19th July, 2024
Inspired Procrastination
I hope you are well and treating yourself with kindness.
When it comes to Procrastination, I'm sure we are all well aquainted with that dear friend. Today I thought I'd introduce you to Procrastination's highly creative cousin, Inspired Procrastination.
What is Inspired Procrastination?
Inspired Procrastination is equally good at avoiding those tasks you find irresistably resistible. Whilst procrastination might lead you towards numbing activities (hours on devices comes to mind!), Inspired Procrastination will lead you towards inspiring activities that lift your mood and energy. The result of inspired procrastination leads more to the possibility of feeling willing and able to tackle the avoided tasks, rather than falling into a pit of negative self-talk, self-criticism or hopelessness.
Enjoying the Detour
My day had begun with some Winter pruning of fruit trees. There were some administrative tasks I needed to sort out, but good old Inspired Procrastination came in with the urge to weave with the olive branch trimmings sprawled on the lawn. I made a conscious choice in the moment to go along with this creative impulse. That way, I actually wasn't procrastinating - I was allowing myself to enjoy this little detour thoroughly!
Typing in "weaving with olive branches", I discovered on YouTube a weaving technique called random weaving and now have a wonderfully randomly-woven-birds-nest sitting in my living room. (So that's what that picture is! I hear you say... )
The nest ended up solving a piece of a sculpture puzzle, was fun to make and also helped build my confidence to try new things. It has even appeared as star of my latest newsletter :) Yes - the admin tasks eventually got done and I daresay the tasks were handled with a different kind of energy.
Typing in "weaving with olive branches", I discovered on YouTube a weaving technique called random weaving and now have a wonderfully randomly-woven-birds-nest sitting in my living room. (So that's what that picture is! I hear you say... )
The nest ended up solving a piece of a sculpture puzzle, was fun to make and also helped build my confidence to try new things. It has even appeared as star of my latest newsletter :) Yes - the admin tasks eventually got done and I daresay the tasks were handled with a different kind of energy.
Workplace Limitations?
I realise that in a busy workplace, inspired procrastination will have it's limitations, but don't forget the humble doodle-pad! Here are some scientific findings you'll love from the book, "Your Brain on Art" by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross;
"Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), researchers found that doodling, colouring and free-drawing all activate the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that helps us focus and to find meaning in sensory information. Their findings also showed that the simple act of doodling increases blood flow and triggers feelings of pleasure and reward. It turns out that doodlers are more analytical, retain information better, and are better focused than their non-doodling colleagues."
"Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), researchers found that doodling, colouring and free-drawing all activate the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that helps us focus and to find meaning in sensory information. Their findings also showed that the simple act of doodling increases blood flow and triggers feelings of pleasure and reward. It turns out that doodlers are more analytical, retain information better, and are better focused than their non-doodling colleagues."
Say Yes Whole-Heartedly!
If you decide to run with Inspired Procrastination, go with it whole-heartedly. Make a firm decision to not make yourself wrong or feel bad for taking a detour. Trust you'll come back with some unexpected gifts, maybe even the readiness to focus on the task you have been resisting. You can also set an alarm and give yourself a set amount of guilt-free time to enjoy - whole heartedly.
My random weaving story is just one obscure example of limitless possibilities. Feel free to e-mail me and share your very own story of inspired procrastination. I'd be curious to hear it or see something you've created.
Just say yes!
Just say yes!