What if there's no such thing as procrastination?
Could our delays actually be a form of unconscious prioritization?
Hey there, fabulous ones …
First off, a huge, heartfelt apology for my sabbatical from the newsletter world. I've been on a bit of a creative odyssey, but now I'm back, and I have a treasure trove of things to share. A massive thank you for sticking around — your patience and support mean the world to me. Now, let's dive back in, shall we?
Today, let's chat about a topic that's as familiar to us as the back of our ink-stained hands (shout-out to my fellow lefties who are very, very familiar with inky hands): procrastination.
This is something my coach, Kathleen Stetson, put into my head a while ago: the idea that procrastination is just a not-so-nice way of contextualizing what might just be (wait for it …) prioritization.
Maybe you agree with this, maybe you don’t. But it resonates with me. This idea that everything we do is something we are choosing to do, rather than choosing not to do. If you’re dusting your blinds instead of writing your Substack, rather than beat yourself up about the fact that you’re not getting to your newsletter, consider it information.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t then do something about it, but try to be nonjudgmental first. Look at it with curiosity.
When I kept not getting to my Substack, I eventually realized I was tapped. My work on other projects required more than my share of creative energy, and I could not give to you from my reserves.
Becoming aware of that made me question why I had put myself in such a rigid position to begin with. I also became very conscious about how much creative output some of my other work (at the radio station and editing my YA book, specifically) was demanding of me.
While there was frequently enough time in the day to do everything I needed or wanted to do, it didn’t always work that way in practice. There are a set amount of hours on the clock … and then there is creative output. The latter, for me, is more finite than I had realized. It’s been a huge revelation of mine.
And I wouldn’t have reached that realization if I hadn’t approached my clear priorities with curiosity, not judgment.
What if we rethink our relationship with procrastination? It’s not always just an obstacle in our creative journey; it can be a guide to uncharted territories of self-awareness.
This shift in perspective can be incredibly freeing. Suddenly, those moments you label “procrastination" become signposts, pointing you toward deeper insights about your needs, limits, and true desires. When you find yourself doing anything but the task at hand, it's not a failure; it's an exploration. It's a subconscious nudge towards understanding what your mind and body need.
Maybe those blinds needed dusting because your environment affects your mood and creativity. Or perhaps avoiding your Substack was a subconscious effort to recharge, to gather new stories and experiences to share with your readers.
This isn’t to say you should abandon all responsibilities in favor of whimsical pursuits. Rather, it's about recognizing and respecting your internal rhythms and needs. It's about knowing when to push through and when to step back, listen, and reflect.
In redefining procrastination, we allow ourselves to be human — complex, multi-faceted, and sometimes unpredictable. We learn to work with our natural tendencies, rather than against them. We start to see the value in pauses, in seemingly unproductive moments, and in the unexpected detours life throws our way.
So, the next time you catch yourself procrastinating, take a moment. Ask yourself: What is this really about? What is my mind trying to tell me? You might just find that these moments of delay are not hindrances, but helpers, guiding you to a more balanced, insightful, and ultimately productive creative path.
In embracing this new view, we can transform our relationship with time, creativity, and ourselves. We can move forward with a gentler, more understanding approach to our work and our lives.
Here's to redefining procrastination, not as a foe, but as a friend on our creative journey. 🌟🚀
xo,
jazz
P.S. I’ve been busy! In addition to doing what I hope is a final edit on my YA book, here’s some media I was able to help create since we last spoke:
WXXI: Veganizing Thanksgiving: Rochester's dining scene leads with plant-based options
WXXI: Remembering Susan Cowell, influential local AIDS activist
WXXI: $73 million to fund 164 affordable, all-electric apartments in Rochester
WXXI: Zero-waste packaging market to climb to nearly $2.5 billion by 2033
WXXI: New Strong Museum exhibit explores Black dolls through the historical lens of race and gender
Our Hen House (OHH): ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECIAL: “SANCTUARY: A RADIO PLAY” RECORDED LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY
OHH: How to End Injustice Everywhere w/ Dr Melanie Joy
OHH: A Vegan Veterinarian w/ Daniela Castillo
OHH: Stop Wasting Food! w/ Max La Manna