“How beautiful it is to do nothing,
and then to rest afterward.”
~ Spanish Proverb
I’ve been meaning to write this article for a long time but I kept putting it off. If you didn’t laugh just then, you’re reading this way too early in the day! Seriously though, are you acquainted with a pesky little thing called procrastination?
No matter what stage of life we are in or what we do for a living, there are always things we like to do and things we don’t like to do so much; things that need to be done. Today with Facebook and Twitter and Email as close as our cell phone or iPod and with messaging and texting just as close, opportunities for procrastinating abound. We’re focused on our goals, we’ve written them on our bathroom mirrors but we are too easily distracted from the work involved in achieving them.
I’ve found a method of dealing with procrastination in my life in the way I approach my schedule. When I have many things on my list and among them are things I don’t enjoy, I do the worst things first. Ian Newby-Clark outlines the concept of doing the “worst things first” in this article. It’s a way to delay gratification, something I learned from one of my favourite authors, M Scott Peck MD.
In his book, The Road Less Travelled Peck identifies “delaying gratification” as a characteristic of an emotionally mature person. As children we eat the frosting first and then the cake; as adults we [should have learned to] eat the cake first and save the frosting-part to enjoy last. We make the choice to get the less pleasant work out of the way first to make way for the things we like to do.
It does beg the question, however; isn’t it fun to eat the frosting first some time? Procrastinating wouldn’t be such a temptation if it weren’t fun. What do you think? Is there some value in procrastinating or none at all? Do you procrastinate?
photo credit: Ed Yourden
Article by 
Lori,
I think that the concept of "do the worst things first" is a very powerful one.
I like to do my tasks this way too. Once that task is done, I can focus on other things by knowing, that the worst part is now over.
But, sometimes it is of course nice to eat the dessert first :) I just gotta make sure it doesn't happen too often :)
@ProductiveSd Hi Tim! Welcome to Life,forinstance!
Getting the worst part over works for the week's schedule too! (Why do I leave my banking and accounting for Thursday, then!?!) Maybe it's time for a schedule change, though I do arrange things so I do the important things early in the day when my energy is higher. Do you think it's a balance of "worst things first" and working with your energy highs and lows?
@Lori @ProductiveSd Lori,
Thank you :)
I have applied this principle to almost every aspect of my life - I always try to get the worst part done first, so that I can focus on more enjoyable stuff later. I'm about to read a book called "Eat That Frog!" by Brian Tracy, which deals about this topic.
It is easier to do that tough task right away, because your batteries are still full in the morning hours. If you leave that task for later, you may already feel exhausted and are more willing to procrastinate on that task.
I guess you need more energy to overcome that resistance in the afternoon that what you would need when doing the task the first thing in the morning.
@ProductiveSd I'm not seeing your blog URL Timo. Maybe you should check it again?
@Lori @elmerq Lori,
Yes, it's Brian's book.
No problem :)
Also, I updated my blog's URL to my profile, so hopefully it is visible now :)
@ProductiveSd I never heard the term "eat the frog" before @elmerq mentioned it just below here! It's Brian Tracy's book? He's good. I may have to put that one on my wish list.
i agree with stacking the important tasks in the morning. Once the energy starts to dip it's hard to get it back up again!
Sorry I called you Tim, and it's Timo! If you like, put more links in your Livefyre ID here:http://livefyre.com/profile/91401/ that way others will be able to find your blog etc. (and they will call you Timo!).
Hi Lori,
Do I procrastinate? Uh...yeah! Like everyday! Right now, I'm purposely procrastinating on doing my taxes...and updating my blog website.
I agree with you that delayed gratification is a sign of maturity. Some say that giving up gratification is a sign of wisdom. But do I have to delay them all? I would rather choose not to.
This article made me smile. It's nice to know that there are people who can relax and understand the need to let things past every once in while.
oh and one thing... I don't eat the frosting first or last. I enjoy the cake and frosting at the same time.
Thanks for the Post,
Elmer
@elmerq Procrastinating on doing your taxes!?!? But that's so much fun! LOL It's hard to grow up, isn't it. For myself, I try to make the frosting last for each bite of the cake, but if not, I save some for the last.
