Lisa Daromando

Procrastination has gotten a bad rap over the years. I suppose it’s always had one, but as workaholism and the need to achieve more has become the societal goal, any sort of step back from that seems to garner judgement. But should it? You can’t keep working at 100% (+) forever. At some point, that drive has to burn out. Wouldn’t it be better to tamper down the heat before it sets your life on fire?

The goal of achieving more is, at its heart, fruitless. Achievement is a high. The endorphins you get when you hit that next level sustain you only for so long before you come crashing right back down and need to find your next high. You strive for that next level of status or pay or followers to the point of daily fatigue, just so you can prove to everyone else that you deserve that next level, but you never really get there because it’s never quite good enough for you, is it? That goal, that ultimate status, is the modern day Fountain of Youth for which our society will unendingly search (of course we’re still after the Fountain, too, because again, nothing is ever quite good enough).

I know the feeling well. As a recovering Type-A, overachieving perfectionist, I think we need to revisit the quest for this “Fountain of Worth”. But like a drug, quitting work cold turkey can lead to negative consequences, including, but not limited to: loss of income, loss of self-confidence, loss of friendships, loss of wellbeing, increase in weight, and a whole mess of other outcomes that can mostly be packaged together and tied up with a bow by any armchair therapist as depression.

I don’t advise going cold turkey on this one. Instead, let me help you ease into this new technique called Productive Procrastination, i.e., still accomplishing something while bringing more joy to the daily grind. Trust me, my overachieving compatriots, you will be gratified in getting work done while also enjoying what you do. It’s a new lifestyle associated with the “Work to Live” phenomenon I still hope will catch on in the US. Join me.

Ready to start but don’t know how? Here are some tried and true Productive Procrastination techniques I have developed in recent years, in no particular order except that which brings me personal joy and a deep feeling of accomplishment:

10. Deep clean your refrigerator

You have to be pretty desperate for this one, which is why it’s #10, but trust me, it’ll take hours and you will feel weirdly accomplished after. Just pop on a fun audiobook or the next episode of My Favorite Murder, and the time will pass by quicker than a cardio session. This could work for just about any deep clean, but don’t bother with the baseboards, you’ll never notice the hard work.

9. Discover your inner artist

Do you fall for all the crafting reels on social media like I do? I am constantly drawn in to videos of people making everything from candles and ceramics, to painting and sculpting, to clothing and jewelry. Sometimes your brain just needs a little break, or you can’t possibly sit at the computer for another minute. Head to your newly fashioned crafting corner (or craft room, if you’re really blessed) and pick your poison. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find your next side-hustle.

8. Finally finish those photo books you’ve been meaning to put together

Girl, you went backpacking in Europe a decade ago, and you still haven’t done anything with those photos. What would be better than finally setting up that photo book while reliving all of the awesome memories of your gap year? Or that one week three years ago when you actually took a vacation? It might even spur on the motivation to plan another trip.

7. Make a T-shirt quilt

Or even just compile your old t-shirts to send away for a quilt if sewing isn’t your thing. This will take time, and think of all the memories you will dredge up while going through those piles of shirts from years or decades past. Your old sorority Ts would make a great baby blanket for your favorite (former) drinking buddy. Or pull together all the race freebies and put that baby in the guest room for bragging rights. Plus, this will free up so much space in your dresser…

6. Send postcards to your friends and family

Admit it, you get a little giddy when you spot something other than junk or bills in your mailbox. A special postcard sent for no reason other than pure love? Well, that is sure to bring a smile to even the crankiest friend on your list. And bringing joy to others will bring joy to you, trust.

5. Go for a run (or walk, or bike ride)

Okay, hear me out. I may be one of those annoying people who actually likes to run, but that’s because it’s been part of my life since middle school. Do something enough, and it becomes natural. That can be you, too — it’s not too late! Cardio in any form is always great for a little mental break, even if it’s just a quick one. It’s a useful and healthy way to break up work if you can, get some fresh air, and rack up those recommended 10k steps. Extra perk? If you’re going fast enough, you can’t respond to emails…

4. Get ripped

While I love a good run or bike ride, you will feel the aftereffects a lot more from strength training. The gym is never a bad idea, but signing up for a class membership has added benefits. Not only do you get those powerful aftereffects of your workout, but by doing it in a group, you might even make some new friends or find a community of people you vibe with. It could take a few tries to find the right kind of class, and that’s a fun journey in itself.

Pro Tip: If you’re still looking for the right kind of workout, I highly recommend Class Pass. I used it to try a bunch of different class types for a while, along with the free intro or trial classes at different studios, before finding my place at Club Pilates and MADabolic.

3. Hit up a red light sauna

How is this a Productive Procrastination technique? Well, say you need some self-care time, or maybe you’re just so tired you can’t keep your eyes open. You could just take a nap of course. Or, as someone who needs to feel more accomplished after an hour, you could take a nap whilst getting the benefits of a red light sauna. Better skin, better sleep, better recovery, and a whole heap more. It’s a great opportunity to turn off your ears and eyes and to just think — or not think of anything, just turn off…while still being productive. (More on this in a future post.)

2. Become a pioneer

1. Read a damn book

Ahh, the procrastination technique used for hundreds of years, yet often eclipsed by streaming binges and social media dark holes these days. Who knows, this one could even lead to new passions and hobbies as you (perhaps inadvertently) learn through reading. And for all my Millennials who grew up earning those personal pan pizzas at Pizza Hut for accumulating enough read books, you know how gratifying finishing each book is. Heck, you can even reward yourself with stickers and a personal pan pizza when you hit your goal number. You’re a damn grown up; you can do what you want.

* * * * *

Thinking about the achievement cycle always brings to mind the story of Icarus in Greek mythology. He was the one who flew too close to the sun — despite the warnings of his father — and eventually his wings, which were only made of feathers and wax, began to melt, and he fell back to Earth. The myth was meant to warn people of the dangers of greed and over-confidence. Translate it to modern day, and you can visualize yourself in a power suit climbing the ladder of success higher and higher until you get burned, or burn out, and fall back down to the ground. So maybe, instead of focusing on the height of our climb, we can focus more on the journey and even get to enjoy it a bit more. A little procrastination can help with that, IMHO.

I hope these Productive Procrastination techniques help you as much as they have helped me. Maybe they’ll even lead you to a newfound passion or skillset. Or maybe they will just give you the time you need to breathe and reboot.

(I’d love to hear what your go-to Productive Procrastination method is.)