Is Procrastination a Problem or a Tool?
Constraint Theory - A Productivity Hack
I was pleased to be featured as a Procrastination Poster Child in a SUCCESS Magazine article by Kris Ann Valdez. Featured alongside some wise psychologists as my sparring partners, I aimed to present a different and neurodivergent perspective on procrastination.
Having taught some classes on using procrastination as a Constraint Theory tool, I wanted to push back on the neurotypical thought that it is a problem or an uncontrollable way of being.
Because I’m in the Team space, I want to help others understand the other side of procrastination - as a super-mega-powered production hack.
What I term “Constraint Theory” comes from James Clear’s articles on the subject in his blog on its uses (James is the author of Atomic Habits). Further below, you’ll find some links to his blog articles that I use when teaching Constraint Theory.
Read the SUCCESS Magazine article here.
Procrastination can be an awesome way to build something if given the right containers. In Teams, you can use the constraint of procrastination to limit the damage caused by people who I say have the “Procrastination Gene” (me - I’m here with you, too :) ).
Here’s what to do on a project:
Team members should feel free and psychologically safe to tell their teammates whether they have the Procrastination Gene.
Identify those on the team who don’t have the PG.
Go over the time constraints of the project and its required components.
Structure the project such that the immediate phases are accomplished by those who DO NOT have the PG.
Structure the end of the project toward those WITH the PG.
Assign or enlist a Gatekeeper of Information. This person might be the project manager, but is more likely to be a regular team member with a keen interest in keeping the project on track. The Gatekeeper’s tasks are to:
create a repository of information and workflow for the project, including timing details,
create a checklist of input to make sure that all initial information contributions are finished and stored well,
give the final tasks to those who have the PG, who are responsible for creating the final product to be submitted within the timetable of the project, making sure to leave enough time for review by the entire team - I suggest holding one week away from the Procrastinators to ensure final timeliness,
coordinate a final review meeting, with the semi-final project accessible to everyone; this should take place one week before the drop-dead timeline
hand-off the final revisions to the Procrastinators to finish up the project and submit it.
Procrastinators, due to their ability to push themselves into Flow State when time is very tight, become the people in charge of submitting the final project.
Using Procrastination and time as constraints in this aspect, you can structure the project well within the best timeframe and have the PG people bring it over the finish line; that's what they excel at anyway - time-crunching or time-crushing.
Let them be responsible for the finalization - they’ll get it done if the Gatekeeper can manage the different areas of input.
This method places everyone in their best input and functioning spaces.
James Clear on using Constraints:
Constraints Make You Better: Why the Right Limitations Boost Performance
How to Eliminate Procrastination (The Surprising Strategy One Man Used)
The Weird Strategy Dr. Seuss Used to Create His Greatest Work (My Favorite to teach!!!!)
Lessons From a Vexillonaire: Creativity, Simplicity, and the Carefully Constrained Life
Procrastinators - own your amazing feats of time constraint crushing to unleash your potential and bring your teams and projects together over the finish line. Learning how to manage your abilities and having others help in the process can give you super-mega success!