Why Procrastination CAN be a GOOD thing
We are constantly told that procrastination leads to a lack of productivity, because you never complete those important tasks. But honestly hear me out...
Think about a time you had a really cool idea. It could be a creative idea, like an idea for an Instagram post. Or it could be something academic, for example a new way to tackle an essay question. Many of us (myself included) rush to bring this idea into fruition. We get swept away with the excitement, and just have to get it done, before the moment is gone or before the idea is lost.
The advantages of this relate to efficiency - you're able to keep adding value. After the exciting idea has been brought into fruition, you can then focus on other tasks you have on your plate.
However, one main disadvantage I can think of is that you're rushing. What if this idea could become even better than the original thought? You wouldn't know because you dropped everything else, and focussed on this sole task.
So this is my advice to you:
1) Think about which environments allow you to be at your most creative. When do your best ideas come to fruition?
For me, I realised my best ideas come to me when I'm showering, just before I'm sleeping and when I'm brushing my teeth. This is because in these situations, I allow my mind to think about anything. I just let it wander. Really build an awareness about when you feel your best ideas come to you.
When you've realised these environments, make it accessible for you to remember these ideas. Personally, I always have my phone or a notepad nearby in those environments where I know my ideas flow the most. (I really need to buy one of those waterproof notepads, which you can stick on your bathroom tiles lols 😂)
2) When that amazing idea comes to you, note it down but don't act on it straight away
This is where the procrastination element comes in. You have your basic idea noted down. Now what I want you to do is literally do anything unrelated to this idea. Netflix, research another law firm, organise your sock drawer. The world is your oyster.
What you may find is one of these other activities you're doing, actually further inspires that amazing idea you had to make it EVEN MORE AMAZING.
I implement this technique in my life quite often. I have all my YouTube ideas written down, and then whenever further improvements to an idea comes to mind, I add it to those written notes. The final product is one that's better than the original idea itself.
Let's relate this back to applying to law firms and training contracts. You may be applying to a firm and come across a really difficult question. Don't feel like you have to tackle this question straight away (unless you're applying to a tight deadline lol). Try doing other things and come back to the question later. This is why I don't recommend applying to firms last minute - you could think of better answers, that show you off better as a candidate, if you had given yourself the time to exhaust all possible responses.
3) Find that sweet spot between procrastination and getting the job done
Of course, I caveat everything I've said here by emphasising that sitting on an idea for tooooo long means you may not get it done, you may have passed the deadline or the initial excitement you had about an idea wanes.
How can we find this balance therefore? Well one thing you can do is set a realistic, long-stop deadline. I tell myself I have until a certain date, be it a week away or month away, to think of any possible improvements to an original idea. Once that deadline passes, I have to go with what I've got at that moment. At least I can tell myself, I gave myself the time to really hone this idea to the best of my ability.
The more you try out this technique, the more you can find your personal balance, as everyone's situations and mindset is unique.
Closing Remarks
I hope this newsletter tells you one important message. Being 'productive' every single minute, of every single day is actually counter-productive. It's not all about action and hustle 24/7. You may actually produce better results if you take a back seat, and allow your amazing ideas and thoughts to appear when they feel like appearing, without forcing it 🤍