Welcome to Life,forinstance Elmer! Glad you found us!
Yes, a thousand times YES. And I get to share one of my favorite Demotivators, http://www.despair.com/proc24x30pri.html
There are times I just do too much, and other times I'm just not feeling it, so I do put off... when I know I'll have the time to get it done later. Doing the worst things first is a good trick; doing a bunch of easy things helps, gives you nothing else to procrastinate over I guess plus in my case, I clear some distractions that way. Many of us work much more than the mythical 9-to-5, so what if we take a longer lunch and then finish that report later, mind refreshed and ready to work? There is value and reward to putting things off until the right time, not sure I'd always consider it procrastination. FWIW.
@3HatsComm I like that idea of putting things off until the right time! I think that is important for sure - great suggestion!
@StaceyMJHughes Some things you can just plow through, gut it out. But when it's writing or design, something more creative I just struggle to force it. Per @bdorman264 comment I think the best leaders understand that, empower their employees to work at their own, best pace - within limits of course. The BIG idea may not always happen at the 10:30 meeting, so a little flexibility and allowance for "procrastination" may actually work better. JMO.
@3HatsComm @bdorman264 absolutely - my favourite entrepreneur is Yvon Chouinard...his book - Let your people go Surfing speaks volumes to allowing the employees flexibilty - - from having an in-house daycare, to having flex time...Empowering your employees (or family members) has a trickle down effect in a great way!
@3HatsComm Hi Davina! A "thousand times" yes!?! I'm SO glad it's not just me! I love the link you included! Do you think we just need a little immediate payoff and that's why we procrastinate?
I agree that being less rigid with the scheduling is not a bad thing.Maybe procrastination has just gotten a bad rap. Maybe it's just a way to go with the flow, like you said, "other times I'm just not feeling it, so I do put off."
How tough a taskmaster can we be with ourselves without burning out? Do you think we require a sort of balance between being diligent and procrastinating?! Maybe we need to stop procrastinating and start scheduling some time to do it!? What do you think?
@Lori @3HatsComm I think there are times to be diligient and there are times to procrastinate....and I'm sure these times may change on a daily/weekly basis for each individual person...I know they do in my house (ie. what is urgent & important to me isn't always in that same quadrant for my husband)...
@3HatsComm @Lori procrastination by cleaning is excellent - you are putting something off - but being very productive despite of it :D
@3HatsComm @StaceyMJHughes I know sometimes I clean just because I notice dust, but organizing my environment allows me to think more clearly. It may be procrastinating to clean, but ultimately, it helps me to cut that list down more effectively. It's hard not to be distracted by a cluttered environment. I agree!
@StaceyMJHughes @Lori I also procrastinate strategically sometimes. I have a friend who teases me b/c I've told her one of my 'procrastination' tools is cleaning. I make my bed, do a little laundry, whatever. Eliminating that clutter cuts the distraction, plus whenever I walk back into a tidier room it's like, Yes I did this and it makes me feel better. Well she's tried it.. finds it works, so yes to finding the procrastinations in your own quadrant.
@Lori @3HatsComm I really like that about there being a balance between being diligent and procrastination. The truth is that everyone does need breaks or else they burn out.
But then someone may say they need to relax to avoid burnout but are procrastinating. It takes discipline to realize you aren't in that vicious circle!
@3HatsComm @bcromlish @Lori try not to feel quilty over YOU time - after all -YOU are *should be* the most important person in your life!
@3HatsComm @bcromlish Thanks for making the distinction. I think I may have linked procrastination and delaying gratification, as if they were two ends of the same pole, prematurely. Seems it is more a polarity between delaying gratification and instant gratification. Where does procrastination come in, not sure! Somwhere in the middle?
