Procrastination

When we complain about procrastination, we always treat it like the enemy. Have you ever considered the possibility that procrastination is our friend? Countless accounts of creative inspiration at work confirm that the best insights and flashes of genius don’t come when we’re toiling at our desks, but when we stop focusing on a project.

This may seem like procrastination, but in reality the brain may be struggling to make a connection without the proper insight. However, when your guard is down you might notice something, even unconsciously, the suddenly puts everything into perspective. We call this the “Eureka,” or “aha!” moment.

When procrastination interferes is when we experience that moment and we continue to dawdle with something else. Take the time to jot down or sketch your thoughts on paper, or in your smart phone. (I prefer this method because I can back up the note at several locations.)

In the meantime, we don’t have to give up on writing when inspiration fails us. I call this creative procrastination. I like to turn to other projects, visual art, poems, or short opinion pieces. Even imaginary notes for another project.

I believe the more tools an author has in her tool kit, the more likely he is to finish his projects. You can schedule yourself for a minimum number of words, set a timer, which are among the suggestions Mary Smith offers in her post “Procrastination.” You can even buy those word processing apps that tick off your goals and successes. But don’t make the schedule the chore. Writing should still be fun. And procrastination doesn’t have to be pointless.

Take Five Authors

My name is Mary and I am a procrastinator.

Procrastinate: vi to defer action; to put off what should be done immediately. n procrastination.

The way it goes is as follows. I sit at my desk to write. I check my emails, reply to anything urgent. I take a quick look at some of the blogs I follow. I leave a comment, like and share. It seems rude not to like and share and it only adds a few seconds to the time already spent reading and commenting. After another quick check of my emails I resolutely close down the programme.

I open the WIP file, realise I’ve finished my coffee and nip downstairs to make a fresh one. I notice the kitchen floor needs sweeping so do that while waiting for the kettle to boil – then realise it really needs to be properly mopped. And the load of…

View original post 465 more words