procrastination in creative work
TRANSCRIPT
Procrastination in creative
work.
I am Will.
I draw.
The blank canvas
effect.
http://www.dsokids.com/listen/music-theory/blank-sheet-music-staff-paper.aspx
Why is procrastination a
problem?
Urgent Not urgent
Important
• Unscheduled work• Last-minute changes• Dealing with late input• Forcing decisions &
closure
• Thoughtful, creative work
• High-quality outputs• Productive collaborations• Training & development• Recreation & family time
Not important
• Low-value, but required• Non-project
emergencies• Miscellaneous
interruptions• Administrivia
• Over-analysis• Pointless web-surfing• Gossip, idle speculation• Self-indulgent
perfectionism
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericjackson/2012/07/24/the-only-thing-you-need-to-remember-about-the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-people/
What causes procrastination?
Lack of skillStress Feeling
overwhelmedLaziness, and giving in
to immediate desires
Lack of discipline
Poor time management
Perfectionism
Lack of motivation
But what’s the underlying cause?
Thinking Mind vs.
Observing Mind.
You don’t have complete control over
your Thinking Mind.
http://markmanson.net/your-two-minds
• I’m nervous about the impact to the Platform.
• I’m worried that users will not understand.
• I think it’s too big.
• I’m too restricted by legacy or technical debt.
• I’m worried I am not doing well enough.
• I’m worried someone will think I’m not good enough.
What can you do?
Determine your professional motivator
1
Recognise that emotions are not a
choice.
Behaviour is.
2
• I feel nervousness about the impact to the Platform.
• I feel some worry that users will not understand.
• I have the thought that it’s too big.
• I have the thought that I’m not doing well enough.
Stop attaching yourself to emotions. Reframe your thoughts.
Don’t confuse motion with action.
3
Motion feels like progress.
http://jamesclear.com/taking-action
It avoids the risk of failure.
Most people execute linearly, step-by-step.They measure progress by steps they did.Entrepreneurs focus on the goal.They measure progress by accomplishing their goals.
http://steveblank.com/2009/11/09/relentless-%E2%80%93-the-difference-between-motion-and-action/
What about practical tips?
Flickr: jlaryea
• Make a mark.• Mess up the canvas.• Write a “shitty first draft”.• Spike it.• Time-box it.
Allow yourself to be human. Take an imperfect first step.
Be persistent!
Let’s tie it all together.
Creative work is not easy.It takes motivation.
It takes the ability to control your behaviour.
Bias yourself toward action.
Be entrepreneurial.
Stay focused on the goal.
Thank you.
• James Clear: The Big Mistake Smart People Make: Being in Motion vs. Taking Action
• Steve Blank: Relentless - the Difference Between Motion and Action• Steve Pavlina: Overcoming Procrastination• Flickr user: jlaryea• Steven R. Covey: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People• Time management quadrant:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericjackson/2012/07/24/the-only-thing-you-need-to-remember-about-the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-people/
• Mark Manson: Your Two Minds• Antique Warrior:
http://www.universalleonardo.org/worklarge.php?id=446&image=0&trail=0&trailCount=&name=
• Cleopatra: https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=michelangelo+cleopatra• Brené Brown: Rising Strong