In any case, I'm glad you're procrastinating here at Lifeforinstance Davina! LOL
@Lori @bcromlish IDK if it's procrastination or instant gratification, 2 different things. I take the 'me' time for what I want, but then still have an office in need of decluttering (one of those someday projects), annoying work work like taxes to plow through, etc. but I "procrastinate" on that today so I can finish a client newsletter.. and have fun chatting with you. ;-)
@3HatsComm LOL, yes, keep telling yourself that! Seriously, guilt seems to be the factor that limits the amount of procrastination we indulge in. It's like taking that second piece of chocolate cake - delicious, but unnecessary and it makes you feel so bad.
Discipline, @bcromlish is what keeps you from taking that piece of cake, but the whole time we're considering it...we're procrastinating. Maybe the urge to procrastinate is a sort of blinking yellow light cautioning us that we haven't achieved that healthy balance between work and play, or haven't nailed down our goals so well that we plough through the not-fun tasks with a vengeance?
@bcromlish @Lori ITA it's all about balance. You need to limit the amount of free time you have, to limit the amount of work time so you can make yourself get things done. It can be a never ending routine and YES I totally feel guilty when I have a little quality DVR time but then I know I can't work 24/7 either. There are times getting it done RIGHT NOW is what'll work, other times waiting may actually be how to work smarter. Or at least that's what I tell myself when I'm working late at night. ;-)
Hi Lori,
Sadly I procrastinate much to much. It is all about discipline, when I am too tired to deal with something it is very easy to put it off.
It has helped me to prioritize my days, when I get to the next point on my list I have no choice but to do it.
@DanielMWood Well if you procrastinate then I'm not going to worry about it! I mean for me! I do like the way you approach it, though.I've been working with the worst things first for a while now, especially this week, but I'm also making the list for the day, as you mentioned in your post: http://lookingtobusiness.com/sales-personality-core-values/how-to-find-sales-motivation?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LookingToBusiness+%28Looking+to+Business%29
and sticking to it. So when you prioritize, you do the most important, not the least pleasant, do I have that right?
@Lori @DanielMWood sometimes it's hard to differentiate the 'most' important...I find it easy to realize the obvious - but sometimes I think the 'me' time can/should be the most important - but I'm guessing a lot (as in Most) of us do not do that...
Lori, I was laid off as an admin in November of 2007. No hopes of going back with them, as the economy led them to shut their doors. They closed their doors in May of 2010. I'm retired now, but still look for work.
I still procrastinate and beat deadlines, but it's more by making sure I get the house clean, cook dinner, grocery shop and the usual household chores before my daughter gets home from work, as I live with her. I'd rather have teeth pulled than go to the grocery store, so I put that off most all the time. That's my biggest procrastination ever and have to force myself to do it usually get home about a half hour before she gets here. Life gets in the way now that I'm home most all the time so I battle with what needs to get done first, before she gets here. It's just a matter of me getting my priorities straight, instead of being on the computer which is my biggest time waster and getting things done that need to get done. All in all, I do get things done under the wire and beat the deadline right before she gets home.
@EdnaDinsmore "I'd rather have teen pulled than go to the grocery store" LOL - I guess that qualifies then as something to procrastinate on!
I forgot to mention Edna, that if you go to : http://livefyre.com/profile/90829/ and put a photo of you! Also, if you have any other links you'd like to share you can put them there - like Facebook Twitter or a web site link!
Wonderful post Lori! A resounding yes on procrastinating. It's sad really that I do, but I've done it my whole life. I guess you could say I live on the edge, walking that fine line. When I did work a 40 hour a week job as an administrative assistant I was under constant pressure. Always working on a deadline for one thing or another, along with my daily goings on. Getting caught up in the everyday of my duties, sometimes came with time constraints to complete all of my daily tasks. Especially since some of the everyday tasks took a huge chunk of time away from what I should have been doing instead. I loved the challenge that procrastination would bring, making sure I did complete my most important tasks to beat that deadline. I did/do work well under pressure even to this day, only now it's getting the house clean, making dinner, grocery shopping etc. That's what works best for me so that's how I get things done.
I do eat the cupcake first and save the yummy frosting with a tad bit of cake attached to enjoy last. Just a guilty pleasure of mine. I suppose there isn't a right or wrong way to eat a cupcake. We had a family friend whom, when he went to a restaurant for dinner, would always order dessert first and enjoy it immensely. Afterward, he would eat his dinner. It's what worked for him.
