I can not tell you the amount of times I have had an idea for a design that I just sat on. Then, of course, I woke up one day and saw that some smart vendor or person had the same idea and actually acted on it.
Most procrastination happens because we are constantly doubting ourselves, and mostly because as ambitious as we are, we are also capable of being just plain lazy.
To be creative we need to be constantly active, always taking one small daily action. I’d like to share with you my prescription for procrastination:
- If you have a good idea, write it down. This simple act is a good way to begin.
- If you need a good idea, find some inspiration. You can do this by looking through books (design books if you’re a designer), checking out websites or work of others in your field, or even by looking through your own past work. You never know where a new idea will come from, and where it can take you. (But don’t let this act become even more fodder for your procrastination. Set a time limit for yourself.)
- Use your team. Even if it’s just one other person you work with, bounce ideas off this person or just start the discussion. Sometimes, two heads really are better than one.
- However, and this is important, do not let other people distract you. Sometimes it’s too easy to slip into distracting conversations or get sidetracked by the hubbub around you. This also depends on your work style and personality, but if you’re easily distracted by others, sequester yourself in a quiet corner or your office and promise that you’ll concentrate for at least 30 minutes. The hard part is getting started–once you do that, you usually find your groove.
- Turn off your email, cell phone, whatever. This is in conjunction with the tip above. It’s easy to lose time by indulging in these things or even, in just browsing the Internet. Unplug and get started concentrating.
- Establish a routine. Sometimes procrastination happens because your thoughts are all over the place and you feel overwhelmed because you don’t know where to start. If you establish a routine for yourself for your work day, it’ll be easier to tackle everything you need to in a timely manner.
- Now, and this is the most important tip: just start doing it. Are you putting off re-decorating your apartment? Start painting the walls. Procrastinating on dinner? Put water on to boil while you figure out what you’re going to cook in it. Once you take that very first step, you have no choice but to take the next step and the step after that.
I believe we are probably all guilty of some level of the dreaded procrastination
What are your tips for procrastinating? Or, if you have one to share, tell me a procrastinating horror story. What did you miss out on because you were procrastinating? (Maybe it will all spook us into going and doing work!)
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
joana tomova
April 22, 2010
When I meet a bride that doesn’t know what she wants, but she wants it now, and of course in the lowest price (im)possible, and I’m not that inspired for doing her wedding, I’m procrastinating the offer and the final design, it’s really not on purpose, but it happends sometimes. And the last time, I didn’t get the job, Maybe they weren’t happy with the prices or maybe they thought I was not serious, but I’m not that sorry for not getting the job, because I wasn’t going to give 100% of me in it. But It’s not ok when U’re procrastinating something so important like an offer or a job!!!
Elner
April 22, 2010
Thank you for the insight, this topic is so timely for me. Right now my clutter and distraction is just life itself. I had to practically shut down everything to deal with a health issue two years ago, last year the economy tanked and my business almost followed and then my ailing father (who is now getting better). It is so hard to get that passion and focus that I had two years ago back. I removed the little TV out of my studio and spend quiet time there. I am also making lists and making it a point to cross at least one thing off everyday. I have designated days for administrative and designated days for creative, I am hoping this will help me get things back on track. I had to take a part-time job to keep things running and will hopefully be able to scan that back soon.
Thanks for such a great blog.
marcy blum
April 22, 2010
I adore you, and this is a great post, and now, instead of commenting further- i have to get back to work!
Eve
April 22, 2010
Mr Bailey, I love you! I love your tips.
Yip, there are times when I am just plain lazy! It happens, and when it happens I KNOW what I am doing.
Procrastination happens because of fears and doubts. The challenge of working for yourself is to motivate yourself all the time. It is hard and sometimes procrastinations happens due to sheer exhaustion.
