Turn Procrastination into Power by Mike Ronchetti
Procrastination often carries a negative connotation, frequently associated with laziness or inefficiency. However, when viewed through a different lens procrastination can be seen as a natural and even beneficial component of the time management process. By recognizing its potential, positioning it strategically, and using it as a source of motivation, procrastination can be transformed into a powerful tool for achieving time driven goals.
Michiana Relevant
A recent survey of 20 Michiana Generation Z (Gen Z) individuals about transition from school to workplace find their self-admission of procrastination as a most common issue they experience. For a quick reminder the Gen Z group are born approximately from 1997 onward. This generation is the first generation to grow up with smartphones and social media as a constant presence, they are often seen as tech-savvy and socially conscious, valuing diversity and inclusivity.
Self
Leaders and managers working with Gen Z’s should help strengthen and create a well-functioning stress response. Encouraging our young work force to learn that stress can be enhancing is a better path. To do this we should look to create two synergistic mindsets – growth and personal enhancement.
A growth mindset is where abilities are not fixed but can be developed with effort and coaching. The growth mindset causes people to view difficulty as a positive challenge – a chance to learn, grow, and improve – rather than as a threat.
The personal enhancement mindset causes people to view their own bodily stress response as assets – resources that help them deal with stressful demand. This promotes challenge type stress responses and new activities and movements.
Stress is a Big Factor
From focus group research, that same sample group recognized that they associate the procrastination quality as a negative connotation. Stress was recognized as the common theme behind their procrastination. They saw the value of repositioned stress to move procrastination from a negative to a positive. For example, a person crossing a busy road experiences stress and seeks to avoid oncoming traffic. The stressful decisions made without procrastination involves survival and thus quick responses removes the stress.
We don’t always realize it, but the purpose of our stress system is fundamentally good. It keeps us alive. Creating the right kinds of messages that could help people thrive during stressful situations also helps to support removing procrastination.
Recognizing Procrastination
The first step in leveraging procrastination is to recognize it for what it is: a natural human tendency. Procrastination is not inherently negative; it is a signal from our mind that something about the task at hand is causing resistance. This resistance could stem from fear of failure, lack of interest, or feeling overwhelmed. By acknowledging procrastination, we can begin to understand its roots and address the underlying issues.
Positioning Procrastination in Time Management
Once recognized, procrastination can be positioned strategically within the time management process. Instead of viewing it as a barrier, consider it a pause that allows for reflection and reassessment. This pause can provide valuable insights into how a task can be approached more effectively. By positioning procrastination as a part of the planning process, it becomes an opportunity to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
Powering Through Procrastination
Procrastination can be a powerful motivator when harnessed correctly. I find the pressure of an impending deadline often spurs creativity and efficiency. This phenomenon, known as “productive procrastination,” can lead to bursts of focused activity that might not occur under less pressure. By setting realistic deadlines and allowing for short periods of procrastination, a deadline driven person can tap into this heightened state of productivity.
Turning Procrastination into Motivation
To transform procrastination into motivation, it is essential to dig deep into your psyche and understand what drives you. Identify the aspects of a task that excite or interest you and focus on those elements. By aligning tasks with personal interests and goals, procrastination can be turned into a source of inspiration. This alignment creates a sense of purpose, making it easier to overcome the initial resistance that leads to procrastination.
Planning Around Procrastination
Effective time management involves planning around procrastination rather than trying to eliminate it entirely. This means setting aside specific times for breaks and allowing for flexibility in your schedule. By acknowledging that procrastination will occur, you can create a timeline that accommodates it without derailing your overall progress thus reducing stress and making it easier to stay on track.
Delegating Accordingly
Another strategy for managing procrastination is delegation. Recognize tasks that are particularly prone to procrastination and consider delegating them to others. Delegation not only helps in managingtime more effectively but also allows you to focus on tasks that align with your strengths and interests. By sharing responsibilities, you can reduce the burden of procrastination and maintain momentum towards your goals.
Timelining with Procrastination
Creating a timeline that incorporates procrastination involves setting milestones and celebrating small successes along the way. By breaking down larger tasks into manageable parts, you can maintain a sense of progress and motivation. Each completed milestone serves as a reminder of your capabilities and reinforces the belief that you can achieve your goals, even with periods of procrastination.
Celebrating Success
Finally, it is crucial to celebrate each little success until you meet your goal. In Scrum projects celebrating the end of a two-week Sprint is required. Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, boosts morale and provides the motivation needed to continue moving forward. Celebrating success reinforces positive behavior and helps to counteract the negative feelings often associated with procrastination.
How to Move Forward
To address stress and procrastination among Gen Z staff members; employers and business managers can implement the following strategies:
• Utilize technology by encouraging productivity tools and apps to manage time and tasks effectively, reducing stress from disorganization.
• Provide training on time management and stress reduction techniques, such as prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals.
• Foster a supportive environment with open communication about stress and mental health, offering resources like counseling services.
• Encourage regular breaks to prevent burnout, promoting activities that help employees recharge.
• Set clear expectations and goals to reduce uncertainty, using collaborative tools to ensure everyone is aligned and can track progress.
• Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to help employees balance personal and professional lives.
• Regularly assess workloads to ensure they are manageable,
encouraging employees to voice concerns if overwhelmed and providing support to redistribute tasks if needed.
• Promote skill development opportunities to reduce stress by increasing confidence and competence in their roles.
Takeaway
By implementing these strategies, employers can help Gen Z staff manage stress and procrastination, leading to a more productive and satisfied workforce.
In conclusion, procrastination is not a negative force to be eradicated but a natural component of the time management process that can be harnessed for positive outcomes.
By recognizing procrastination, positioning it strategically, and using it as a source of motivation, individuals can transform it into a powerful tool for achieving their goals.
Through planning, delegation, and celebrating success, procrastination becomes an integral part of a
balanced and effective approach to time management.
Embrace procrastination as a natural part of the journey and use it to inspire and propel you and your team towards success.
©2024 Mike Ronchetti
Who is Mike Ronchetti?
With more than thirty-five years of real-life, on-the-ground small business experience across various industries, Mike has owned, operated, and successfully exited seven businesses. Mike lived in Plainfield, IL, St. Paul, MN, Anchorage, AK., and returned in 2013 to Plainfield. In 2020 Mike and Becky, his wife, relocated to South Bend to be closer to family. In 2021 he became an ActionCOACH certified business and executive coach and opened a local office. His mission is to work with businesses owners to create vivid dreams, establish aggressive goals and then crush them. He is co-founder of Michiana Business Community, Inc., promoting local business news, people, economics, and insights.
