Structured Procrastination
Using procrastination productively by working on important tasks while avoiding the most important one.
Also known as: Productive Procrastination, Perry's Procrastination Method
Category: Techniques
Tags: productivity, psychology, techniques, procrastination, self-management
Explanation
Structured Procrastination is a technique developed by philosopher John Perry that transforms the procrastinator's tendency to avoid difficult tasks into a productivity strategy. The key insight is that procrastinators rarely do nothing - they avoid one task by doing something else.
The method works by placing a daunting task at the top of your to-do list, then 'procrastinating' on it by completing other valuable tasks lower on the list. While you avoid the top item, you actually accomplish significant work on secondary priorities.
**How it works:**
1. **Hierarchy of tasks**: Maintain a list with seemingly crucial items at the top
2. **Productive avoidance**: While avoiding top tasks, work on lower-priority items
3. **Task cycling**: As items get completed, new important tasks take their place
4. **Self-deception element**: The top tasks often turn out to be less urgent than feared
**Why it's effective:**
- Works with procrastination psychology rather than against it
- Converts avoidance energy into productive output
- Reduces guilt and anxiety associated with procrastination
- Still results in meaningful work getting done
**Limitations:**
- Requires honest self-awareness about procrastination patterns
- May not work for truly urgent deadlines
- Can become an excuse for never tackling important but uncomfortable tasks
John Perry won the 2011 Ig Nobel Prize in Literature for this concept, which he first described in a 1996 essay.
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