All of us put off doing work, every now and then, that we know has to get done. We may be well aware that something important has to be completed, but we avoid doing it by making all types of excuses or doing other, less important, things.
Some among us make a continual habit of such avoidance. They call this latter-type group "procrastinators." And, yes, many of us lawyers are (although we hesitate to admit it) just that - - procrastinators.
An article written on the subject of procrastination by Cari Tuna in the Wall Street Journal on September 30, 2008, mentioned Maryland lawyer Dana Moylan Wright who admitted that she was trapped in a vicious cycle. The more her work piled up, the less she wanted to do it. Tuna stated, "At that point, I had many deadlines and was having troublee making myself do anything. My anxiety level would absolutely soar."
Sound familiar?
Tuna then came across a study by Stanford University philosophy professor John Perry on what Perry calls "structured procrastination."
Structured procrastination involves doing small, low-priority tasks to build a sense of accomplishment and the energy to tackle more important tasks. In other words, one can identify an important task but, instead of proceeding to accomplish that important task, they defer work on that particular task while tackling other - less important - tasks.
Professor Perry says that, too often, people focus on their biggest and most important duties, then waste time on unproductive tasks - like surfing the Web or watching television.
Professor Perry suggest that procrastinators fill their time with less formidable - and more useful - assignments, such as following up with clients, completing reports or memo's, or reading some of the professional literature (that frequently piles up). He says that the smart procrastinator can earn a reputation for productivity while giving in to the urge to delay.
Some suggestions for procrastinators include goal setting, or breaking down tasks into a series of smaller ones, or energy regulation - - that latter one being, planning to tackle difficult tasks at the time of the day when one's energy level is highest - - often around 10:00 a.m.
Getting back to lawyer Wright - - she statesthat structured procrastination has helped her to focus and tackle tasks more deliberately and efficiently. And, that "while I'm doing all of those minuscule activities, I'm still thinking about the big thing I have to do, so that I am consolidating my thoughts for that bigger task."
She claims that doing small accomplishments, like paying bills, provide moments of satisfaction throughout her day, because then she does not feel like a failure because she is getting things done. "It makes life manageable."
...and, Professor Perry advises procrastinators not to waste time feeling bad about their work habits, because feeling guilty will sap one's motivation, which just reinforces the desire to delay.
Recent Comments