The Man Cave on…Creativity and Procrastination

Productivity – the ability to get things done, and the subsequent feeling of accomplishment and advancement – is directly linked to happiness.

One mantra I have always had, and share with new writers who feel a bit overwhelmed – is simply “Words to paper.”

While other prolific authors may deliberate and ruminate before beginning a book or a fresh chapter, the way I have tackled procrastination and accelerated productivity in my writing, is with this simple mindset.

Get Going

Just get going. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be polished. I don’t obsess. In fact, I might look back and realize what I wrote in my first fresh attempt is downright crap – but if the task at hand is something you’re able to improve upon later, then just getting started can be the most productive approach.

And if you are stuck, don’t let yourself get stuck too long. Move onto the next part or the next task that flows more freely, and then later you can revisit the area of block. This means the metaphorical sculpture before you begins to take shape – the longer you think about it and stare at it, the longer it remains a shapeless block. So to break the mental block just begin, which is often the hardest step.

I have observed a strong link between perfectionism and procrastination. Unreasonable standards can make our goals unattainable – don’t let the fear of flaw or failure, be the thing that holds you back and keeps you on the side-lines.

Why is it so important to get going? Because productivity – the ability to get things done, and the subsequent feeling of accomplishment and advancement – is directly linked to happiness. Research suggests that there is a positive correlation between productivity and happiness – and what’s more, they work together to influence each other. A positive mood can trigger an increase in productivity, and vice versa – those who feel productive and accomplished are more likely to feel happy and satisfied.

Change your Mind!

Perspective and a positive mindset triggers creative thinking, overcomes feelings of fatigue and burn-out, and makes it easier to solve problems. So if you’re stuck, maybe it isn’t the actual task that needs addressing and rethinking – maybe it’s your mindset.

And this has a contagious effect. You are productive in writing one book, painting one portrait, delivering one work project, producing one new recipe – you are then so much more likely to find a rhythm and continue. And rhythm helps you to master your craft.

When it comes to procrastination, there are many tactics that I find helpful:  a big cup of coffee, a swim in cold water, a nap in the afternoon, a break for dinner and the news before I get back to it. Or, sometimes it’s as simple as looking at a photo of my kids or my grandkids, and remembering what I do it all for.  Taking a moment to see the big picture helps.

Top Tips

My top tips for tackling procrastination:

1. Words to paper. Or in other words, just get going. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t have to be anywhere near the finished product. Just get started.
2. Step away, take a break, and come back. If you’re stuck, in slump or procrastination – switch gears, do something new, get out of the house or office, then come back to the task at hand.
3. Draw inspiration from others. Don’t feel you need to shoulder that feeling of being stuck alone. Share with a family member or friend – another perspective can be just enough to crack what’s holding you up, or to reach that ah-ha moment.
4. You don’t have to do it all. This has become another mantra with perspective and age. With my daughter Kristin, working a demanding corporate role, living abroad as an expat, with a marriage and two kids under three to think of, I reassure her with the reminder “you can’t do it all”, and suddenly she feels less overwhelmed and more in control of the things that do matter.

YOUR TURN

How do you handle procrastination with creative projects – or any project?  Share your tips in the comments!

Michael Tougias is a NY Times Bestselling Author of many books including No Will Set You Free and In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival and Courage.