"Not Now" Systems of Efficacy

Some tasks are justifiably ‘Not now’ tasks, one major why being that the process may just not be significant enough to invest fresh effort right this minute. Another equally notable reason could be that you’re really not up for it, because your body or mind just can’t right now.

The lot of us who have had to shamefully lowkey “not now”, and still suffer the maddening last minute rush may come across lucky to everyone else who dutifully tackles the thing they have to get to right away, right away.

I believe, because of this, these are the two kinds of people in the world.

Crazy, though, when I’m in this state of thought, the quote “..a time for everything…” floats across my mind.

The truth is, while there are tasks that demand urgent attention, without which a tornado my just carry your whole house away, too many tasks aren’t necessarily as demanding as we make them out to be. Usually, it’s the work you have to do by hand that demands your immediate action.

I could be shooting darts in the dark with that. What do you think?

It’s about time we get clear on what “Not now-ing” is and why it even is, so that people can finally stop feeling so embarrased about doing it.

Let’s just quickly exhaust the secret reasons why we “not now”.

Delaying tasks for stress reduction

We delay tasks that stress us or give us anxiety to give ourselves time to psychologically prepare and approach them with a calmer mindset.

When you’re dealing with stuff that makes you anxious or stressed, not getting to it right away is simply a shortcut to avoid that stress for a bit.

What does stress do to our bodies, minds, and even energy – workwise?

Stress can feel like a silent saboteur, infiltrating every aspect of your life, from your body and mind to your energy and work performance. Here’s how it impacts you:

Physically:

Tension and Pain: Stress often manifests as tension in your muscles, leading to headaches, back pain, or jaw clenching.
Immune System Suppression: Chronic stress weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
Sleep Disruptions: Stress interferes with sleep, leading to insomnia or restless nights, which in turn affects your physical health.

Mentally:

Impaired Focus: Stress can cloud your judgment, making it hard to concentrate or think clearly. Your brain’s ability to process information slows down, and you might find yourself more forgetful or easily distracted.
Anxiety and Depression: Chronic stress can trigger or worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, leading to a negative feedback loop that’s tough to break.
Decision-Making Paralysis: Under stress, you might struggle with decision-making, feeling overwhelmed by even minor choices.

Energy Levels:

Fatigue: Stress drains your energy, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. It can lead to burnout, where your body and mind simply refuse to keep going.
Adrenaline Spikes: In short bursts, stress can increase your energy temporarily (thanks to the fight-or-flight response), but this is unsustainable and usually followed by a crash.
Motivation Drops: Chronic stress can erode your motivation, making it harder to stay engaged or enthusiastic about your work.

Work Performance:

Decreased Productivity: With impaired focus and motivation, your productivity takes a hit. Tasks that should take minutes might stretch into hours.
Quality Slips: As stress hampers your cognitive functions, the quality of your work may suffer. You might make more mistakes or find it harder to deliver your best.
Increased Absenteeism: Stress can lead to more sick days, either because of physical illness or simply because you’re too drained to face the workday.

In short, stress is a disruptor. It chips away at your well-being, leaving you less capable, less focused, and less effective at work. Understanding these impacts is the first step toward managing stress, so you can keep your body, mind, and energy levels in check.

Delaying a task provides you with the necessary time to mentally process and plan your approach.

Delaying a task to avoid stress can be a smart and strategic move—if done thoughtfully. Here’s how you can do it efficiently and what to consider when stress management is the goal:

How to Delay a Task to Manage Stress:

By postponing a stressful task, you can temporarily lower your stress levels.

Approaching a task with a calmer mindset can lead to better performance.

Use the time you procrastinate to engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

Listening to what your mind and body need isn’t just a luxury—it’s a way to maintain productivity and mental health over the long haul. Let’s break down how indulging in your favorite series, taking a nap, going for a walk, or switching tasks can be completely justified, especially when you’re delaying a task to manage stress.

1. Catching Up on Your Favorite Series:

Engaging with something you enjoy, like an episode of your favorite show, provides a mental reset. It allows your brain to shift gears, giving you a break from stress-inducing tasks. The narrative of a good show can immerse you, pulling your mind away from work stress and allowing it to relax and recover.
Often, creativity strikes when you least expect it. Immersing yourself in a different world, even for a short time, can spark new ideas or solutions for the task you’ve delayed. It’s not just procrastination—it’s a way to let your subconscious work on the problem in the background.

2. Taking a Nap:

A nap, especially one between 10-20 minutes (the power nap), can drastically improve your alertness, mood, and cognitive function. If stress is making you lethargic or less confident, a nap should recharge your mental batteries, making you more effective when you return to the task.
Sleep is one of the best ways to manage stress. Delaying a task to catch some rest is you prioritizing your well-being, which is essential for long-term productivity. When you wake up, you’ll likely find that the task feels (a lot) less daunting.