@EdnaDinsmore I love that you actually KNOW someone who ordered/ate his dessert first - that is incredible - - there are places in Europe (I'm told) where people do this on a regular basis! The sugar is supposed to help you digest better (or maybe we're told this to 'allow' ourselves this way of ordering)!
@StaceyMJHughes I asked him why he ate like that and was blown away when he told us he learned this trick when he was a young boy. He never did elaborate on why, just that he had done that his whole life. It just amazed me that he did so.
@EdnaDinsmore Welcome to Life,forinstance Edna! I love your description of life with procrastination!
Like @TashaGosselin you work well under pressure - you even regard being under a deadline as a challenge - bravo! Like @bcromlish the deadline motivates you. And like me you eat the cupcake first! LOL I'm beginning to think that procrastination isn't only a bad thing but may have its purpose. As you said, "It's how I get things done."
Eating the desert first does sound like a good idea. Loving the challenge procrastination would bring- I love THAT!
Now you're not working as an administrative assistant? How do you procrastinate these days?
@Lori @EdnaDinsmore @TashaGosselin @bcromlish I like the adage 'it's how I get things done'....hey - whatever works - and I can admit that sometimes this is me as well!
@bdorman264 @Lori @EdnaDinsmore @TashaGosselin @bcromlish Just DO it is a great motto for ALL of us in all aspects (sometimes) in life. Your employees are lucky you are such an awesome leader!
@bdorman264 I really like how you brought leadership into procrastination. This is simply an observation, but some of the leaders I have admired - are the ones I have rarely seen procrastinate.
Now, as you go down the chain of command - I've seen more procrastination. This is likely due motivators. Less stake in the company, means less passion associated to the success of the company. OR maybe the tasks aren't challenging them enough or are not a match for their personality/skills.
Very interesting indeed.
@bdorman264 I see that you have to "man up" though I'm not sure how good I'd be at that! It's interesting how you arrange your week Bill. I agree; a week planned the week before could work better for me too. But often by Friday, I'm tired and wanting to procrastinate my way through the last hour and slide into my weekend! ha ha. OK, I hear you - no whining allowed. Perhaps a plan made on Thursday....
@Lori @StaceyMJHughes @EdnaDinsmore @TashaGosselin @bcromlish Ok, here we go.....level 2 now.....:). The trait of a good leader is to make everyone look good, allow them work to their strengths and not get bogged down in 'stuff' they are not good at doing.
However, also as a good leader sometimes you have to man-up (leader up) and get something taken care of instead of passing it down the line because you don't want to handle it................tempting though................:).
Fortunately in my world I don't have to deal w/ too many problems my team doesn't want to handle. They take care of a lot of these 'opportunities' as they arise. If it gets to me, then typically this is their cry for help and I'll will run with it w/out too much resistance.
In my world I go out and see my customers typically and most are somewhat local but I do have some it will take a half day there and back. Subsequently when I plan my week I usually have one focal customer I need to set the appointment first and then fill in the rest from there. Where I procrastinate is when I don't get an immediate response from my main appointment and all the others are sitting in limbo; then I typically I sit around thinking I sure could use an admin asst (my team doesn't do this) and nothing is happening. My challenge is to get all this done the week prior so I know what my week will look like; not come in Monday morning and think 'what should I do this week'.
Bottom line, no whining allowed................'Just Do It'.....................
@bdorman264 @StaceyMJHughes @EdnaDinsmore @TashaGosselin @bcromlish How can you crash a party when you were on the guest list!?! And yes, the Pope is Catholic. LOL
Question: if you have a team that you can put to work, why don't you just get THEM to do the worst things? Are you trying to tell us there are always unpleasant things, even when you're the boss? I am a team player, so I'm joking but surely, isn't it tempting to tell THEM to 'Just Do It'?
@StaceyMJHughes @Lori @EdnaDinsmore @TashaGosselin @bcromlish Hey can I crash this party; are you going to eat all of that? This will be the 4th time trying to post, my 'puter is having Livefyre issues.