I find that breaking the grand vision into smaller tasks does help. But spending too much time on details and perfecting the vision can cost a deal. It is about having that energy flowing and I know for me, if I feel like that energy is missing I make sure I have a coffee date or a power lunch with another creative and very optimistic person. Sometimes it is their enthusiasm and humor that helps. I make sure I make myself available to them when they hit a downturn.
Sometimes, I need to lock myself away from the world to get the inspiration flowing again. And once the the foundation has been laid, I have to force myself to pick up the phone and make a call, or walk out of the door and go network, network and make things happen. Once I get going, it is exhilarating and very rewarding. You just have to believe that it is all worthwhile and you can do it, after all there is simply no better way to earn a living than to work in the world of creativity!
MELISSA
April 22, 2010
EVE IS RIGHT IN COMES DOWN TO FEARS AND DOUBTS AND MAYBE WE NEVER LEARNED AS A CHILD HOW TO CREATE ANYTHING??? DID WE HAVE SUPPORT AND EVEN SOME ONE THERE TO REALLY FEEL WHAT WAS NEEDED TO HELP US THRU THOSE STAGES THAT WE ALL GO THRU??? I WOULD SAY IN MY PRACTISE A GREAT MANY OF US DID NOT HAVE THAT…. AND OFTEN IF WE HAVE NOT ONLY NOT HAD THAT SUPPORT BUT ALSO HAD A LOT OF NEGLECT OR ABUSE, THEN GOOD THINGS OFTEN SCARE US… SOUNDS STRANGE, BUT TRUE…
WE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO LOVE OURSELVES BY BEING PROACTIVE AND SEEING THE VALUE IN ACTION… I HAVE WORKED WITH MANY BRILLIANT PEOPLE WHO JUST CAN NOT HEAL THOSE ISSUES IN THEIR LIVES…
XXOO
MELISSA
Gloria Brown
April 22, 2010
This is a great topic! Years ago, I thought I had mild procrastination but looking back I think it really was from lack of sleep. I’ve learned to have healthier sleep habits and it helps me to stay focused. Also, writing ideas and thoughts on paper has always helped me to stay focused. It’s because I can purge the thought once it’s on paper (paper napkin, paper bag, toilet paper, cereal box, ect…. you get the idea).
Saufen
April 24, 2010
I believe every form of laziness has a root cause – it helps to take a step back and examine what is preventing us from getting to a task. The greatest procrastination in my life is postponing my destiny doing creative work. All of a sudden last week, as I was struggling to create a series of sculptures for an outdoor event, I suddenly realised that I am finally living the life of an artist for real after many excursions into other career options, just skirting the artist option. So when the going gets tough nowadays and I want to sit on a project, I told my colleague that I’m not gonna complain, and I’m gonna soldier on through it BECAUSE THIS IS THE LIFE I CHOSE! I’m not gonna burn another 10 years sitting it out and being afraid that I don’t have what it takes. That’s more than enough self-doubt for one lifetime!
Tracey
April 30, 2010
I love that you talk about this- it’s the real nuts and bolts of business isn’t it? The way we individually handle ourselves day to day. When we identify our own personal strengths and weaknesses we get to the core of what’s really going on in our businesses and learn how to build on our strengths and use tough love on our weaknesses-
Dethena
June 5, 2010
I am a great upcommig Event Planner In Atlanta,Ga I just got started last year and I have been Putting off my next event for Months…Procrastination is my enemy…Just reading your Blogs has help me…Get started for next Week..
Thank You
Mr Bailey
Sara Shaw
January 10, 2012
Hi Preston & all !! Hope your visit to Cal. was wonderful. I could not afford to go.
My prayer for this coming year of the Dragon is we all are given more than enough jobs & money to take care of all our needs. And the soldiers coming home will be given a dog to heal them from the trauma of war. That everyone will be kind to each other & especially to animals. We all have great health & many blessings.
I am staying open to all possibilities of receiving more clients to give them the joy & beauty of flowers & plants . Many blessings to you all. Thank you all !