Why “Procrastinating on Purpose” Might Be Exactly What Your Clinic Needs

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we manage our time in the clinic, and I recently came across Rory Vaden’s idea of “Procrastinate on Purpose.” At first, it made me laugh—because procrastination is usually the thing we’re all trying to avoid. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how much sense it makes for veterinary medicine.

Here’s the idea: not everything has to be done right now. Some tasks actually get easier, clearer, or even unnecessary if we wait.

The key is knowing when you’re avoiding something out of stress versus when you’re making a smart, intentional choice to put it off. Rory talks about something called the Focus Funnel, and it’s been so helpful for me in thinking through what deserves my attention each day:

1. Eliminate – Does it really need to be done at all?
2. Automate – Can a system or technology handle this instead?
3. Delegate – Is there someone on the team who could take this on?
4. Procrastinate on Purpose – Is it important but not urgent? Then schedule it for later so you can focus now.
5. Concentrate – If it’s urgent and important, give it your full attention.

In real life, this could mean:

1. Eliminating those forms no one ever uses.
2. Automating reminders so your team doesn’t have to call every single client.
3. Delegating history-taking to a tech or assistant so you can step straight into the exam.
4. Procrastinating on purpose by waiting until the training schedule slows down before tackling a big inventory overhaul.
5. Concentrating by dropping everything to deal with an emergency case.

What I love about this framework is that it gives us permission to stop treating everything as equally urgent. It’s not about avoiding responsibility—it’s about protecting your focus for what matters most.

So here’s my challenge to you (and honestly, to myself, too): What’s one thing on your plate right now that could go through the Focus Funnel — and maybe even be delayed on purpose so you can give your best energy to the right things today? I’d love to hear what comes to mind for you. Sometimes just naming it out loud brings so much clarity.