How Procrastinating Can Increase Your Productivity ... and Happiness
Here’s how to put things off the RIGHT way. (Photo: Getty Images/Win-Initiative)
A lot of us think of procrastination as a bad thing — something that hinders our goals, keeping us from being our most productive selves.
But what if I said that procrastination can be a way to focus on the things that actually matter? That if you could program yourself to recognize what is significant and urgent (instead of what’s filling up your inbox), you would be happier and more productive?
According to Rory Vaden, a hugely successful consultant, world-class public speaker, and New York Times best-selling author (as well as author of the new book Procrastinating on Purpose), the key lies in recognizing the difference between indulgence and intention.
Inaction that results from indulgence is procrastination: Knowing that you should do something but not feeling like it, and following that impulse.
Inaction that results from intention is patience: Deciding that one thing takes precedence over other things and putting everything else on hold to make sure it gets done well.
Related: 3 Ways to Productively Procrastinate
Waiting to do something because you don’t feel like it is different than waiting to do something because it’s not the right time for it.
What a lot of us know about time management is incomplete. A lot of literature about time management is about logic: tools, technology, and tips to prioritize and save time. There is nothing about prioritizing that creates more time — you just moves the tasks on your to-do list around.
A lot of us look at our to-do list and default to working on whatever is latest and loudest.
The question isn’t “how soon does this matte?” It’s “how long does this matter?” I woke up to 100 emails and six missed phone calls. Do I need to start my day working on that or would it be better in the long run if I worked on a project with a deadline coming up, or took a yoga class because I’m feeling disjointed and like my mind is going a million miles a minute?
Instead of living urgently, living significantly.
We all procrastinate. The question is can we procrastinate in a positive way that sets us up for success in our mental and emotional life?
For my full conversation with Rory, listen below:
For more on Rory, click here.
ABOUT LEWIS HOWES: Lewis is a pro-athlete turned lifestyle entrepreneur who hosts the top-ranked podcast The School of Greatness. He interviews the best and brightest minds in health, entrepreneurship, relationships and lifestyle. Follow Lewis on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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