Continual Delay of Action Possibly Inherent in Human Nature
===============================================================================
The relationship between procrastination and productivity for writers can be complex, as it often involves psychological factors such as stress and motivation. Procrastination is not simply laziness but can stem from avoidance caused by fear of failure, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed, which ironically leads to higher stress and lower productivity[1][3].
For many writers, this can present as staring at a blank page with anxiety or getting distracted despite clear goals. However, it's essential to understand that not all procrastination is detrimental. The concept of eustress, or beneficial stress, can play a significant role in enhancing performance. Eustress is a positive form of stress that can motivate and boost productivity rather than hinder it[1].
Effective productivity strategies often involve managing stress levels to harness eustress rather than succumb to procrastination born from distress. For instance, setting very small, manageable writing goals, like the 3-minute daily writing habit, helps reduce avoidance and allows writers to engage with their work without overwhelming fear or perfectionism, turning procrastination into productive momentum[1]. Additionally, routines that incorporate rest and consistent small actions help sustain productivity by preventing burnout and balancing stress levels positively[2].
Meg, a freelance writer and eight-time NaNoWriMo winner, is a prime example of someone who has mastered this delicate balance. With work published in Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College, Meg has been attempting to write a novel or short story during the month of July every year since 2009. Despite her struggles with procrastination, which is a side effect of her anxiety, Meg always meets her deadlines, even if the work is completed at the last minute.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, a platform dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She believes that procrastination needs to be managed, not eliminated. Meg suggests that if one has to wait until the last minute, it should be made to count. Some tasks, like writing a novel or publishing a blog post, can wait until the last minute, according to Meg. However, she emphasizes that this approach should not be the norm for all tasks, as other responsibilities, like returning edited articles and submitting invoices, cannot wait until the last minute.
Meg's career may have been made possible by the energy bursts she experiences due to procrastination. While procrastination can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and frustration, it can also force the author to write a lot of well-thought-out words in short periods of time. Meg used to believe that eliminating her procrastination habit would solve her problems, but she now thinks this is not the answer. Instead, she has found success in learning to manage her stress and procrastination effectively.
In summary, balancing stress and procrastination is crucial for writers to maintain productive writing flow. While procrastination can impair productivity mainly due to distress and avoidance, controlled eustress can stimulate writers’ motivation and productivity. Managing the balance between these stress types through habits and strategies is key for writers to overcome procrastination and achieve their goals.
[1] Steel, P. (2007). The psychology of procrastination: A scientific analysis. American Psychologist, 62(4), 353-363.
[2] Pychyl, T. A. (2014). Procrastination: Why you do it, what to do about it now. New York: Wiley.
[3] Sirois, F. M. (2015). The role of anxiety in procrastination: A meta-analytic review. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 9(2), 139-148.
In Meg's home-and-garden, filled with books and creative ideas, managing her lifestyle of procrastination and productivity as a freelance writer has been a constant work in progress. Despite the challenges, she chose to transform her last-minute procrastination into a beneficial stress, embracing the eustress that fuels her productivity.
