Procrastination: The surprising power of doing it badly

Procrastination: The surprising power of doing it badly

Procrastination is often depicted as a villain, but what if we told you it's not always as bad as you think and that there's a very easy way to release yourself from its pressures?

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Are you caught in the grip of procrastination, pushing off tasks with the promise of "I’ll do it later"?

You're not alone. While procrastination is often depicted as a villain in the story of productivity, it's not always as detrimental as we believe.

It may actually be a signal from our minds urging us to pause and reassess.

We've all been there—staring at an ever-growing to-do list and feeling the weight of procrastination hang over our heads.

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But what if the secret to overcoming this habit was as simple as seven little words: "I am willing to do this badly"?

This phrase, while seemingly paradoxical, holds immense power. It gives you the permission to start without the paralysing fear of perfection.

The idea is to disarm procrastination by adopting an attitude that values progress over perfection. It's about taking that first step, even if it's not precise or polished.

By accepting that not everything needs to be flawless, you free yourself from the shackles of procrastination.

The pressure of time often compels us to act hastily, stealing the beauty of the present moment.

In our rush to meet deadlines, we forget to savour the journey itself—the small victories, the lessons learned, and the simple joys of living in the now.

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Instead of succumbing to this pressure, allow yourself the grace to act imperfectly.

This approach turns procrastination from a procrastinator's nightmare into a productive ally, encouraging incremental progress rather than perfection paralysis.

So, next time you find yourself caught in the procrastination trap, remind yourself: "I am willing to do this badly." Start the task, however imperfectly, and watch as it transforms your productivity and allows you to savour the beauty of now.

Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 - 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

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Image Courtesy of iStock

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