I first heard the term productive procrastination when I was listening to author Austin Kleon being interviewed on The Writer Files. Austin Kleon is the author of the bestselling books, Steal Like An Artist and Show Your Work.
Productive procrastination happens when you have a few different projects on the go at one time. When you get sick of working on project A, you can procrastinate by working on project B. It gives your brain a much needed break, you feel like you’re playing hooky and you still get to be productive. Neat, hey?
It was such a relief to hear that there’s a term for what I have always done. I find it impossible to concentrate on just one creative project at a time and usually have three or four on the go at once. Any time I try to focus on doing just one project, I get really burn out out and stressed. When I have a few happening at once, I move from project to project happily. And things actually get done.
Now I know that productive procrastination is actually a good thing I can stop worrying about my lack of focus and can revel in my productivity instead. It also means I can try to cram in even more creative projects. No really I can. I’m being productive I tell you!