Meet Marination – Procrastination’s Lesser-Known Cousin by Pat Rullo
In a previous post, author DC Eastman shared his thoughts about procrastination. As a sometimes fellow procrastinator, I pondered his words and wondered – do I procrastinate, or do I marinate? And what are the differences between the two?
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, often until the last minute, while marination refers to allowing something to sit and develop over time, such as allowing meat to soak in a marinade before cooking it.
Procrastination involves purposely putting things off, which can cause stress for some. But for others, procrastinating works. Some people do their best work at the last minute. I’ve been known to produce some grand results at the eleventh hour. So am I simply procrastinating, or am I allowing my thoughts to marinate?
Procrastination and marination both involve delaying tasks. Procrastination is often viewed as a negative behavior, sometimes associated with anxiety, while marination is a positive process that can lead to better outcomes. Perhaps procrastination is an unwanted ‘tendency,’ whereas marination is a more deliberate approach to getting things done. It involves taking the time to let something develop before taking any action. For example, thinking through a problem before deciding can lead to a better outcome. Allowing an idea to establish before sharing it can lead to a more refined and polished final product. Marination can be a slower process than procrastination and may lead to higher-quality work and better long-term results. On the other hand, those who marinate may need to challenge themselves to take more decisive action and make quicker decisions to avoid getting bogged down in analysis paralysis.
When it comes to writing, marinating on an idea can be seen as a strategic move as it provides writers with insight into how to approach their writing and engage with their characters.
Ernest Hemingway, the legendary novelist, once said, “I would stand and look out over the roofs of Paris and think, ‘Do not worry. You have always written before, and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” Hemingway is known for taking time and exploring his environment before settling down to write. He used the time and space to garner inspiration and ideas for his writing.
As an author, it’s common to encounter moments when you get stuck in your writing, whether because you’re unsure of the next sentence or the direction of your story. This could be an opportunity to marinate on an idea or procrastinate. It would be wise to make that decision consciously.
I think the difference between marinating and procrastinating is the effort, discipline, and the ultimate progress made. Marinating on an idea involves a strategic pause, allowing you to gather insight, inspiration, and motivation to proceed with your writing. Meanwhile, procrastination is a long-term pause that can lead to delays and no progress. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize when you’re marinating on an idea and when you are simply procrastinating.
Either way, if you don’t want the negative connotation of being called a procrastinator, just tell everyone you’re marinating!
Thank you to DC Eastman for allowing me to procrastinate and write this Blogatini when I should be doing something else.
PR
