The Founder's Guide to Productive Procrastination: When Putting Things Off Is Actually Smart
Hey Guys,
Welcome back to Founder Mode!
Last week, Jason and I sat down with Rebecca Shufeldt to unpack what really slows healthcare down—and how to fix it. We dig into why “Go Live” isn’t the finish line, how AI at the front desk cuts denials and burnout, and why the win is to upskill great people, not replace them. If you touch EHRs, rev cycle, or clinic ops, this one’s a blueprint for turning tech into time back for patients.
- Make “Go Live” Day One: train, optimize, iterate
- Use AI on eligibility, referrals, and scheduling to prevent denials
- Build culture: empower teams so tools actually help
- We also touch on our new AI Voice Solution @ Pretty Good AI
🎧 Listen to Episode 21 here:
Moving forward to what I want to share today, here’s an interesting idea:
Putting things off might help you get more done. I call it productive procrastination. It’s about knowing when to wait and when to act. This way, you can get better outcomes instead of rushing into bad choices.
Procrastination often gets a bad rap. But when used wisely, it can boost clarity, creativity, and focus. It’s not about avoiding work—it’s about choosing the right work at the right time.
Here’s how I think about it and how you can turn procrastination into a productivity hack.
Why Delaying Can Be Smart
Sometimes the best way to solve a problem isn’t to attack it immediately. By stepping back, you give yourself:
- Perspective – You grasp the bigger picture. You don’t rush into quick fixes that only address part of the problem.
- Time for insight – Ideas often come when you aren’t forcing them. Taking a pause can lead to breakthroughs.
- Priority clarity – Waiting lets you pause and focus on what’s important. This way, your effort won’t be wasted.
- Batching — I group related tasks into one block (emails together, calls back-to-back, design reviews in a row). Fewer switches. More done.
Consider it a strategic delay. You’re not being lazy; you’re making room for better decisions.
Mini Sprint: Turn Procrastination Into Action
Here’s a quick way I turn “productive procrastination” into focused work sprints. I set a goal and a strict time frame to make progress while still giving my brain a chance to reset.
Example Goal: "I have three hours, and I want to work on improving my product roadmap." -simple prompt I gave ChatGPT to make a little schedule, something like:
Step 1: Break it down into sprints
- 20–25 minutes of focused work
- 5-minute bio break (stretch, hydrate, move around)
-
Quick 2-Minute Exercise:
- Do jumping jacks
- Try push-ups
- Take a walk around the office
Step 2: Repeat
- Check your progress after each sprint. Then, adjust your next session.
- Use the bio break to refresh your energy, not scroll social media.
This method keeps your brain active, your body moving, and your focus high. You’re turning delay into a focused, powerful session. Now, you’re not just drifting aimlessly.
How to Make It Work for You
- Pick one important task – Focus on what matters, not on small details.
- Set a timer – Short sprints prevent burnout and keep urgency high.
- Use breaks wisely – Move, stretch, or meditate. Avoid passive distractions. Fix posture! :)
- Reflect briefly – At the end of each sprint, ask, “Did I make progress?”
- Productive procrastination means being flexible – It’s not about sticking to one way.
This method helps founders plan strategies. It also aids in building teams and solving problems in new ways. It turns “I don’t feel like it” into structured energy that produces real results.
5 Key Takeaways
- Productive procrastination is when you hold off on tasks to improve your choices down the line.
- Stepping back gives you a better view. It helps you see what's important and gain clarity.
- Break work into sprints of 20–25 minutes. Include short movement and bio breaks.
- Focus on one meaningful task at a time to maximize impact.
- Use reflection after each sprint to adapt and stay on track.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, doing nothing can be a form of action. It just needs to be intentional. Productive procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s strategic thinking in motion.
Take time to reflect. This lets you choose wisely, generate great ideas, and keep your energy up. Next time you feel bad for putting off a task, keep this in mind: it might lead to a breakthrough.
I encourage you to try the sprint method today. Choose one task, set your timer, and get moving between sprints. You’ll see how much you can achieve without feeling exhausted.
Keep building,
See you next week,
-kevin
Recent Social Posts
Recent Podcasts
Catch up on past emails here.
2810 N Church St #87205, Wilmington, DE 19802
Unsubscribe · Preferences
