Procrastination Is My Writing Superpower

Procrastination Is My Writing Superpower

And here's how you can use it to your advantage

Most people think of procrastination as a bad habit that should be overcome.

I'm not most people.

The truth is, there are some benefits to procrastination that can be helpful for writers.

Understand that writing is a process, and sometimes the pressure to do well right away can produce worse results. Taking your time and letting yourself procrastinate helps you develop better ideas and write more productively because you're taking as long as you want. Sometimes it's important to step away from something for a little while.

But first, let's define that misunderstood "P" word.

What is procrastination, and why do we do it

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something that needs to be done. Some folks just call it being lazy. 

However, there are some benefits to procrastination that can be helpful for writers.

By letting yourself procrastinate, you give your mind time to think of new ideas.

Instead of worrying about the work you need to be doing, you're able to simply relax for a while and let your subconscious come up with some brilliant storylines or dialogue that would never have occurred had I forced yourself to write something right away.

Some people claim that putting off work helps them focus better on the task at hand. I'll admit, I'm one of those peeps.

And yet others might feel more focused and productive when they have something hanging over their head, but usually, that isn't the case. In fact, if you force yourself to work without a break or a chance to procrastinate, it can just make you burn out and lose your motivation for the work.

The benefits of procrastinating as a writer

There are several benefits to procrastinating as a writer.

First, it allows us to take our time with our work and revise it as many times as we want. This can result in a better product. Additionally, we can often produce better work by taking our time and procrastinating a bit.

Pressure from having to do something right away can actually lead to poorer results.

Second, procrastination can help us come up with better ideas. When we're stuck on what to write about, taking a break and letting ourselves relax for a while can often lead to new and innovative ideas.

Our subconscious mind is constantly working even when we're not aware of it.

By taking some time away from writing, we're giving it the chance to think about whatever you might be working on.

Third, it can help us focus better when we get down to work. When nothing is hanging over our heads due right away, we're free to work on what we feel like and not worry about deadlines.

Fourth, we can procrastinate and still be productive.When people procrastinate, they waste a lot of time watching random videos on Youtube or scrolling through their social media timeline for hours before getting down to work. However, if you know how to manage your time correctly by breaking up the work into small segments and allowing yourself time to procrastinate, you can actually get more done.

How to make sure procrastination is working for you

If you want to get the most out of your procrastination, you have to make sure it's working for you, not against you. Here are the most essential tips on how to do that.

Break up your work into small chunks of time. You can procrastinate after finishing one or two tasks instead of waiting until everything is done at once. This way, you'll end up wasting less time, and you'll be able to keep yourself motivated.

Reward yourself for completing small tasks or reaching milestones. If you stay focused, finish a goal, or manage to avoid distractions long enough to get something done, reward yourself with something small like watching an episode of your favorite show online or taking the time to visit an interesting website.

Keep essential tasks for last. If you really can't avoid getting involved in something new, save it until the end of your day or week so that you'll be able to give it your full attention and focus on what needs to be done.

Why you should embrace the art of not doing anything at all

There's a lot to be said for taking a break and doing nothing at all. In fact, there are several benefits to embracing the art of not doing anything.

First, it can help you relax and reduce stress levels. When we're constantly on the go, it's hard to find time to just sit back and relax. We can calm down and recharge our batteries by taking some time out for ourselves.

Second, it can help us think more clearly. When we're constantly bombarded with stimuli from our environment, it's hard to focus on anything else. By taking a break and disconnecting from the world for a while, we're able to clear our minds and come up with better ideas.

Third, doing nothing at all can be beneficial to our overall health. When we're constantly stressed out and unable to relax, it's not good for our hearts or mental state. By finding time to rest up and take care of ourselves every once in a while, we help ensure that we'll live longer and healthier lives.

The final word

Look, let's be honest…there are many benefits to be had from procrastination. Writers can take their time with their work, come up with better ideas, focus better when they get down to work, and even be more productive.

By making sure procrastination is working for them and embracing the art of not doing anything, writers can improve their productivity and writing skills.

Now go on, put that pen down, and go clown around a bit.