There aren’t a lot of famous procrastination quotes. Why? Because we often celebrate the achievements of great minds without acknowledging the hurdles they overcame in their journeys. Consider Victor Hugo, the eminent French novelist, who once faced the formidable foe of procrastination. As the deadline for his magnum opus, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” loomed ominously, Hugo found himself indulging in every conceivable distraction. Faced with an imminent deadline and an unyielding writer’s block, Hugo took an unorthodox approach: he instructed his servant to confiscate all his clothes, leaving him with nothing but a large shawl. Bereft of sartorial options, he confined himself to his study, where he had no choice but to write. This drastic measure paid off, resulting in the completion of one of literature’s great masterpieces.
The Battle for Our Attention
In today’s digital age, the challenges of procrastination have morphed into multifaceted beasts. The siren call of social media, the infinite scroll of online content, and the constant barrage of notifications all conspire to derail even the most disciplined among us. You have probably observed that you are not immune… The modern professional might find themselves, much like Hugo, staring at a blank screen, their intentions of productivity drowned out by the cacophony of digital distractions.
How, then, do we increase productivity in a world designed to fragment our attention? Like charming a cobra while being serenaded by a symphony orchestra, the distractions can be fatal. But fear not, for the battle against procrastination is not only winnable; it can be rather enjoyable, if you approach it with the right mindset and tools.
Quotes to Fight Distraction
Inspirational quotes on the subject of procrastination allude to the proper mindset for winning the battle. First, embrace the philosophy of minimalism. Much like Hugo’s self-imposed sartorial exile, eliminate unnecessary distractions from your workspace. A cluttered desk is akin to a cluttered mind; streamline your environment to streamline your thoughts.
Procrastination Quote #1
“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” (English actor, Christopher Parker)
Think of how this analogy ties in with the minimalist approach mentioned above. What is the wise thing to do when you find yourself deep in debt? Cut spending. Simplify. Minimize… Debt is like a law of nature. You cannot negotiate with it. So, when in crushing debt, you have two options. You can simplify your life and prioritize paying-off your debt. Or you can keep doing what you’re doing and lose everything. There’s a third option of getting bailed-out by a third party but let’s leave that off the table for this discussion. Christopher’s quote about procrastination invites us to strip our life down to the bare essentials in order to focus on accomplishing a critical goal.
Procrastination Quote #2
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” (Pablo Picasso)
Next, implement the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method as effective as it is simple. For example, you can work in focused sprints of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This technique mirrors the high-intensity interval training of the fitness world, allowing you to maintain peak concentration without burning out. The Pomodoro technique can also be used to boost productivity. See how here. Picasso’s quote allows for procrastination in doses similar to what Leonardo da Vinci did when taking breaks from projects. Read about da Vinci’s approach to procrastination here. Work, procrastinate, work, procrastinate. Think of it this way, as long a you take some action toward your goal each day, you aren’t putting it off. There’s the added benefit of being able to increase the ratio of work to procrastination gradually the way you would increase the work to rest ratio in an interval training program over time.
Procrastination Quote #3
“A year from now you may wish you had started today.” (Karen Lamb)
Karen Lamb’s quote describes procrastination in relation to your personal targets. therefore highlights the power of goal setting. Keeping your time-based goals in clear focus, will make you more likely to make daily decisions that favor accomplishing them. So, write down your objectives for the day, week, and month. Make them as clear as crisp winter air. Each crossed-off task provides a dopamine hit. Consequently, you’ll be reinforcing your productivity habits and propelling yourself forward with the momentum of a well-oiled machine.
Procrastination Quote #4
“Procrastination is the thief of time.” (Edward Young)
Getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar is shameful. And you can harness fear of shame to your benefit. In our quest to increase productivity, accountability – public shame for failure – cannot be overlooked. Stealing your own time might be tolerable enough, but what about stealing from a trusted friend. So, find a productivity partner, someone who will ensure that your aspirations do not drift into the realm of unfulfilled potential. Share your goals, your triumphs, and your struggles. Then, you won’t want to let them down. Offer to hold them accountable for one or more of their own goals. In the shared experience, you will find strength and resolve.
Finally, cultivate an attitude of playful stoicism. Approach your tasks with a light heart and a determined spirit. Treat procrastination not as a foe to be feared, but as a challenge to be met with a twinkle in your eye and a steely resolve.
As you navigate the treacherous waters of modern distraction, take inspiration from Victor Hugo’s bold, albeit unusual, strategy. Embrace the discomfort of discipline, and you will find that the muse of productivity sits eagerly at your side, ready to aid you in your creative and professional endeavors. Here’s one final quote on procrastination from Victor himself.
Procrastination Quote #5
“He who every morning plans the transactions of the day and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.” (Victo Hugo)
The book, The Procrastination Cure: 21 Proven Tactics For Conquering Your Inner Procrastinator, Mastering Your Time, And Boosting Your Productivity!, by Damon Zahariades, delivers more tactics for conquering procrastination with more quotes and strategies than we can fit into this article.
Take Action
Now, dear reader, I invite you to take immediate action. Identify one distraction you can eliminate from your daily routine and commit to a single productivity strategy discussed here. Start small, perhaps with a dedicated 25-minute work session or a decluttered workspace, and witness the ripple effect it has on your ability to increase productivity. Remember, the path to greatness is paved with small, deliberate steps, and today is the perfect day to take the first one.
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