Do I procrastinate; is the Pope Catholic? And I live in a world of 'dates' where things have to be done 'on or before'; fortunately I have a great team that works with me and I always tell them you only have one job - 'make me look good'. If that happens (which is hard) everything else falls into place...........:).
I have to make myself do the hard tasks first; sometimes easier said than done but so much more gratifying if you go ahead and take care of the uncomfortable tasks first. Nike's slogan 'Just Do It' is very appropriate.
Another though provoking, easy to join topic Lori, good job.
I found it really funny that while I'm supposed to be studying for a midterm I would decide to go clicking through my favourites instead and find this article.
Has anyone else noticed that sometimes they gravitate towards certain activities when procrastinating? I find I won't do something that I think of as a complete and utter waste of my time (i.e. video games) when there is something I know I should be doing, instead I'll avoid it by reading the economist magazine or organizing notes, or working on something that isn't urgent at all. Strange.
@AlexGosselin It's too easy to procrastinate these days! I think the "complete and utter waste of time" element is what we are looking for when procrastinating. I mean we don't procrastinate by doing more useful things, not usually. I wonder why that is.
@Lori Its funny that you would say that "we dont procrastinate by doing more useful things" because I have actually adopted that as a strategy to help me get things done when I have too much on my plate. I work on one thing, and then procrastinate from it by working on another thing, and then procrastinate on that by working on the first thing again, etc. It does sort of help, even when the new thing isnt any more fun, at least it is a different activity, and I get a bit of a break from the thing I want to avoid!
@TashaGosselin Now that's clever. You actually use procrastination to get other things done using variety to break the monotony of the unpleasant task! Brilliant!
Great post Lori, I made sure to not put off commenting on this post!
I find I am great at starting projects or tasks, it is the finishing that I find challenging. I don't know if it is because I get bored or I like the excitement of a new project that has just come up. I find I need some form of deadline to get anything done. I know a lot of people do, but I think I like the rush of not knowing if I will get it done in time.
Does that make sense to anyone else?
@bcromlish So that's why you are so late to the party all the time Bryan! Procrastination! Ha! It's nice to know how you roll. So about that blog roll you're working on... LOL
@bcromlish definitely!Deadlines help me a lot - I find I love starting a new project...but then something happens - either something 'else' comes up that needs to get done - or I find an incredibly new motivator to do another project...this even happens with reading books sometimes!
@StaceyMJHughes @bcromlish I don't call that procrastination, just multi-tasking overload. As the to-do list grows, I just forget I started something, that I was halfway through an email when it was time to change the laundry, etc. My solution is just cross off a few quick things, so that list can become more manageable. FWIW.
@StaceyMJHughes @bcromlish Yes to checking off the quick and easy, cutting that list of 20 down to 10.. if you can knock out a few in just an hour, all of a sudden you get your day back. There's light at the end of the tunnel or at least IME.
@3HatsComm @bcromlish that is true - when the list is smaller I feel like I've accomplished something - - so good to check off the quick & easys!
@bcromlish It shouldn't make sense, but somehow it does! There really is a "rush" (of adrenaline perhaps?) when I know I have to finish something before the deadline and I know that it is due very soon. Somehow that usually helps me to get it done in time.
I find that if I am not incredibly busy, I procrastinate more. I tend to get the most accomplished when my plate is full of projects and and I know I only have a limited time to do assignments because of shifts at work and my class schedule.
@TashaGosselin Tasha- I have to echo your sentiment completely. My first year university I wanted to do really well so I didn't join too many clubs right away so as to leave lots of room for work. BAD idea, I had too much time so I would just put it off because I "could do it later...". By third year I had two jobs and had joined about 4 clubs and brought my GPA up a few points! Too funny how that works eh?
@MelanieAThomp @TashaGosselin I know my slacker self too well, got a job right away. Too much time is a bad idea, totally enables the procrastination. It's a balance game for sure.
@TashaGosselin @bcromlish I'm like you Tasha - I get more done when my 'to do' list is long. As the list starts to get crossed off - I tend to veer off (procrastinate)...