While procrastinating I came across this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxbCHn6gE3U
One of my favorite lines is “You call it procrastinating, I call it thinking”. I feel very strongly about this, as someone who procrastinates.
Even now, when I have a break in flow, I have the urge to open another tab, read or watch a video, or go peruse the fridge to take my mind off of it and see what ideas pop in. When you come back, often it’s like someone just hands you the answer and says, “thanks for waiting”. I’m sure you know the feeling. But of course, it’s not always that simple.
In the video, he even talks about Leonardo da Vinci. I’m “reading” (listening to the audiobook) his bio (also Walter Isaacson, for those of you following my reading list) right now. Adam talks about him finishing the Mona Lisa after something like 16 years, but many of the other paintings didn’t get that far and remained unfinished.
Perhaps because of the timing and legend of da Vinci, we still consider his half completed works masterpieces (i.e. Adoration of the Magi), but it’s hard to imagine anything modern being considered that way…although the first counterpoint in my mind, though paling in comparison, is The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
Anyways, maybe this video will help you feel better about the times when you are being pulled away by distractions or when you feel like you need inspiration and take a break. It might also spur you to schedule yourself some work time or breaks in your calendar so you can rest, take a walk, look for inspiration and have your brain work FOR you.
If you like podcasts, Adam has an interesting one called Work Life, which has acted as my procrastination many a time. Check it out here.