Procrastination, but make it professional

Yes, an irksome and obnoxious choice of title for people with strong Type A personalities, yet I am going to undertake the painstaking job of narrating to everyone this ordeal as an attempt to escape the mountain of pending work that I have accumulated.

A plethora of articles can be found online regarding the benefits and disadvantages of procrastination. So many, that I had to change the initial title of this article from 'The Pros of Procrastination' to what it is right now, since Google has the most devoted search results for the previous title. But how do professionalism and procrastination come into play as co-existing, mutually beneficial units in a person's life?

The first point which could probably be acknowledged by anyone who has dealt with procrastination is the fact that you are 'saving the best for the last', mixed with a bit of 'good things come to those who wait'. It isn't an entirely wrong mindset, after all, the time crunch definitely forces individuals to not only focus more, but to work faster and put other things on hold for a while. 

However, the multiple implications of this tend to point towards a few mental disorders, and can generally be characterized as 'a self defeating behaviour pattern that yields short term benefits and long term costs'. 

But why do people procrastinate then?

I seriously thought I would make my own graph, but then I realized I'm too lazy to do it.

It is often believed that procrastination is an inherent habit, which is what makes it notoriously tough to come out of. So, as a self proclaimed and publicly acknowledged procrastinator, I decided to try out other ways to cope, until I finally manage to break the habit.

Welcome to 'Professional Procrastination 101- How to be lazy, but somehow still get your work done'

Step 1. Figure out the things that you absolutely despise. I know you're thinking, keep thinking a bit more. Got it? Great. Now take a deep breath, and move to step 2.

Step 2. Figure out the things you like. This should be easy. Oh yes, got your hobbies? Fantastic. Move to step 3 with a smile.

Step 3. Came across something you don't know about but want to explore in detail? No, don't shy away. Jot those down. Lovely. Let's move to step 4.

Step 4. Go to step 5.

Step 5. Go back to step 1. Come to step 6 later.

Step 6. I see, you've made it so far. Interesting. Now, start doing the things you don't know about, but want to explore first. Once you get bored, start doing the things you like. If you get bored doing those, as a final resort, start doing the things you despise, I repeat, only as a final resort.

You see? By following this pattern, not only do you become a 'Jack of all trades', but you also get to touch upon the things that are of your liking, while spending minimal time doing the things you despise, but still get done under the time and pressure constraint, with anxiety varying exponentially. Of course, this is only an amateur attempt at making myself feel better that I am being productive, but I hope it has struck a chord with some people who can relate. (Please).

I would like to finish this 'very thrilling and informative' write up by stating that I am simply 'a lazy perfectionist', which people often confuse with a 'procrastinator'.

But more on that later :)