March SOLC–Day 14
Years ago I came up with the term “Productive Procrastination.” This is the term I use when I have a million things I really should do, but opt to do other things instead. Now, the critical difference from simple procrastination is that the things I choose to do instead must be productive;however, sadly, they still don’t eliminate anything from my To-Do list. For example, if I have a stack of math assessments to grade, I might clean the bathroom instead. Or maybe bake cookies. Or weed in the garden. The math assessments are still looming when I finish, but I still got something productive done. It’s a bit twisted I suppose and it usually ends up ultimately adding to my stress level, but it’s what I do. On the plus side, there’s always the perk of a clean bathroom, a weeded garden, or cookies to eat. Yesterday, I was a master at Productive Procrastination.
Yesterday I should have: finished report card comments, finished entering grades, written a thank you note, organized tax papers to send to my accountant, and written lesson plans.
Here’s what I did instead:
Hmmm….everyone’s home for spring break. I bet they’d enjoy a nice breakfast. It’s still early.
So I…
Whipped up some blueberry pancakes and bacon for breakfast
It’s going to be a crazy week. I should make sure I have something yummy for lunch. I’ll start working on comments after this.
So I…
Made a batch of spicy peanut noodles
Oh! Look at this recipe. I forgot all about this salad. I could start grading science notebooks but if I make this now, I’d have two choices for lunch this week.
So I…
Threw together a wild rice edamame salad
Let’s see. If I throw potatoes in now to bake, I could make Twice-Bakeds for dinner. We haven’t had those in a long time! I still have time to get some work done later.
So I…
Cooked up some Twice-Baked Potatoes
Wow! Look at all this food. But there’s nothing sweet. Hmmmm….it’ll only take me a few minutes to make some granola bars. I could even bring some to work and everyone would be so happy!
So I…
Mixed up a batch of my all-time favorite granola bars
And then…
Wow! It’s gorgeous outside. It would be a shame if I didn’t get outside today. It’s supposed to rain later this week and I’m sure I’ll have renewed energy to tackle grades when I get back.
So I …
went for a quick run.
Did you notice the brilliant rationalization along the way? Can you tell how much I didn’t want to face report cards and taxes? So, tonight I’m doomed! But my lunches will be great this week! That’s classic Productive Procrastination.
Nix the comfort zone 
I love the idea of planned productive procrastination! I do the same, but haven’t called it as such. PS, I wonder how far you live from me–those lunches look right up my alley.
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I live in the midcoast area, Kim, near Topsham/Brunswick. Where are you?
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I’m in Hampden right next to Bangor. No lunches for me from you today. 🙂
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You are a master at productive procrastination. What makes it so awesome is you have so many delicious foods to show that you have been productive.
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Yes, but sadly I still have a lot to do before report cards are done and they are due tomorrow! Ack!
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I’m totally stealing that term — productive procrastination. My house is never so clean as when I need to do something I don’t want to do.
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You’re welcome to use the term–it’s perfect, isn’t it!?
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I’ll be right over for something to eat! You certainly were busy and I’m glad you went for a run! No worries, you’ll get everything done in due time.
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I love the term productive procrastination. My house was never so clean as when report cards were due too! I am impressed with your culinary talent. Thanks for sharing all the pictures. It really enhanced your writing for your readers. I’m sure your colleagues will really enjoy the homemade granola bars today. Is it an easy recipe? If so, I may need to try it!
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Melanie, the photos and blogging was part of the productive procrastination! 🙂 The granola recipe is easy, delicious and flexible. It has lots of healthy ingredients but also a lot of sugar. If you’re still interested, let me know!
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I fully support your productive procrastination as long as there is always a home-made granola bar for me 😉
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Your “productive procrastination” concept is a hoot! Not to mention, a great way to be fed well! I have never called my procrastinating ways productive, but when I don’t want to work on something (like scoring assessments!) I often choose tasks I prefer that will propel me into motion, so I completely understand the productive part of the procrastinating. The downside, as you say, is that the necessary task still awaits. I hope you are feeling lots of energy for the necessary, now that you’ve had a run and good food!
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Thank you for giving me a smart sounding name for my own procrastination habits. Loved working my way through this Slice, Molly. Now I’m going to find a snack! 😉
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I can be a productive procrastinator, too, but your a master! I love cooking a lot on Sundays, too. Hope you got your report cards finished!
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Wow! Now I’m hungry! Don’t worry, I’m avoiding both of those too. Making those delicious meals definitely give you the right to push taxes and RC’s off for one more day.
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I wish I’d been your house yesterday – you were on a delicious tear!
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Productive procrastination. Not productive but oh< let me read just 5 pages procrastination is my story. Hay, your productive procrastination is feeding your family yummy foods, ya?
Because of your picture of twice baked potato, I need it tomorrow. Best.
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