In the book Who Not How by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, the subject of procrastination is presented in a different way. I came away with these thoughts by taking the statement Procrastination is Wisdom If You Listen To It and doing some of my own research.
The statement “Procrastination Is Wisdom If You Listen To It” suggests a reframing of how we typically view Procrastination. Rather than seeing it solely as a negative trait or a hurdle to productivity, this perspective proposes that Procrastination might be a signal conveying deeper, meaningful insights. Here’s a deeper look into this statement:
- Indication of Misalignment: Procrastination can signal a lack of alignment between one’s actions and their true interests or values. If you’re consistently putting off a task, it might be because it doesn’t resonate with your core values or long-term goals. In this sense, Procrastination can be a tool for self-reflection, prompting you to reassess and align your actions with your genuine interests.
- Sign of Burnout or Need for Rest: Sometimes, Procrastination is your mind telling you you need a break. In our fast-paced world, constant productivity is often valued above all else, leading to burnout. Procrastination could signify that it’s time to rest and recharge, essential for long-term productivity and creativity.
- Highlighting Skills or Knowledge Gaps: If you’re avoiding a particular task, it might be because you lack specific skills or knowledge necessary to complete it effectively. In this case, procrastination acts as a signal to identify and fill these gaps through learning or seeking assistance.
- Fear and Anxiety Indicator: Often, Procrastination stems from fear—fear of failure, fear of not meeting expectations, or even fear of success. Recognizing this can be insightful, as it offers an opportunity to confront and address underlying anxieties and insecurities.
- Prompt for Re-prioritization: Procrastinating on specific tasks can indicate that they are less urgent or important than others. This can be an invitation to reevaluate your priorities and focus on what’s genuinely significant. It’s a reminder that not every task holds equal weight regarding impact or necessity.
- Creative Incubation Period: For creative endeavors, Procrastination might be part of the creative process. The subconscious mind works on problems in the background, and what appears as Procrastination could actually be a period of incubation necessary for innovative ideas to surface.
- Avoidance of Hasty Decisions: Procrastination can be a form of wisdom, as it prevents rash or impulsive choices. It allows time for thorough consideration, research, and weighing of options.
In conclusion, while excessive Procrastination can undoubtedly be detrimental, occasional Procrastination can provide valuable insights if listened to and understood. It can guide personal and professional development by signaling areas that need attention, whether aligning more closely with personal values, addressing burnout, improving skills, confronting fears, re-prioritizing tasks, fostering creativity, or making more deliberate decisions.
Next week, we will look at each of these insights and suggest tactics that can be used to move past this roadblock.
