Procrastination As Fuel For Creativity

Hello to old and new readers, and welcome to this week’s Skyrocket to Success. Today, I want to discuss something that we all do – procrastinate. But more importantly, I want to discuss how procrastination is not something to beat yourself up over.?

Procrastination is a word that is often associated with guilt, missed deadlines, and lost productivity. It's a habit we've been told to conquer since our school days, with countless articles and self-help books dedicated to erasing this perceived enemy of progress. However, what if I told you that there is a creative side to procrastination, one that organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores in his thought-provoking TED Talk titled "The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers"?

If you haven’t already seen this TED talk, I strongly suggest you do! You can find it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxbCHn6gE3U .?

In his talk, Adam Grant challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding procrastination. He suggests that procrastination can sometimes be a valuable tool in the creative process. Grant argues that when we dive headfirst into a task, we often end up with tunnel vision. We think in linear ways, unable to see beyond our initial ideas. We become prisoners of our preconceived notions, limited by the familiar and the obvious.

Grant's perspective invites us to reconsider the negative connotations of procrastination. Instead of beating ourselves up for not always being 100% motivated or not having a clear direction for a task, we can embrace the moments of delay as opportunities for creative exploration.

Here's how procrastination can fuel creativity:

Mind Wandering?

Procrastination allows your mind to wander freely. When you're not focused on a specific task, your thoughts can meander through various ideas, concepts, and possibilities. This mental drift can lead to unexpected connections and innovative insights.

Incubation Period?

Delays in starting a project can serve as an incubation period. During this time, your brain subconsciously processes information related to the task at hand. When you eventually engage with the task, you may find a fresh perspective and new ideas.

Divergent Thinking?

Procrastination encourages divergent thinking. Instead of immediately settling for the first solution that comes to mind, you have the chance to explore multiple options, fostering creativity and originality. According to Adam Grant, “Procrastination gives you time to consider divergent ideas, to think in nonlinear ways, to make unexpected leaps.”?

Relaxed State?

You're more relaxed when you're not pressured by a looming deadline. This reduced stress level can be conducive to creative thinking, as anxiety and pressure often hinder our ability to generate innovative ideas.

Unconventional Approaches?

Procrastination may lead you to consider unconventional approaches to a problem. You open the door to novel solutions and breakthroughs by deviating from the beaten path.

While embracing procrastination as a creative tool is valuable, striking a balance is essential. Excessive procrastination can indeed lead to missed opportunities and increased stress. The key is recognizing when procrastination can be harnessed for creativity and when it's time to channel your energy into focused action.

Procrastination does not have to be the arch-nemesis of productivity and creativity. Thanks to insights from thinkers like Adam Grant, we can appreciate the creative side of procrastination. As long as we approach it with intention and mindfulness, procrastination can be a valuable ally in our quest for originality and innovation. So, don't be too hard on yourself the next time you procrastinate. It might just be your brain's way of preparing to unleash its creative potential.

Thank you all for reading this week’s Skyrocket to Success, and I sincerely hope it has inspired you to be a little more lazy from time to time xD

With unwavering support and excitement for your future,

Holly Pascal