Procrastivity Unpacked: The Hidden Battle of Dodging the Tough Stuff

If you’re like me, there’s a constant struggle in our household—it’s not just about finishing tasks; it’s about getting started. But here’s the twist: I’ve realised that what we often call “procrastination” isn’t just laziness—it’s something deeper, something I’ve started calling procrastivity. And this little term has changed how I approach my work, parenting, and even my mindset.

Let me walk you through it.

The Dance of Distraction

On any given day, something else always calls to me. Some days, I’ll find myself tidying up the house, organising the bookshelves, or—on a really productive day—sorting through old emails. You know the drill: “I’ll just finish this one little thing before I get to the real task.”

And just like that, hours slip by.

Sound familiar?

It’s something I see in my son, too. When it’s time for homework, he’ll suddenly remember every toy he hasn’t played with in months. Or he’ll start “reorganising” his art supplies before even looking at his schoolwork. He has this internal radar that makes everything else seem more urgent than that one thing he should focus on.

I’ve realised this isn’t simply an issue of “laziness” or “lack of discipline.” It’s procrastivity—a combination of procrastination and creativity. When faced with tasks that feel big, overwhelming, or even intimidating, our brains seek other ways to stay “busy” without confronting the discomfort of getting started.

It’s our way of finding comfort.

Why Does It Happen?

The root of procrastivity lies in how our brains deal with overwhelming tasks. Starting something—anything—can feel like staring down a mountain. Focusing on a worksheet might be a sheer challenge for my son. For me, it could be facing a big project at work or simply tackling the never-ending pile of laundry.

Our brains don’t like the unease that comes with beginning something. It’s easier to reorganise my bookshelf than to face the fact that I must write a report. It’s easier for my son to build a Lego tower than it is to sit down and write a sentence.

We avoid the discomfort of that first step by creating distractions. But here’s the catch: these distractions—though they feel productive now—don’t help us move forward meaningfully.

The Power of Play and Creativity

So, how do we tackle procrastivity without getting caught in its endless loop? The answer for my son and I has often been through play—though not in the traditional sense of fun and games. I’ve learned that breaking things down into manageable, bite-sized pieces and introducing creativity can trick our minds into taking that first step.

I started using simple, playful strategies with my son to help him ease into tasks that usually cause him to avoid them. The first step was removing the pressure. “Just five minutes,” I’d tell him, “You don’t have to finish. Just start.” We’d set a timer and work together—no judgment, no expectations of perfection, just a fun little goal.

I’ve started applying this same principle to my work and personal tasks. Whether it’s writing an article or doing laundry, I set a timer for five minutes. No distractions, no interruptions—just five minutes of focus. And more often than not, after that first five minutes, I find that the task isn’t nearly as overwhelming as I thought.

The trick isn’t to eliminate procrastivity entirely, but to harness it. To channel that creative energy into something small and manageable. This is where the magic happens.

Building Momentum Through Mini-Goals

One thing I’ve found that really helps is creating mini-goals, or what I like to call “mini-adventures.” Instead of seeing a project as one giant, unbreakable block, I break it into smaller, more accessible pieces. This can be particularly beneficial for children who may feel overwhelmed by the task size ahead of them.

Let’s say it’s math homework. Instead of saying, “Let’s finish your math homework,” I’ll say, “Let’s do two problems together.” Once we finish, we take a small break—maybe a quick dance party or a snack. We’re not aiming for perfection. We’re just aiming for progress. And before we know it, that mountain of math problems feels much more like a series of small hills.

The idea is to make it fun. Add a little creativity. Instead of viewing a task as a chore, we start to see it as a part of a bigger, more exciting adventure. It’s not about forcing the task down our throats; it’s about allowing ourselves the freedom to explore it in bite-sized, manageable chunks.

Reframing Procrastivity

At the end of the day, procrastivity isn’t a villain to defeat. It’s a sign—a message from our brain telling us that the task at hand feels like too much. Instead of beating ourselves up to avoid it, we can reframe procrastivity as an opportunity to bring more creativity and play into our lives.

So next time procrastivity strikes, try to lean into it. Break that mountain down into a series of small hills, and don’t be afraid to make it fun along the way. Whether you’re helping a child with homework, starting a project at work, or tidying up your space, a little playfulness and a bit of creativity can make the process feel less daunting and much more rewarding.

Need a little extra help tackling procrastivity in your life? Whether you’re a parent navigating ADHD or simply looking for strategies to get started on those demanding tasks, I’d love to help. Book a personal consultation with me, and let’s work together to create positive changes for you and your child.

Let’s Connect

By embracing procrastivity with a creative approach, we can unlock the power of play and start making real progress—one tiny, joyful step at a time.

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Recommended Products to Support Focus and Calmness

Many options are available if you’re looking for tools to help your child stay focused, relax, and manage stress. Sensory toys can be a great way to encourage engagement without overwhelming their senses. Here are some ideas:

Liquid Motion Bubbler Sensory Toys – These are simple but effective. The flowing liquid can captivate children, offering a calming visual experience that helps soothe anxiety and restlessness. It can be a great tool to incorporate into your child’s playtime routine. Fidget Spinners & Stress Balls – These toys encourage repetitive motion and provide an outlet for restless energy. A fidget spinner or a sensory stress ball can help kids channel their focus and calm their minds while working through tasks. Sensory Play Mats – Tactile surfaces, like textured mats or body socks, are excellent for kids who need a bit of pressure or stimulation. These provide physical feedback that helps regulate emotions and stay grounded. Stretchy Sensory Toys – Stretchy toys, like rubber bands or putty, give children something to fiddle with. Stretching can help release tension, focus thoughts, and calm down.

These products can be beneficial in moments of distraction or when your child struggles with feeling overwhelmed. As you explore these options, remember that the goal is to provide support, not to add another task. They can be a simple and effective way to promote emotional regulation and help your child develop healthier coping mechanisms.