Unlocking the Power of Productive Procrastination for Entrepreneurial Success

Can Procrastination Work FOR Us?

I was on Debra Eckerling’s awesome podcast last night with some pretty spectacular ladies (Heather Eck and Kat Neff).  We were talking about what we, as entrepreneurs (and women), need to do to showcase ourselves. And of course, one of the first things I talked about was the need to shift our mindset when moving from exec to entrepreneur.

One mindset I've been thinking about lately is procrastination.  I don’t know about you, but I was always pushed to do do do!  But this week in particular, that’s been especially hard.  I feel like I’ve been moving through molasses. Like I need to take a breather after every action, chore, call and task!  As a person who likes to whiz through my daily tasks and GET THINGS DONE, this has been a real challenge.

But what if procrastination was really a secret weapon, and not a vice?

Check out this article on how changing your perspective might just open some new doors to abundance and flexibility in business.

Let’s turn those years of wisdom into your competitive edge!

Embracing Procrastination as a Strategic Tool

We often view procrastination as the enemy of productivity, but what if it's actually a secret weapon for business success?

The Art of Deliberate Delay

Procrastination is definitely not a typical mindset for entrepreneurs who must be as productive as possible and use every single second of every day in order to create a successful business.

But what if we NEED to procrastinate every now and then?

Intentional procrastination isn't about laziness; it's about clarity and innovation. 

A well-timed pause can let fresh ideas bubble up, much like John Perry suggests in "The Art of Procrastination".

Sometimes stepping back is exactly what we need to leap forward in our entrepreneurial journey.

Procrastination in Ancient Wisdom

In Ancient Egypt, delaying tasks was viewed as "awaiting the opportune moment," while the ancient Greeks and Romans held procrastination in high regard, with wise leaders often spending their time in deep contemplation rather than immediate action.

This age-old concept of “waiting for the right time”  still rings true today, especially when we're seeking that sweet spot between haste and hesitation.

In her TEXx Talk "Procrastination is the Key to Problem Solving", Andrea Jackson unpacks how this “Productive Procrastination” can unravel complex issues with ease.

Andrea herself identifies herself as an “expert procrastinator” and challenges the modern world's emphasis on productivity. She argues that this focus is the enemy of innovation and creativity.

Exploring the neuroscience behind procrastination, she explains how it involves more than just delaying tasks and feeling guilty. This guilt is, in fact, crucial as it ensures the task remains on our minds, activating a "supersonic jigsaw puzzle" in our brains. This process allows us to subconsciously process various pieces of information, eventually leading to innovative ideas or solutions.

In fact, historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison are cited as examples of successful procrastinators who used this approach to fuel their creativity. 

Andrea Jackson also mentions modern companies like Flickr and LiveFire, which encourage playful environments to foster productive procrastination among employees. She shares that companies led by procrastinators tend to be more profitable, attributing this success to the flexibility, innovation, and agility that productive procrastination can bring.

Should You Aspire to be an “Expert Procrastinator”

As a female entrepreneur ready to craft your legacy business, you understand that timing matters just as much as action does. 

You might find yourself at a crossroads where every direction seems viable.

When I launched my business I:

• Wrote and completed my website
• Write another one of our 101 Books (101 Ways to Rock Change: The Successful Pivot from Executive to Entrepreneur)
• Developed my coaching training
• Started or switched over all my socials
• Started writing ANOTHER BOOK
• Started my podcast
• Enrolled 6 new clients
• Started a Mastermind
• Wrote and published 10 blog posts

All in 6 weeks!

I was all DO DO DO.  And then I seriously burned myself out.  Had it not been for my daily morning practice of journaling and meditation, I would likely still be a quivering heap under the covers.

I should have procrastinated more! Deliberate procrastinatory tactics come into play—giving you room to breathe and assess your next big move with precision. Forget DO DO DO for a while and BE BE BE!

I've learned that deliberate procrastination is not about inaction; it's about giving yourself spac to think and plan more effectively. It's time to shift from constant doing to being.

Expanding on Procrastination: Practices, FAQs, and More

Practical Tips for Productive Procrastination:

• Set Intentional Breaks: Schedule short breaks to step away from work. Use this time for activities that lightly engage your mind, allowing subconscious processing.
• Embrace Mindfulness: Practices like meditation and journaling can help clear your mind, making room for creativity to flourish.
• Limit Distractions: Choose procrastination activities that don't completely absorb your attention, ensuring your brain continues to work on problems subconsciously.

FAQs About Procrastination:

1: Is all procrastination beneficial?

• Not all procrastination is created equal. Destructive procrastination leads to stress and missed deadlines. Productive procrastination, on the other hand, can enhance creativity and problem-solving.

2: How can I tell if I'm procrastinating productively?

• If your procrastination allows your mind to explore solutions and come up with innovative ideas, it's productive. If it causes anxiety and hinders progress, it's likely destructive.

3: Can procrastination fit into a structured workday?

• Absolutely. Incorporating short, deliberate periods of procrastination can refresh your mind and enhance productivity.

In Conclusion:

Procrastination, when harnessed correctly, can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. It's not about shirking responsibilities but about allowing your brain the space and time it needs to come up with groundbreaking ideas. So next time you find yourself procrastinating, ask yourself: could this be working for me? 

Embrace these moments. They are not signs of indecision but rather indicators that your mind is diligently working behind the scenes towards success. And who knows? That sudden burst of creativity under pressure or an epiphany leading to better decision-making could be right around the corner—all thanks to giving yourself permission for a mindful respite from constant doing.