Procrastinating Again? Here's How Lean Thinking Can Make You Unstoppable!
Lean Time Management: Understanding Your Procrastination Persona
We’ve all faced procrastination at some point, whether it’s that daunting work task or a chore at home that seems like an insurmountable mountain. Instead of tackling it head-on, we often find ourselves pushing it down the list, telling ourselves we’ll get to it later. But as you know, later often never comes, and that task lingers, casting a shadow over our productivity and motivation. But what if we could change that narrative?
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Most of us, even the most disorganised, carry a mental to-do list, something like this:
Do the dishes
Go food shopping
Clean the bathroom
Book the dog groomer
Renew the insurance policy
And at the end of that list, we dangle a reward, something that makes all those tasks worth it—perhaps a Netflix binge or a glass of wine. The goal is to knock off the smaller tasks to earn that reward. But then, we hit the larger, more challenging tasks, and suddenly, the finish line feels miles away. These tasks become barriers to our reward, and instead of pushing through, we procrastinate, skipping straight to the reward, only to be left feeling unfulfilled and guilty.
Different Types of Procrastinators
Understanding the "why" behind your procrastination is key to overcoming it. Lean principles teach us to identify waste in processes, and procrastination is one of the biggest wastes of our time and potential. Here’s a breakdown of different procrastinator types, each with their own version of "waste":
The Perfectionist: Striving for perfection, they hesitate to start because the result might not meet their high standards. The Lean lesson here? Embrace continuous improvement—start small, learn, and refine as you go.
The Dreamer: They have a vision but doubt their ability to achieve it, leading them to avoid action altogether. Lean teaches us to break down that big dream into actionable steps, making the process manageable and the dream achievable.
The Worrier: Fearful of change, they stick to what they know, even if it’s unproductive. Lean encourages us to embrace change as an opportunity for growth, not as a threat.
The Rebel: Resistant to new ways, they delay tasks simply because they don’t like the new process. Lean thinking challenges us to be open to new methods, knowing that innovation leads to better outcomes.
The Defier: They resist tasks out of a sense of fairness—“If they’re not doing it, why should I?” Lean pushes us to focus on value and collaboration, rather than on who’s doing what.
The Overdoer: Swamped by tasks, they use busyness as an excuse for inaction. Lean prioritises value-adding activities—are you busy, or are you productive?
Understanding Your Procrastination Type
Lean thinking isn’t just for work processes—it’s a mindset that can transform how you approach any task. By identifying your procrastination type, you can apply Lean principles to streamline your approach, cutting out the waste and focusing on what truly adds value to your life.
Are you putting off a task because you’re worried about the end result? Lean teaches us to iterate, to focus on progress rather than perfection. Break the task into small, achievable steps, and celebrate each one as a victory. If you’re stuck in the past, remember that Lean is about continuous improvement—what worked yesterday might not be the best solution today. And if you’re simply overwhelmed, Lean can help you prioritise: identify the tasks that will bring the most value and tackle them first.
What Should We Do Instead?
When you procrastinate, that lingering task on your to-do list becomes an obstacle, making it feel even more monumental. The solution? Lean thinking. Break that macro task down into micro actions, just like how Lean breaks down processes to eliminate waste and maximise value.
Breaking Down a Macro Task into Micro Actions
Let’s say you’re redecorating a bedroom. The thought of doing it all at once might be overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Instead, use a Lean approach:
Remove the furniture from the room
Get the paint out of the garage
Lay the dust sheets
Tape the skirting boards
Paint one wall
Repeat for the next walls
Apply a second coat
Remove tape
Touch up the edges
Move the furniture back
Suddenly, redecorating doesn’t seem so overwhelming. You can even break down these steps further. Each micro action is a win, propelling you forward, just as Lean teaches us to seek small, continuous improvements.
Customising Your Approach
Lean thinking is flexible, adaptable to different challenges and different people. If you’re a perfectionist, focus on the quick wins in each micro task. If you’re a rebel, find a way to incorporate some of your preferred methods within the new process. For overdoers, give yourself a break after a few micro tasks—progress is still progress.
In the end, Lean isn’t just a methodology for manufacturing or construction—it’s a mindset for life. By understanding and applying Lean principles to your daily challenges, you can conquer procrastination, achieve your goals, and reclaim your time.