path, or perhaps you suffer from low self-esteem and the fear of failure is crippling you. Don’t rush it, just think about it like you would with non-work areas of procrastination. Yager explains:
In the world of relationships, we are so much more cognisant of procrastination being information. The classic example is when someone gets cold feet before a wedding. We say oh, he or she is rethinking if this is the right step. But when it comes to work, (we don’t think this way).
Don’t use Yager’s advice as a crutch to procrastinate more, of course. His advice is still supposed to help you break through your block. It might also do you well to identify what type of procrastinator you are, so you know when you are procrastinating normally and when it’s a situation that deserves more thought.
How to Push Through Procrastination [Fast Company]
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