3. Going for a Walk:

A walk, particularly in nature, has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance creativity. Walking also helps release tension in your body, which might be contributing to your stress. It’s a way to physically step away from the task and return with a clearer head.
Walking gives your mind a break from focused thinking, but it also allows for a kind of subconscious processing. You might find that solutions or new ideas come to you naturally while you’re moving.

4. Switching to a Different Task:

Productivity Through Diversion: Sometimes, the best way to deal with a stressful task is to work on something else entirely. This could be another work-related task that’s less demanding or a completely unrelated hobby or chore. It’s a way to stay productive while giving your mind the break it needs from the main stressor.
Stress Diversion: Shifting focus to a different task, particularly one that you enjoy or find relaxing, can serve as a stress reliever. It keeps you engaged and productive, but without the pressure that’s causing the stress in the first place. When you return to the original task, you’ll do so with renewed energy.

“Not Now” Stress Avoiding, Justified

Your mind and body are deeply interconnected. What benefits one often benefits the other. By listening to what you need—whether it’s rest, entertainment, or physical activity—you’re honoring that connection and setting yourself up for sustained productivity and well-being.
You’re not a machine. Constantly pushing through stress without taking breaks can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even more stress. Short, intentional breaks help maintain long-term productivity and mental health.
Delaying a task to engage in something restorative isn’t about avoiding work—it’s about ensuring that when you do work, it’s your best effort. Better to delay and do a task well than to rush through it poorly because you’re too stressed to focus.

So yes, it’s not just justified—it’s smart. Whether it’s a nap, a walk, an episode of your favorite show, or switching tasks, these breaks can be essential for managing stress, preserving your energy, and ultimately delivering your best work.

“Give yourself enough time to get things done so you don’t feel stressed”.
– The Lazy Coin

Procrastination for better decisions.

The “Not now” system of approaching work allows you to gather more information and consider different angles and alternatives for more informed and thoughtful execution no matter how often it gets a bad rap.

“Not now-ing” can actually serve as a tool for better decision-making—if used correctly.

How?

1. Incubation of Ideas:

Subconscious Processing| When you put something off for later, your mind continues to work on the problem in the background, even if you’re not actively thinking about it. This is known as the incubation effect. By stepping away from the task, you give your brain time to subconsciously process information, explore different angles, and generate new insights. When you finally return to the task, you might find that you’ve come up with a better approach or solution than if you’d forced yourself to decide right away.

2. Pressure-Induced Clarity:

Prioritization Under Pressure| As the deadline approaches, procrastination can create a sense of urgency that forces you to cut through unnecessary details and focus on what truly matters. This pressure can actually sharpen your decision-making by making it clear which aspects of the task are most important and which can be simplified or discarded.
Quick, Decisive Thinking| Sometimes, having less time to make a decision can actually lead to better outcomes. When time is limited, you’re less likely to overthink and more likely to trust your instincts, which can be beneficial for making practical and effective decisions.

3. Avoiding Premature Decisions:

Preventing Hasty Choices| Procrastination allows you to avoid making decisions too early, before you have all the necessary information or have fully thought through the consequences. By delaying, you give yourself time to gather more data, consider alternatives, and reflect on the best course of action. This can lead to more informed and balanced decisions.
Allowing for Evolving Ideas| Sometimes, the best decision isn’t immediately obvious. By procrastinating, you allow your ideas to evolve and mature. What might seem like a good decision at first could reveal itself as flawed upon further reflection, so taking the time to let your thoughts develop can lead to a better outcome.

4. Stress Management and Decision-Making:

Reduced Decision Fatigue| Constantly making decisions, especially under stress, can lead to decision fatigue, where your ability to make good choices diminishes over time. Procrastinating gives your brain a break, helping to reduce decision fatigue and ensuring that when you do make a decision, it’s not compromised by mental exhaustion.
Improved Mood and Clarity| Sometimes, delaying a task to engage in a relaxing activity (like watching a show, taking a walk, or even napping) can put you in a better mood and clear your mind. A positive mindset is crucial for good decision-making, as it allows you to approach problems with more creativity, optimism, and clarity.

5. Cross-Pollination of Ideas:

Learning from Other Tasks| When you procrastinate on one task by working on another, you might encounter new ideas, strategies, or solutions that can be applied to the original task. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to more innovative and well-rounded decisions.
Building Momentum| Sometimes procrastinating on a difficult task by completing smaller, easier tasks first can build momentum and confidence. This can lead to better decision-making when you finally return to the challenging task, as you approach it with a sense of accomplishment and increased mental readiness.

6. Evaluating True Motivation and Importance:

Assessing Task Value| Procrastination can help you clarify why you’re avoiding a task. Are you procrastinating because the task isn’t actually that important? Or because you’re unsure about the best course of action? This reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of your priorities, helping you make better decisions not just on the task at hand, but across the board.
Understanding Underlying Issues| Sometimes procrastination is a sign that something about the task isn’t sitting right with you. Maybe there’s an ethical dilemma, or perhaps the task conflicts with your values or goals. By delaying, you give yourself time to explore these feelings and make decisions that are more aligned with your true intentions.

