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Productive Procrastination: Waste Time Without Wasting Your Time

Why the concept of “productive procrastination” could help you sort through a problem by removing the tough thing from direct view. Also: Twitter opens its analytics up to the public.

Heads up: this content is over 5 years old, so some information may be out of date.

Being lazy doesn’t necessarily mean being unproductive—as it turns out, there’s middle ground.

In a blog post on LifeHacker, Thorin Klosowski discusses the idea of “productive procrastination,” or ways to waste time without, well, completely wasting it.

“Distractions, side projects, and procrastination are all great for your general productivity, but you have to do it right,” he writes.

The downtime activity has to take your mind far away from the problem you’re actually trying to solve—the business challenge or leadership kerfuffle that’s  tough to deal with head-on.

Be sure to check out the comments on this one  (opens in a new tab)—Klosowski opened up the thread to reader feedback, and he offered some ideas of his own, like cooking, working on home finances, and spending time on a side project. Can you think of any of your own?

Check Your Analytics

As everyone knows, Twitter is a popularity contest.

So, how popular are you? Twitter is letting you know  (opens in a new tab) via its new Analytics dashboard, which is now open to every user who’s had an account for more than 14 days. Previously, the analytics platform was open only to advertisers and verified users. Check it out over this way  (opens in a new tab).

Other good reads

The Non-fiction Producers Association, a trade group for reality TV producers that we highlighted when it launched in July, has nearly tripled its membership  (opens in a new tab) and is preparing for its first board meeting September 10.

Are you a Dropbox Pro user? If so, the company’s new security features should be welcome—as should the upgrade to 1 terabyte of space  (opens in a new tab).

If you have a Hewlett-Packard computer, check your cable  (opens in a new tab). The company is recalling 6 million of its power cords.

(iStock/Thinkstock)

Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now.

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Tags: #Business #productivity #Professional Development #Time Management

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