How Putting Things Off Can Actually Help Us Get More Done

But what if I told you that putting things off can actually help you get more done?

It sounds counterintuitive, I know. But hear me out. When we’re faced with a daunting task, our brains tend to freeze up. We get stuck in analysis paralysis, overthinking every detail, and before we know it, hours have passed and we’ve accomplished nothing. But what if we were to take a step back, and instead of diving headfirst into the task, we were to delay it for a little while?

This is where the concept of “temptation bundling” comes in. Developed by Katherine Milkman, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, this technique involves combining a pleasurable activity with a productive one. So, if you’re stuck on a task, try doing something enjoyable first - like going for a walk, listening to music, or even just browsing social media. By doing so, you’re creating a “temptation bundle” that makes the task more appealing.

But why does this work? Well, when we’re in a state of flow, our brains are more receptive to new ideas and insights. And by delaying the task, we’re giving ourselves time to relax and recharge, which can actually help us come back to the task with a fresh perspective. It’s like taking a break from a puzzle - when you come back to it, you might see the solution more clearly.

Of course, this doesn’t mean putting things off indefinitely. The key is to strike a balance between procrastination and productivity. By giving yourself time to relax and recharge, you’re actually setting yourself up for success. And when you finally do tackle the task, you’ll be more focused and more productive.

So the next time you’re tempted to put things off, try using the temptation bundling technique. Take a step back, do something enjoyable, and come back to the task when you’re feeling refreshed. Who knows - you might just find that you get more done in the end.