In this special episode, we dive into a presentation by Stacie, originally delivered in “The Tillage Village Membership” with host Shirlee Fisher. Stacie explores a fascinating topic that many of us grapple with procrastination. But this isn’t just about pushing off tasks; it’s about understanding how procrastination can be harnessed to boost productivity, foster creativity, and even improve our mental well-being.
Stacie starts by acknowledging something many of us have experienced: procrastination can feel like an unavoidable part of life. It’s often viewed negatively, but it doesn’t always have to be. According to Stacie, procrastination falls into two categories: negative procrastination, where delays lead to stress and poor outcomes, and positive procrastination, where intentional delays can actually help us achieve better results.
She shares a personal story about her own struggles to launch a podcast. For months, she felt paralyzed by the pressure to meet deadlines, which made it difficult to produce the content she envisioned. However, when she decided to delay the launch, the pressure lifted, and she found herself more motivated and inspired to record. This, she realized, was the power of positive procrastination in action.
Stacie breaks down the difference between the two types of procrastination:
Stacie emphasizes that creatives can particularly benefit from positive procrastination. She notes that forcing oneself to start on a task too early can result in wasted time and frustration. Giving herself space to think allowed her to generate fresh, innovative ideas for projects, like planning a new course or program.
Research even supports this approach; studies show that moderate procrastination often leads to more creative outcomes. Stacie shares how she uses “brain dumps” each night to offload her thoughts and organize tasks for the following day. This method helps her identify the most important tasks without feeling overwhelmed by the entire list.
Drawing on insights from various experts, including Arthur C. Brooks and Dr. Perry, Stacie explains how positive procrastination can be a tool for growth:
Although not all procrastination is helpful, Stacie shares strategies for breaking the cycle of negative procrastination:
Stacie also delves into the psychological aspect of procrastination, referencing Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. The book discusses how a person’s self-image affects their ability to achieve goals. When procrastination is rooted in fear or self-doubt, it often stems from negative experiences or internalized limitations. Stacie encourages embracing positive affirmations and reinforcing a self-image that aligns with the person you aspire to be.
She shares a simple yet powerful practice: looking in the mirror each day and saying, “I love you, Stacie. You’re doing a really good job, and I’m proud of you.” This daily ritual reinforces a positive self-image and helps transform procrastination from a negative force into a productive tool.
Procrastination doesn’t have to be the enemy of productivity. By understanding the difference between negative and positive procrastination and learning how to harness intentional delays, we can turn what seems like a flaw into an asset. As Stacie puts it, “Procrastination is not about delaying tasks indefinitely; it’s about delaying them to skyrocket productivity.”
For creatives, allowing time for ideas to marinate and resisting the urge to jump into tasks immediately can be the key to achieving meaningful and impactful work.
Learn more about The Tillage Village
The Tillage Village is a community membership hosted by Shirlee Fisher for artists and creative entrepreneurs who desire support, mentorship, and professional development on their journey.
Shirlee Fisher is an illustrator and owner of the stationery brand, Quiet Lines Design, where she sells her products in over 250 shops in the US and Canada, including Paper Source and Anthropologie. She also hosts the beloved show, “The Tillage Podcast, ” which has become a place providing mindset shifts, self-development, and encouragement to the creative entrepreneur.
