Is Procrastination The Secret To Productivity?

PUBLISHED

July 5th, 2022

IN

clarigenz.com

SHARE

You SHOULD Be Procrastinating...

Procrastination is the act of waiting until β€œthe last minute” to get a task finished. Whether itΚΌs waiting until the night before to cram study for an exam, spending an entire day working on a project you knew about for weeks, or even waiting until the very last moment before getting ready to go on a date or see a friend.

Those who procrastinate regularly are often left stressed, scrambling, and scattered, attempting to get their work done before the timer hits 0.

But despite the anxiety that comes with severe procrastination, most people are able to finish everything they need to in a much shorter time frame. Why is that?

ParkinsonΚΌs law of work

ParkinsonΚΌs Law states that β€œwork expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if youΚΌre given 1 week to read a book, youΚΌll take 1 week to read it. If youΚΌre given 1 month to read the same book, youΚΌll procrastinate. YouΚΌll read a few pages at a time. YouΚΌll set it aside more often. 

But if youΚΌre given only 3 hours to read the entire book, youΚΌll finish it in 3 hours. All of your time and energy will go towards finishing your reading task.

This is perhaps the most powerful productivity hack to implement into your daily life. 

How to take advantage of ParkinsonΚΌs Law

So now that you understand how ParkinsonΚΌs Law works, how can you use it to become more productive? The secret is to set specific, time limited deadlines for your important tasks. By setting these deadlines and sticking to them, you automatically apply ParkinsonΚΌs Law to your workflow.

ItΚΌs why CEOs set ridiculous deadlines. If you think you need 2 weeks to finish a task but are only given a day to do so, you will be surprised how productive you can be in that reduced time frame. 

So, next time you have a specific list of work to complete, give yourself a limited amount of time to do so. Allow yourself only an hour for each task, and discover how productive you can truly be.

Taking advantage of ParkinsonΚΌs Law through procrastination

As backwards as it sounds, you can plan to procrastinate. If you know that a short deadline is the only way you will be truly productive, plan out your work based on your availability. That project you have a month to complete? Commit to starting it the week before itΚΌs due. That book you need to read for class? Give yourself 3 days to finish it. The added time pressure will likely lead you to being more effective with your time, and will help you manage your tasks based on priority, available time, and your level of commitment.

The fine print

One very, VERY important element to note, is that despite ParkinsonΚΌs Law showing that less time can lead to more productivity, itΚΌs vital to be reasonable with your personal deadlines. If it normally takes you an hour to read 100 pages, donΚΌt expect to finish a 300 page book, retain the information, and take adequate notes in 2 hours. Give yourself enough time to feel the pressure, but not so little that you end up destroying your quality of work and ability to be a successful and efficient individual.

Want more neuro-secrets like this?

Sign up for Dr. Mike TheilenΚΌs weekly newsletter! HeΚΌll share scientifically researched tips to improve productivity, amplify your focus, and unlock your full potential.

CLICK TO GET SIGNED UP!

Further Reading...

Are Nootropics As Safe As They Claim To Be?

Most nootropics claim to give you an incredible boost in brain power...but are they actually safe to use? 

Read More

Is Exercise The Key To Better Focus?

It’s no secret that regular exercise provides great benefits to your overall health. Reduced cholesterol, improved body mass, and decreased risk for heart disease are just a few of the proven benefits of getting your sweat on.

Read More

Never Leave A Task Unfinished Again

Your brain is hard-wired to desire closure. This is why cliff-hangers in books and movies are so effective. Your brain wants to know what happens next, even if the plot isnΚΌt enthralling to you.

Read More

The Secret To Year-Round Productivity

If youΚΌve ever noticed yourself slacking off in winter, or getting lazy in the summer, youΚΌre not alone! We naturally respond to changes in seasons, and these changes can shift our mindset and our desire to be active.

Read More

Multitasking: Is It A Myth?

WeΚΌre constantly trying to push our brains to accomplish as much as possible in the least amount of time. But can we actually multitask? Or is the idea of multitasking a myth? The answer is not as simple as you might think.

