Episode 59 | Priority Management and Procrastination

Episode Introduction

In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh shares a personal story about how she fell into the procrastination trap while working on a new project.  She explains the difference between prioritising and procrastinating and gives three key questions to help you determine if you're putting off important tasks.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Procrastination vs Prioritisation
02:29 Understanding Prioritisation in Work
05:47 Identifying Procrastination
09:33 Taking Action Against Procrastination"

Episode Summary

Prioritisation vs. Procrastination

It's easy to confuse prioritisation and procrastination, especially when you're busy with other work.  Niamh explains that prioritisation is about deciding which task to do now versus which task to do later, based on its importance and urgency.  We often focus on urgent tasks, which can cause important but non-urgent projects to be put aside. Sometimes, other people can create a sense of urgency, causing you to focus on their needs instead of your own important work.

On the other hand, procrastination often happens when a task doesn't feel urgent or when it makes you feel uncomfortable, stressed, or worried.  In her own experience, Niamh found that she was procrastinating on a new online masterclass because it was a stretch for her and she was unsure how it would be received.  To avoid the procrastination trap, it's essential to recognise what's driving your actions.

• Look at your calendar to see if the projects you're working on now will be important next month or if they will have vanished by then.
• Keep a record of how many times you reschedule a task.  Chronically rescheduling is a sign of procrastination.
• Ask yourself how you would feel if you were told you had to work on that specific task and nothing else.  Your reaction can reveal if you've been procrastinating or simply putting it off due to other priorities.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Prioritisation is about managing importance and urgency, while procrastination is often linked to tasks that make you feel uncomfortable or worried.
• Take a step back from your day-to-day tasks and look ahead to next month.  This helps you identify what's truly important versus what's just shouting for your attention.
• Track how many times you reschedule a task.  If you're doing it more than a few times, it could be a sign of procrastination.
• Your reaction to having to work on a specific task and nothing else can reveal whether you've been putting it off due to other priorities or because of a fear of failure or the unknown.
• If you find you're procrastinating, try scaling back on something you enjoy to make time for the task you've been avoiding.

Resources and Related Episodes

Episode 17 - Overcome Procrastination

Episode 54 - Urgent People v Urgent Tasks

Information about the Momentum programme

About the Host and Podcast

Welcome to The Better Workday Podcast with your host, Niamh Moynihan.  Niamh is the founder of Better Workday.  She will challenge you to think differently about how you manage your time, energy, attention and relationships at work to be successful while supporting your well-being.

In each episode, Niamh shares new insights and practical ideas to help you create a better workday.

Share This Episode

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or colleague who might also benefit from these tips.  If you would like to support the podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review.

The Better Workday Podcast on Spotify

The Better Workday Podcast on Apple Podcasts