Procrastination: Your Remote Team's Suprising Success Factor

Can procrastination actually be a good thing? In this week's issue of The Saturday RemoteR, we explore the hidden advantages of procrastination and how applying Parkinson's Law can improve productivity within remote teams. Read on to learn how to turn thi

This Saturday, we will explore the unexpected perks of a habit that we all love to hate: procrastination!

🎯 The Hidden Benefits of Procrastination

Procrastination is usually seen as a negative habit, and let's be honest, it's something we all struggle with. But what if we told you that Parkinson's Law - "if you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute to do" - offers a unique perspective on how procrastination can be harnessed for the greater good?

🏠 Remote Work & Procrastination Challenges

In a remote work environment, it's super easy to procrastinate. The absence of the boiler room effect (which we discussed in a previous issue) and the blurred boundaries between work and relaxation spaces can make it hard to stay focused. But fear not! There's an excellent workaround to turn this apparent weakness into a strength. 💪

⏰ Using Parkinson's Law to Your Advantage

Instead of fighting procrastination, try using Parkinson's Law in your favor. Schedule your tasks closer to the due date (say, one day before on average) to maintain that delivery pressure and boost your productivity. Of course, I'm not suggesting leaving everything to the last second, but just enough to help you find that sweet spot between pressure and creativity. 🎨

Understanding Parkinson's Law

"Tasks take up as much time as we give them."

So, when we have more time to finish something, it feels harder to do. This happens because we start to worry more about the task, making it seem scary and difficult.

A Real-life example

Imagine you have a project due in a week. Instead of scheduling tasks for the entire week, compress your timeline and start working on them two or three days before the deadline. This way, you'll feel the urgency to complete tasks faster and more efficiently! 😄

Remember, the key is to know yourself and find the right balance. Embracing procrastination might just be the secret sauce that makes your remote team more productive and successful than ever! 🏆

Happy procrastinating! 😎