How to Procrastinate
Procrastinating might be easier than you think. In fact, even when you believe you’re working, you might just be procrastinating in disguise. The real challenge isn’t identifying procrastination—it’s figuring out how not to do it.
What Is Procrastination, Really?
Let’s define procrastination clearly: it’s working or creating without a solid, well-defined idea in mind. You’re busy, but not moving toward a concrete goal. Some examples include:
- Programming without an idea in mind: "I can create my game once I program this game engine."
- Endless learning: "Once I learn this new programming language I will be able to start" or "Once I master this library I'll be able to start"
- Collecting references while you don't even know what you want.
- Playing with your tools: "I better spend the next 4 hours figuring out how to level out this 3D printer PERFECTLY"
But You Have an Idea... Right?
Of course, none of this applies to you—because you have an idea. Or do you? Is your idea truly solid, or just a vague thought? Have you taken the time to brainstorm, sketch, or outline it? Or did you simply see something cool online and think, “I can do that too” without defining the details?
A shallow idea can feel like progress, but without depth, it’s just another form of procrastination.
How Not to Procrastinate
Write down your idea, expand on it, and make sure what you are doing aligns with that idea. Don't start creating until you actually know what it is you're creating.