Procrastinators, Unleash Your Inner Neat Freak (Without Actually Becoming One)
Unleash your inner neat freak. They say an organized desk equals an organized mind. But us champions of the “wait-until-the-last-minute” approach scoff at such pronouncements. Who needs color-coded planners and label makers when you’ve got the fire of impending deadlines fueling your creativity?
Well, hold on to your lukewarm coffee, fellow procrastinators, because there might be some truth to the neatness gospel. Here’s the thing: while a perfectly-polished Pinterest-worthy home might not be your jam, research suggests there’s a connection between organization and that elusive state of productivity we all crave (deep down, we do, right?).
Unleash Your Inner Neat Freak
A study by the UCLA Health Discipline Program found that people living in cluttered homes reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression. That makes sense. Imagine the mental strain of constantly searching for lost keys or that important document you swear you filed somewhere.
Now, here’s the good news for us chronic procrastinators: you don’t need to become a folding fairy. The key is creating a system that works for you. Maybe it’s dedicating 10 minutes each morning to a quick tidy-up. Perhaps it’s having a designated “procrastination station” (think comfy chair, inspirational quotes on the wall) to avoid clutter bleed into your actual workspace.
Even small changes can make a big difference. A 2011 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that simply making your bed can boost feelings of accomplishment and self-control. Think of it as a tiny victory lap – a win that might just snowball into tackling that looming project (or at least getting started on that research paper the night before it’s due).
Look, creating a structure, even an imperfect, one that works for you, can be a game-changer. It reduces the mental load of decision fatigue and frees up that precious brainpower for the important stuff – like coming up with brilliant last-minute ideas (our specialty!). So, the next time you’re tempted to dismiss the “organized equals happy” crowd, remember: a little structure can go a long way in creating the perfect procrastination playground – one that (hopefully) leads to eventual productivity. Just don’t tell Marie Kondo we said that.
XOXO
Coach Annie
www.heychica.co
@hey.chica.co
