Procrastination: a companion of every artist

According to the definition, procrastination is the voluntary postponement of something despite the negative consequences that may arise from it. I have personally struggled with this problem since early childhood, but lately I have been trying to accept it as "part of the game". Honestly, I believe that procrastination is the companion of every artist, as evidenced by the famous saying: "you cannot rush art".

However, even when you're doing something creative and are not subject to strict deadlines, the tendency to procrastinate can be very frustrating. A logical question arises: what leads to such a state in the first place? Ironically, some argue that procrastination and perfectionism go hand in hand. True, sometimes I feel that it is better not to start something if I am not sure if I will be able to finish. Likewise, I often have certain (high) expectations of myself regarding the quality of what I create. Although perfection might not exist, the perception of it varies greatly from person to person.

I have to admit that procrastination and inertia often make me feel uncomfortable and bad. With a lot of problems and unknowns around, it is very easy to lose focus and motivation. On the other hand, I have never been motivated by compulsions, deadlines, calendars, clocks, etc. This is one of the reasons why I try to make ends meet through music instead of doing some typical job or another. Of course, also for my primal love of creativity and art.

Procrastination often means distraction. Although it's not easy to get rid of that feeling of guilt when you're doing something else instead of what you should be doing, sometimes the distraction can get you back on track. I can testify that I often got a good idea or a renewed will to work after occupying myself for some time with other pleasant activities. For example, by reading, watching a movie, listening to music, spending time in nature, doing sports, or even doing household chores.

It seems that procrastination affects primarily those of us who have a more relaxed pace and lifestyle, but I suspect that it is very widespread among those with a far more usual routine. If nothing else, many spend quite a lot of time on social networks and in similar activities.

Art is only apparently the result of creative chaos and happy coincidences. Any quality work requires a lot of planning, organization, and self-discipline. However, when it becomes primarily something you "have to" instead of something you "want to", art ceases to be art. Therefore, artists should not feel bad about more or less frequent dangling around. This is exactly what makes us artists. ;)