Hello, Mavens!

Ever been about to sit down and finally write that social media post out and then suddenly, your t-shirt drawer is calling your name and you just HAVE to get those T’s folded and organized in rainbow order (thanks, The Home Edit!)

Yes, this happens to all of us. We can have great intentions to get something done, and even feel “in the mood” to accomplish a task, and then… we get pulled away, distracted, and lured into doing something seemingly less important.

This scenario came up often for a recent client of mine. A very artistic, multi-passionate creative and business owner, Eleanor kept finding herself doing “busy tasks” every time she had to do something important such as fix her website or mail out client orders. She was very aware of her behaviour (yay, Eleanor) and was feeling low because she knew these were a distraction. In fact, she was downright beating herself up about it.

The interesting thing was, eventually, Eleanor always accomplished her important tasks. Time and time again, she would get around to the website, mail out her packages and even do her dreaded paperwork (hello, tax time!).

So my questions for Eleanor were:

“Are all these busy tasks actually procrastination or are they a way for you to process what you have going on in your life and business?

“Is it actually procrastination or is it processing?”

Eleanor had never thought of it this way. She never considered that maybe her brain needed to process her way to her goals via doing small, tiny, micro-tasks that were unrelated. While some psychologists would argue she is seeking a dopamine hit from another, easier-to-accomplish source, I can't help but wonder if this is just her way of processing. And does it hurt to put a positive spin on something she was viewing as such a negative behaviour? I say no, it doesn’t.

Now for people who are chronically avoiding their to-do list and never hitting important goals, yes, definitely, it is probably good ol’ fear setting in and self-sabotage. In these cases, working with a coach, therapist or business consultant is highly recommended. It is so important to really understand the why behind the block(s) and then develop a realistic action plan to move through those challenges.

But for many, organizing that closet or kitchen cupboard is simply a way to get primed and ready for what work lies ahead. I know for me, when I feel the need to clean Monica Geller style, I am processing. I’m working out problems in my head, figuring things out and releasing stress. I’m creating a clean slate - literally. I don’t ever worry I won't get around to what I have to do because, like Eleanor, I have a track record of accomplishing goals, and I don’t go into Monica mode very often. I’m self-disciplined and trust myself. Does that mean I always do things in the right order, finish my to-do list and feel great about my accomplishments? Hellz no. No one does and as humans, that should never be the goal.

It is completely normal to experience deep fears around something and avoid it. I invite you to ask yourself if, however, sometimes you are processing and not procrastinating. Are you like Eleanor who had a history of accomplishing her goals, just not as quickly or efficiently as you want? Do you meander your way from point A to point B?