Procrastination can be a protective mechanism against failure and reframing this perspective can help overcome the fear of failure.
Creating a conducive environment and being part of a supportive community are powerful tools in combating procrastination, allowing for inspiration, motivation, and fresh ideas.
Deep dives
Procrastination as a Dream Killer
Procrastination is often seen as a dream killer that hinders progress and prevents people from achieving their goals. Many individuals associate procrastination with feeling overwhelmed or lacking the ability to complete a task. However, a different perspective on procrastination suggests that it is actually a way for individuals to protect themselves against failure. By procrastinating, individuals can avoid the potential negative outcome of failing, which often stems from a desire to be seen as competent and capable. Understanding this perspective can help individuals reframe their relationship with procrastination and overcome the fear of failure.
The Cycle of Procrastination and Anxiety
Procrastination often leads to increased anxiety and a cycle of self-violence. When individuals procrastinate, their anxiety levels rise, leading to a heightened need for stimulation and a tendency to wait until the last minute to take action. For individuals with squiggly brains or ADHD, anxiety serves as a stimulus, helping them focus and take action. However, this cycle of procrastination and anxiety can be detrimental, causing individuals to worry more and feel unable to complete tasks. Overcoming this cycle requires finding alternative ways to stimulate the brain and regulate anxiety levels.
The Importance of Environment and Community
Creating a conducive environment and being part of a supportive community are powerful tools in combating procrastination. Changing physical surroundings, engaging in movement, or seeking inspiration from others can shift the cognitive processes and help overcome creative blocks. Community support and accountability play a significant role in motivating individuals to stay focused and productive. Being in the presence of like-minded individuals and having access to different perspectives and conversations can ignite inspiration, motivation, and fresh ideas. Participating in events or workshops that provide tools and strategies for overcoming procrastination can also be highly beneficial.
Maybe you’re like us and you like to work alone, but also want to be surrounded by friends. Ideally, you’re in a flow-state getting lots of magical downloads and intuitive hits wherever you work. But this isn’t always the case. Sometimes you can’t get there from here.
That’s why we’re all about thinking of ways to use the Extended Mind Theory to increase our containers for creative work.
In this episode, Michelle, Janelle, and Wallis muse on:
What’s at the root of our procrastination habits and how has COVID contributed to this?
What are the alt POVs on procrastination we can draw from?
The Extended Mind Theory, co-working, and how to design your ideal working environment to design impactful work
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwelfthhouse.substack.com/subscribe
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