Read More

A Simple β€œ2 List” Strategy For Focus

Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and the worldΚΌs eighth wealthiest person has a simple method to prioritization. He credits this method with his ability to refuse anything that doesnΚΌt align with his personal goals, and his sharp, highly focused approach to business.

Read More

How To Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

You know that rush of excitement and energy you get when youΚΌre about to do something youΚΌre really excited about? Here's the secret to holding on to it. 

Read More

Is Technology Destroying Your Productivity?

The biggest roadblock to productivity is NOT your brain. It's on your wrist, in your pocket, or sitting on your desk...

Read More

Does Your Brain Need Protein?

You know that protein is vital for muscle growth, but does your brain need protein to function too? The answer may not be what you expected. 

Read More

Is Procrastination The Secret To Productivity?

PUBISHED

July 5th, 2022

IN

clarigenz.com

SHARE

Is procrastination harmful?

Procrastination is the act of waiting until β€œthe last minute” to get a task finished. Whether itΚΌs waiting until the night before to cram study for an exam, spending an entire day working on a project you knew about for weeks, or even waiting until the very last moment before getting ready to go on a date or see a friend.

Those who procrastinate regularly are often left stressed, scrambling, and scattered, attempting to get their work done before the timer hits 0. 

But despite the anxiety that comes with severe procrastination, most people are able to finish everything they need to in a much shorter time frame. Why is that?

ParkinsonΚΌs law of work

ParkinsonΚΌs Law states that β€œwork expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if youΚΌre given 1 week to read a book, youΚΌll take 1 week to read it.

If youΚΌre given 1 month to read the same book, youΚΌll procrastinate. YouΚΌll read a few pages at a time. YouΚΌll set it aside more often. But if youΚΌre given only 3 hours to read the entire book, youΚΌll finish it in 3 hours. All of your time and energy will go towards finishing your reading task.

This is perhaps the most powerful productivity hack to implement into your daily life.

How to take advantage of parkinsonΚΌs law

So now that you understand how ParkinsonΚΌs law works, how can you use it to become more productive? The secret is to set specific, time limited deadlines for your important tasks. By setting these deadlines and sticking to them, you automatically apply ParkinsonΚΌs law to your workflow. ItΚΌs why CEOs set ridiculous deadlines. If you think you need 2 weeks to finish a task but are only given a day to do so, you will be surprised how productive you can be in that reduced time frame. So, next time you have a specific list of work to complete, give yourself a limited amount of time to do so. Allow yourself only an hour for each task, and discover how productive you can truly be.

Taking advantage of parkinsonΚΌs law through procrastination

As backwards as it sounds, you can plan to procrastinate. If you know that a short deadline is the only way you will be truly productive, plan out your work based on your availability. That project you have a month to complete? Commit to starting it the week before itΚΌs due. That book you need to read for class? Give yourself 3 days to finish it. The added time pressure will likely lead you to being more effective with your time, and will help you manage your tasks based on priority, available time, and your level of commitment.

The fine print

One very, VERY important element to note, is that despite ParkinsonΚΌs Law showing that less time can lead to more productivity, itΚΌs vital to be reasonable with your personal deadlines. If it normally takes you an hour to read 100 pages, donΚΌt expect to finish a 300 page book, retain the information, and take adequate notes in 2 hours. Give yourself enough time to feel the pressure, but not so little that you end up destroying your quality of work and ability to be a successful and efficient individual.

Want more neuro-secrets like this?

Sign up for Dr. Mike TheilenΚΌs weekly newsletter! HeΚΌll share scientifically researched tips to improve productivity, amplify your focus, and unlock your full potential.

CLICK TO GET SIGNED UP!

Further Reading...

Motivation Doesn't Have To Be Fleeting

Read More

Multitasking: Is It A Myth?

Read More

A Simple β€œ2 List” Strategy For Focus

Read More

The Secret To Year-Round Productivity

Read More

Never Leave A Task Unfinished Again

Read More

Are Nootropics As Safe As They Claim?

Read More

Is Exercise The Key To Better Focus?

Read More

Does Your Brain Need Protein?

Read More

Is Technology Destroying Your Productivity?

Read More

Follow Us:

Products           About Us           Contact Us           Privacy Policy

Products

About Us

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Β© 2022 ClarigenZ

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.