A person is a lot more likely to put off tasks when they struggle to stay focused.

Constant distraction is, honestly, frustrating, and while common causes like lack of sleep or distractions are well-known, there are several less obvious culprits that can significantly impact your ability to concentrate.

1. Cognitive Overload:

Information Fatigue: Today, constantly absorbing new data can drain your mental energy. This overload can make it difficult to focus on tasks that require sustained attention because your brain is busy processing and filtering vast amounts of information.
Decision Fatigue: Making too many decisions, even small ones, can exhaust your mental energy. When your brain is tired from constant decision-making, it can become much harder to focus on tasks that require careful thought or analysis.

2. Unresolved Emotional Baggage:

Lingering Emotions: Unaddressed emotions—like anxiety, anger, or sadness—can quietly drain your mental energy and make it tough to concentrate. You might not even be fully aware of these feelings, but they can still impact your ability to stay focused.
Emotional Avoidance: Sometimes, avoiding uncomfortable emotions or thoughts can lead to mental resistance. If your brain is busy dodging these feelings, it has less capacity to focus on other tasks.

3. Sensory Overload:

Subtle Environmental Distractions: Background noises, cluttered spaces, or even certain lighting conditions can subtly disrupt focus. These distractions often operate just below the level of conscious awareness, making it difficult to identify them as the root cause of your struggle to stay focused.
Sensory Sensitivity: People with heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli (like light, sound, or texture) may find it harder to focus, especially in environments that aren’t designed with their needs in mind. Even something as simple as an uncomfortable chair can be a distraction.

4. Digital Fatigue:

Screen Fatigue: Spending too much time on screens—whether for work or leisure—can lead to digital fatigue, characterized by tired eyes, headaches, and reduced attention span. The constant flicker and blue light of screens can strain your eyes and make it harder to focus on anything that isn’t a screen.
Social Media Overuse: Even if you’re not currently using social media, the habit of constantly checking updates can condition your brain for short bursts of information, making it difficult to focus on more sustained, in-depth tasks.

5. Nutritional Imbalances:

Blood Sugar Fluctuations: What you eat can have a profound impact on your ability to focus. A diet high in sugar or refined carbs can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can make you feel sluggish or jittery and impair your focus.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, iron, or magnesium can affect brain function and make it harder to concentrate. For example, Omega-3s are crucial for brain health, and a deficiency can lead to cognitive decline.

6. Hormonal Fluctuations:

Cortisol Imbalances: Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which, over time, can impair cognitive functions like memory and focus. If your cortisol levels are consistently high, it might be much harder to stay focused on tasks.
Thyroid Issues: An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause concentration problems. Hypothyroidism, for instance, is often accompanied by brain fog and sluggishness, while hyperthyroidism might lead to anxiety and an inability to focus.

7. Lack of Purpose or Motivation:

Existential Drift: If you’re feeling disconnected from your work or unsure about its purpose, it can be incredibly hard to stay focused. This lack of meaning or engagement can make even simple tasks feel daunting.
Boredom: Sometimes, tasks aren’t stimulating enough to keep your brain engaged. Chronic boredom can lead to difficulty focusing because your mind craves something more challenging or fulfilling.

8. Unrecognized Cognitive Biases:

Perfectionism: The desire to get everything exactly right can lead to procrastination, which is often mistaken for a lack of focus. In reality, it’s the fear of making mistakes that’s causing the delay.
Fear of Failure: Similarly, if you’re worried about failing at a task, your mind might subconsciously resist focusing on it to avoid the potential negative outcome.

9. Underlying Health Issues:

Chronic Pain or Discomfort: If you’re dealing with chronic pain, even low-level discomfort, it can be a constant drain on your mental resources, making it hard to focus on anything else.
Undiagnosed ADHD or Other Cognitive Conditions: Some people struggle with focus because of undiagnosed conditions like ADHD, which affects the brain’s executive functions, including attention, memory, and self-regulation.

10. Mental Fatigue from Overcommitting:

Overcommitment: Juggling too many responsibilities can lead to mental fatigue, making it harder to focus on any single task. When your brain is spread too thin across multiple obligations, it becomes difficult to give adequate attention to any one task.

These remind us that focus isn’t just a matter of willpower, the understanding and addressing of which will help you regain control over your focus and productivity.

What’s more, in conclusion, when a task’s standards can be easily met, later genuinely suffices, for producing something that meets or potentially exceeds expectations.

When you finally start the “not now” task, being free of other more pressing concerns can create a heightened sense of focus and concentration, often referred to as “the flow state”.

Alternatively, if your reason for putting the task off was so you could get the less serious tasks out of the way, the same heightened sense of focus is easier achieved.

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“Not Now” Systems of Efficacy