Skip to content

Kicking the Clutter: What kind of procrastinator are you?

Part three: The productive procrastinator
Kicking the Clutter Powell River
Getty image

Procrastinator: a person who postpones or avoids work, organizing, cleaning, or other activities that will help them accomplish their life goals.

The productive procrastinator sounds a little bit strange; is it even possible?

Productive procrastination is sneaky. It affects people from all walks of life, but businesspeople are definitely more prone to it than others. We are so busy doing mundane chores that we don't get around to those that will bring us more clients and better income. Say you have to make a few cold calls and have severe anxiety of cold calling; you will do everything else on your to-do list, but not the calls. 

All of a sudden, your furniture needs dusting, Facebook is calling your name and your friend, the drama queen, is in crisis again. You’re busy putting out the fires at the expense of your business and life, but at the end of the day, you feel a false sense of accomplishment about all the things you did, but are no closer to making your business more successful.

A solution for the productive procrastinator

The first step is to identify what you really want to be doing. Learn everything about the project, line up your resources and establish a time frame and reward system for doing a good job. Ask yourself: “Do I really want to do this project or am I feeling pressured by something or someone?” When you are pressured to do a project, you find it hard or boring and naturally resist until it becomes unbearable.

If you find yourself stuck, it is important to see a way out. This can take many forms.

You can delegate or use the skills you have to barter with other entrepreneurs. This quote by Og Mandino says it all: “Action will destroy your procrastination.”

Create a simple plan of action where you ask for help, call your best clients, those who really like you and need your service. Ask them for recommendations from their family and friends.

Finally, create a beautiful, functional environment in your home or office, a place you love and that is welcoming to your family, friends and clients. If your office looks like public storage space, I can guarantee you'll avoid working there.

We all have different reasons for avoiding things, and 95 per cent of people procrastinate. Wouldn’t you like to be among the other five per cent?

Part two: The last-minute racer

Part four: The particular perfectionist

Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.