I can’t even count how many times I’ve gotten stuck in what most people might call a procrastination rut – that place where you know you need to do something, but you just can’t make yourself do it.

 

It’s a stressful feeling place. The body holds more tension than usual, you feel like you can’t get comfortable in your own skin, and there is this heavy “thing” pressing up against you, making it virtually impossible to take a deep breath or come into a calm and relaxed state.

 

And then there’s the guilt – all of the shoulds that come with procrastination – a constant feeling that you should be doing something and then a negative feeling towards yourself when you’re not.

 

I’ve come to appreciate procrastination as something very different than how most women commonly think about it.

 

It is not a sign that you are bad, lazy, unfocused, incapable, or lack commitment.

 

It’s not even a sign that something is “wrong”.

 

In its essence, procrastination is simply a delay or a postponement of action. Almost always, there are very good reasons for postponing forward movement on things.

 

In a culture that expects, and often demands that you be in perpetual motion and productivity mode, not taking action can feel very uncomfortable.

 

The key is to get clear on WHY you’re not taking action.

 

Is it because it’s something you really dislike doing?

Or because you’re not yet clear on something about it?

Or because you’re exhausted, depleted, and in desperate need of a break?

Or because something about it isn’t right?

Or because you’re not yet fully on board with the project?

Or because you’ve been neglecting your needs?

Or because things aren’t yet congruent?

Or because you’re bumping up against some internal resistance that needs to be investigated?

Or because doing it will leave you feeling resentful, and you don’t want to feel that way again?

Or because some part of you knows the process can be easier than how you’re supposed to do it?

 

You do not always need to be doing something. Your value is not determined by your levels of productivity. And neither is your success.

 

Procrastination might very well be an ally in disguise.

 

What if procrastination could finally allow you to take the best action, at the ideal time?

 

What if delaying action could support you in finally choosing the right thing for yourself, instead of constantly doing-doing-doing without ever questioning if it’s the right thing for you?

 

What if postponing something could give you the opportunity to look at and feel something you’ve been avoiding, and finally admit a truth to yourself that changes everything for the better?

 

There are always going to be times when we need to push, we need to produce, we need to get things done, and that’s that.

 

But this is not how you have to operate all the time. In fact, it’s harmful to yourself if you do.

 

Procrastination can be your friend, especially if you use it as an opportunity to come into greater integrity with yourself and whatever it is that you’re doing.

 

It can help you find more enjoyment in the process, more alignment with experience, and more allegiance to yourself through it all.

 

The next time you find yourself dragging your feet, and then judging yourself for it, see if you can make friends with procrastination. Let yourself discover why you’re postponing, and if there is some very real wisdom in your delay.

 

Chances are you will discover some ways you’ve been betraying yourself, and you’ll have a fresh opportunity to make things right.

 

You get to honor and choose yourself. It might mean you need to slow things down before you can speed up again. But in that slowing down you may find a better way forward – for yourself, and everyone else concerned.