Pen Pal YoyoThis is no time to hesitate… or is it?

Today marks the beginning of National Procrastination Week. But the meaning is quite vague and how to celebrate really depends on how you choose to interpret it.

On the one hand, this could be a week to use a holiday as an excuse not to get anything done. Make that “within reason,” though. We’d hate to see anyone losing a job or getting kicked out of school, but… there’s a lot to be said for waiting until the last minute, pulling a caffeine-fueled all-nighter. That kind of procrastination can be a kinda rush once in a while.

On the other hand, maybe this is supposed to be a week to finally get done what you’ve been putting off. Buy a 2011 calendar. Make a New Year’s resolution. That kind of thing.

Those are two ends of a vast spectrum, though. And it’s usually a good idea to look toward a happy medium. It’s called Productive Procrastination, a term perfectly defined by Urban Dictionary.

n. Doing stuff to keep busy while avoiding what really needs doing. When all is said and done, your room is clean, your laundry is folded – but you haven’t started your English paper.

Here are a few ways to actually be more productive during Procrastination Week than you’d normally expect.

  • Instead of cooking dinner one night, order in and spend the time that you’re waiting for the delivery cleaning your kitchen.
  • Pull a Mary Poppins and turn cleaning the house into a kids’ game. It’s quality family time and you can cross a monster item off of your To Do list.
  • Rather than returning phone calls, hoping you catch an answering machine, send Saying “Hi” eCards that acknowledge you got their message. You’ll look like you’re making a special effort when, in fact, you’re really avoiding interaction and a lengthy conversation. Of course, if the week goes by and you’ve put off doing so, there are always some funny Belated Procrastination Week eCards to send after the fact.

What are some of your best Productive Procrastination ideas? Share in the comments section below!

Hugs!

P.S. Don’t wait! Procrastinate now!