Mental Health in the workplace is always in the spotlight and as someone who works for themselves and is also a stay at home mum, I have those dark days just as much as when I worked in an office, except this time there’s no chat in the staff room or bar of chocolate placed on my desk by a caring colleague. But hang on in there my lovely, hear me out, for a little Procrastination doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom! I’m gonna stick my neck out and say procrastination could actually be your BEST FRIEND!!
Yep, we’ve all been there, well I certainly have, and on more than one occasion. Sitting there, either doing Sweet FA! Or fannying about doing ALL the other jobs that suddenly become way more pressing. (Yes I am cleaning my keyboard as we speak because did you see all that fluff!!!??? And look at the state of my knicker drawer, it’s so cluttered, I really can’t see all my black pants individually. Or actually I’m binge watching Top Boy because it’s research into my new career, as a crack dealer, ‘cos, well I figured that may be sooooo much easier a job than the actual one I’m doing now!) To name but a few asides that I tend to do other than the actual job in hand.
It’s not that I'm lazy (honest I’m not) It’s not that I don’t want to work, it’s just that I don’t want to do THAT thing! That one thing, that’s super important or pressing that probably needs to be done kinda soon ish.
So what is procrastination? Dictionary.com says
“the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention:
She was smart, but her constant procrastination led her to be late with almost every assignment.”
Okay so with that being said, here’s my spin on it ……….
Tip 1.
Procrastination is brilliant! Yep hear me out…...You see when we procrastinate we sit still, we put our feet up, rest for a while. Maybe just veg in front of the TV or stand still, focusing on the most mundane task because let's face it ironing is therapeutic . So here’s my tip….. welcome Procrastination in like an old friend, sit it down with you and have a long chat. Actually appreciate that time spent doing Sweet FA because quite frankly we are all a little bit wrapped up in our own self importance all a little too busy sometimes everything feels a little manic for us to realise that we need to Slow the Fuck down.
Tip 2.
Whilst in the midst of procrastination you may realise that the thing you wanted to do isn’t really for you or maybe the whole picture hadn’t been formulated or even thought about in a rational way. So there may be a reason that procrastination happens . It may be your body's way of letting you know why it doesn’t want to do that thing. The subtle art of actually listening to your inner voice is then required. And this dark art may take time to hone. So next time you’re sat down, avoiding every damn job on the list. Ask yourself “why am I avoiding the job in hand”? You may be surprised at what you hear. But and here is a warning, don’t confuse depression with procrastination, that's a whole different ball game that needs to be addressed differently. As with everything, see if you can get some help. Remember we have a voice so use it. Above all, don't be afraid to ask for help on whatever it is you need to do, to finish that particular assignment. (yes I am absolutely shit at this but I am getting better baby steps)
Tip 3.
And finally here is the best result of avoiding that certain task. And this has happened to me on more than one occasion. Whilst burying my head deep in an ironing pile, it’s given me time to day dream, to think, to let my mind wonder. The Huff post has another great article here which goes on to suggest that this sort of boredom is the best thing that can happen to you. Whilst lost in my other world, new ideas and pathways have spurned from that first initial thought. And a few of them have actually saved me from a major fu*k up.
So instead of beating yourself up over your lack of enthusiasm for your current to do list Give yourself a friendly talking to. Because Talking Kindness is where it’s at! Being gentle with yourself is a great way to get to know who you are and what you’re about. Basically “Get to know YOU” Having a little rest can generate the required energy to finish that job. Don’t be afraid to step outside, to get those creative juices flowing. We are all a little bit guilty of trying to rush to the end of who knows where. So why not sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way. I can tell you there is no black hole that opens up when you fail to deliver on the day (maybe a few disappointed looks). But that's for you to navigate yourself. Because if that has happened, return to point 2.
After all, there's always tomorrow.
*N.b
And of course there is nothing like the last minute, to create the oomph required to tap out your most amazing work you’ve ever delivered. Believe me I have been saved by that fly by the seat of your pants approach on more days that I can count.
Love to you all wherever you may be procrastinating
#TalkingKindness
Roo Betty style xxx