Do NOT “schedule” procrastination when you have ADHD
Jan 13, 2024
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This podcast discusses the difference between procrastination and strategic delay, emphasizing the negative impacts of procrastination on job performance and stress levels. Strategies for minimizing procrastination and breaking down tasks are explored, along with the power of strategic delay in managing tasks and avoiding unnecessary stress.
Procrastination can negatively impact job performance and productivity, especially for individuals with ADHD.
Strategic delay, consciously choosing to delay non-urgent tasks, can improve focus, efficiency, and overall productivity in managing time and priorities effectively.
Deep dives
Understanding Procrastination vs. Strategic Delay
In this podcast episode, the host talks about the difference between procrastination and strategic delay. He emphasizes the negative impact of procrastination, especially for people with ADHD. Procrastination can lead to job performance issues, increased stress, and challenges in productivity. On the other hand, strategic delay can be a smart move when managing time and priorities effectively. It involves consciously choosing to delay tasks that are not urgent, allowing for more focused and efficient work. By understanding the distinction between procrastination and strategic delay, individuals with ADHD can minimize procrastination and improve their overall productivity.
Identifying and Overcoming Procrastination
The host provides practical steps to minimize procrastination. First, he suggests identifying negative thoughts and challenging them, replacing them with more balanced or positive perspectives. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts can also help overcome feelings of overwhelm. Additionally, he encourages identifying and addressing any specific obstacles that prevent starting or completing tasks. Clarity is another essential aspect, emphasizing the importance of knowing exactly what needs to be done. Lastly, coping with anxiety or fear associated with tasks is crucial, challenging past experiences and finding strategies to manage these emotions.
Utilizing Strategic Delay and Effective Time Management
The host discusses how strategic delay can be beneficial when managing time and priorities. By minimizing time-wasting activities, individuals can create more time for important tasks. The importance of questioning whether everything needs to be done immediately, managing self-imposed stress, and working on the right tasks at the right time is highlighted. The host suggests creating realistic and time-bound plans for completing tasks and utilizing strategic delay to reduce stress. However, he cautions against last-minute work, emphasizing the need for proactive scheduling and planning to ensure strategic delay is effective.
There are huge misconceptions and misunderstandings about procrastination. And Dave tackles this because of a recent social media post he saw telling people that they should schedule procrastination to manage their time. That's bad advice to say the least and to a greater extent reckless, especially for adults with ADHD.
There is an enormous difference between procrastination and strategic delay and Dave goes through both and offers a few tips on how to understand your own procrastination a little better.
He also talks about how strategically delaying certain tasks or projects can actually work in your favor and help lower your stress.
**Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave’s calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min
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