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It was 10 pm.
The house was asleep, but my to do list was keeping me from crashing on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and my remote control.
I needed to work, but after a long day, I was not in the mood. I needed a break. I needed to get inspired.
I stared at my blank post — waiting for the words to fall onto the screen apparently. They didn’t.
So I clicked over to Twitter — just for a quick hit, promise!
I actually haven’t been spending as much time on Twitter as usual. I have been tending to spend my engagement hours on Facebook, having more conversations over there. To be honest, I was out of my Twitter rhythm.
But within a few moments, I was hooked and having fun — laughing so hard my dog was looking at me!
I chatted and DMd and followed links to some awesome posts. I made new friends, like the hysterical @HowToBeADad, and connected with old ones, like the fabulous @NoFlashCards.
And it was just what I needed.
Soon enough, it was “closing time” for my pacific coast tweeps (of course my east coast friends were tucked in their beds by then!)
And while my friends shut down their machines and headed off to bed, I started writing.
Those two hours of conversation and blog reading had inspired me — had reminded me why I love blogging and how we are never alone online.
I wrote until 4am. And I had a blast.
Yes, it had put me behind schedule. But my productive procrastination had reminded me why I am in this game in the first place.
P.S. Here is the post I wrote that night: 5 Tips to Make Sure You have a Blast at Conferences!
TELL ME: What do you do for productive procrastination — something that gets you past the blah and into the good.
Written by Janice, co-founder of the Mom Blog, 5 Minutes for Mom
We love to chat with you! Tweet with us @5minutesformom and find us on Facebook/5minutesformom.
Annie says
Twitter is awesome for procrastination and inspiration! I was exactly like you this past week – staring at a blank screen, not knowing what to write. Then I tweeted with a gal about babywearing, and presto! A story was written!
love it.
and now, I am going to go read that funny post you linked to!
Amy says
I look through magazines and websites and make lists of party invitations I want to design (i.e. kinds of parties I want to throw!). So I’m really “working” when I’m so not actually. haha.
Lisa Kanarek says
Thanks for the reminder that it’s OK to procrastinate, especially when it can make you more productive in the long run. I especially enjoyed the part in your blog post about having a blast. You’re right that it’s a good reminder of why we do what we do. Great article!
gertie says
I was up late with my 5yo nephew insisted he was NEVER going to sleep. He held out until almost 1am.
Sometimes when I procrastinate, I feel like it’s my mind slowing down the wheels so I can think a little clearer about one, two, or three things, rather than an entire list of things bombarding my mind. It helps to get rid of that manic whirlwind that can sometimes make life a little overwhelming. Maybe it’s my way of weeding out what really needs attention and prioritising.
Isn’t it great to connect with both new and old friends through FB? Love it!
Mommy Moment says
It really is great to connect ~ glad it helped you feel productive, even if it meant staying up till 4 am. I was up till 1:30 am and have to say Social Media inspires me too!
Smiles,
Jody
Wendy says
Social media is my favorite way to productively procrastinate, though I’ve never thought of it in those terms before! A little time spent with my fave tweeps, or a quick chat on Skype with my sister even, does wonders to get my creative juices flowing again, and even spark new ideas for later posts. Glad I’m not the only one!
Janice says
🙂 It is amazing how a little break with friends can rejuvenate us and get us back to work!
Paige says
As a gifted kiddo, I had procrastination down to an art form. As a creative adult with a toddler, I have learned to productively rearrange the button box so to speak with Post Its. I take about two- five minutes and sketch, make a list, whatever my brain needs to download on the post its, stick them on the desk, take a break for coffee come back and something sparks me getting back to work each time.
Janice says
That sounds like a perfect solution for you! 🙂