In this blog, I give you five ways to beat procrastination and be productive, especially if you're a content creator
As a content creator who wants to bring value and create consistently, procrastination can often feel like a terrible complication. But I have experienced the benefits of procrastination without even realising it. And here are the five creative ways to beat procrastination of the ways that I have been able to make the most of my procrastination:
Ways to Beat Procrastination
Time For Reflection
I'm often rippled with guilt when I procrastinate because I know I have a mountainous project that will not work itself unless I do something about it.
But it is during my procrastinating season, long or short, that I allow my mind to wander as I reflect on the progress I have made or not made. Taking some time away from a project also allows me to step back and evaluate and reflect on the information I have gathered. This reflection time often leads me to a fresh perspective, new insights, and even more innovative ideas.
Reduced Pressure
I must admit, there are times when I thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes with wanting to beat a deadline. However, there are times the pressure of a deadline can be a major obstacle to my creativity. So delaying the start of a project, I often reduce this pressure and create a more relaxed environment in which to work. And this often leads to a more natural and authentic creative process.
Work On Other Creative Projects
While procrastinating on one project, I use that time to work on another project because there are times when I'm drawn to certain tasks and not others. For instance, when I was procrastinating about making a YouTube video on this topic, I decided to write this blog because I found it more pleasurable and less pressure - no one sees my unkempt hair when I blog vs making a video. This helps me stay productive while giving my brain a break from the other task.
Get Organised
I like to use my procrastination time to get organised. For example, I clean up my workspace, make lists of tasks I need to complete, and prioritise my to-do list. This helps me feel more in control and less overwhelmed when it's time to return to work on my projects.
Sparking Inspiration
I have also discovered that procrastination can sometimes lead to unexpected sources of inspiration. Whether I stumble upon an incredible podcast, a great book, a random conversation with a friend or a walk in the park, taking a break from the task at hand can provide the space I need to spark new ideas and creative solutions.
Last thoughts: While procrastination is often viewed negatively, it doesn't have to be a negative experience. If you postpone a task for a while, don't be too hard on yourself - it could lead to your most outstanding work yet. We can use the time to our advantage and become even more creative and productive. But, of course, it's important to maintain a balance and avoid letting procrastination get out of control.
Check out my video on Procrastination on YouTube.
I love this viewpoint that we shouldn't be hard on ourselves if we don't complete tasks. It is something I struggle with.