Productive procrastination

We are going to procrastinate. That's the way our brains like to work. No sense grumping about it, that'll just make it worse. We might as well get better at it This is a skill that takes practice, so try to learn when the stakes are low.

1. Have a good idea of what needs to be done
   • Why? (Useful for motivation)
   • What? (Including details, subtasks, prerequisites)
   • By when?
   • For how long? Estimating & tracking time helps with accuracy
2. Choose procrastination wisely. A few good options:
   • Something else that you needed to do anyway & that won't get in the way
   • Something that resets your brain and helps you grow
     • ex: exercise, music
   • Something that builds up dopamine or manages energy
     • sure, have a short video
     • calming, energizing -> the zone
3. Use timers
   • so that your break doesn't stretch on
   • and to make work feel more manageable
     • I can do that for 5 minutes
4. Celebrate! Pat yourself on the back even for small wins.