The Procrastination Illusion

Procrastination, in its traditional sense, is often seen as the act of being lazy or avoiding tasks that we know we should be working on. It's usually associated with wasted time, missed opportunities, and a general lack of productivity. But, what if there's more to the story?

Consider this: the moments we label as "procrastination" may actually be valuable pauses in our productivity. These pauses can provide the necessary space for creativity, insight, and serendipitous discoveries that lead us down new and unexpected paths that actually get us closer to our goals. I know it's not a popular idea cause we're conditioned to work hard, waste no time and... suck it up. But hear me out...

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Unveiling the Hidden Purpose

One of the most powerful realizations when it comes to procrastination: you're still moving. You're still taking steps, even if they appear to be in a direction away from your goals. Here's why this matters:

1. Serendipity at Play:

Scrolling through social media, for example, can lead to unexpected discoveries. You might stumble upon an account or post that sparks a new idea, connects you with a valuable contact, or simply brightens your day. These serendipitous moments can be transformative.

I literally tell my boyfriend twice a week how insanely grateful I am for the women I've *stumbled upon* on my path of business and connecting more deeply with my femininity. Literally, my life wouldn't be the same today if I hadn't met these women. But it's not even always finding your next coach, or someone you're gonna stalk online for the next 10 years.

Sometimes, I've found myself mindlessly landing on the EXPLORE page on Instagram, found a post or account I hadn't seen before and something in their presence or in the way they worded something, unlocked something invaluable to me.

2. Creative Breathing Room:

Being busy can block us from being creative. I remember my mom telling me as a child that it was great if I was bored because it would allow me to get creative. Similarly to boredom, procrastination moments can provide the creative breathing room your mind needs.

‍Often, breakthroughs happen when you step back and let your subconscious mind mull over a problem or idea. That "wasted" time might be exactly what your brain requires to find a unique solution - or for you to stumble over a puzzle piece for your next big move.

3. Energy Management:

The biggest point: Judging yourself for procrastination drains your energy and increases stress. When you accept these moments as part of the process, you maintain a healthier mindset and your body can relax. This positivity can fuel your focus and energy when you're ready to take action.

So even though at first, you may think you're wasting time NOT doing things, you may actually be wasting more time judging yourself for not doing things. 🤯🤫

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The Path to Productive Procrastination

To make procrastination work for you, it's essential to approach it with mindfulness and intention:

1. Set Clear Goals:

Know where you're headed. When you have a clear destination in mind, even moments of procrastination can become part of the journey - and remember: growing your business (or doing whatever it is that deeply matters to you) is LIFE. Wanting to skip the journey, is wanting to skip life itself. *🎤 drop*

2. Embrace Breaks:

Give yourself permission to take breaks when you need them. Taking breaks isn't lazy - it can be productive AF because stepping away from your work can refresh your mind and help you return with newfound energy, focus... and ideas.

3. Stay Open:

As you "procrastinate," stay open to new ideas, opportunities, and insights. Sometimes, these moments are the perfect time for a stroke of genius.

4. Release Self-Judgment:

As I said, this is the biggest one in my opinion: Avoid self-criticism and judgment. Acknowledge that you're on your own unique path, and every step, even the seemingly procrastinating ones, contributes to your growth and you getting to where you want to be.

Sooo...

Procrastination may not be the villain it's often portrayed as. Every moment in your life, even those spent procrastinating, is a part of your journey. By releasing self-judgment, staying open to the unexpected, and understanding that productivity takes many forms, you can make the most of every step along the way.

Remember, it's not about never getting to action; it's about letting action flow from a place of energy and clarity.

Your journey is unique, and every step you take, even if it looks like procrastination, brings you closer to your goals in its own way. Embrace the paradox, and watch how your productivity and creativity flourish.

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PS: If you know & love someone who struggles with procrastination, maybe you want to send this over to them with love? Just as "procrastination" may turn out to be productive AF, you sending over something as small as a blog article may help change someone's life and the way they see themselves. ❤️