Comments on: Revisiting procrascipline

By: Wally Bock

Wally Bock — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:13:54 +0000

I’ve heard that Napoleon used to leave his mail unopened for two weeks on the theory that most of what was there would have been handled by then without need for his intervention. And the truly urgent? Those would have been brought to his attention by other means.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 21:21:11 +0000

I too have found that sometimes problems will solve themselves. Ever read an email chain after a vacation that started with an emergency, only to work itself out before you got back? What a waste of time it would have been to have gotten involved in the first place!
This may be the sort of thing you are referring to. It sounds to me like a candidate for the “Waiting For” gtd context. In other words, if stalling an action may lead to its solution, further progress, or to some new piece of information, then tag the task as “waiting for” and file a reminder in a tickler file. Then, follow up. If things don’t change, simply go to the next action, which may be to “fess up” or whatever.
The “watiting for” context is perfect for procrastinating in general, because the system insures you will see it again at a specified date. Until then, you confidently can let it go from your mind.

By: danieltoh

danieltoh — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 11:04:34 +0000

Sometimes we have to consciously procrastinate to make more time. I believe that if you procrastinate doing something in favor of another higher priority task, that's procrascipline.

However, when one procrastinates due to lack of commitment, lack of courage, fear and lazyness, then it is the real form of procrastination.

That said, I still feel that the word procrastination brings about a negative connotation, hence I'm using it a lot less now. Interesting post, Brendon.

Regards, Daniel