Procrastination is often painted as the villain in our daily struggle for productivity, a habit to be eradicated by those aspiring to achieve greatness.
Every time a person I am coaching introduces the topic, admitting to being a procrastinator, they do it shamefully, asking to be "cured" of what is generally considered a problem.
But… is it really?
I am a procrastinator, and I don't think I have performed poorly so far (am I biased?)
So, what makes procrastination a demon to be exorcised?
The Yin and Yang in Procrastination
The common understanding is that procrastination is wrong because it leaves no margin of error and can impact a product's or task's quality, thus negatively affecting reputation and profits. It also increases anxiety and stress.
And yet, notable people like Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, J.K. Rowling, Martin L. King, and many others are known to wait until the last minute to deliver (and sometimes wholly miss the deadlines).
These examples show that there is a silver lining and, therefore, a (blurred) distinction between procrastination's negative and positive sides exists. I am not the only one who believes so. In his insightful work, Adam Grant, a well-known organizational psychologist and bestselling author, argues that procrastination can catalyze innovation and creativity.
This line lies in the intentionality of procrastination, where intentionality is a combination of awareness and control of this particular trait.
The Case for Procrastination
Imagine yourself staring at a blank sheet of paper, willing inspiration to strike. The pressure mounts, and frustration sets in because of forcing the creative process, which can stifle imagination.
Procrastination, in a sense, allows for incubation. You let your subconscious mull over the problem by stepping away from the task at hand. This mental break can lead to unexpected insights and creative solutions that wouldn't have emerged under constant pressure.
Think of it like a good ragù sauce. It takes four hours to cook because the flavors need time to meld and develop, resulting in a richer, tastier final product.
Also, some individuals thrive under pressure. At the beginning of my coaching career, one of my friends volunteered to be a guinea pig in my practice, and he adamantly admitted that he works better when deadlines are approaching. In his case, the looming time limit becomes a potent motivator, sparking creative energy.
This "deadline effect" can lead to innovative solutions and a laser focus on completing the task. By waiting until the last minute, you can force yourself to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to complete the task within a limited timeframe.
Procrastination is also a subconscious rebellion against perfectionism, which is a potential creativity killer. The fear of failure can paralyze individuals, preventing them from taking risks and exploring new ideas.
Individuals may feel less pressure to achieve immediate perfection by delaying the start of a project. This can lead to a more playful and experimental approach, allowing them to explore different avenues and stumble upon unexpected creative gems.
There is another aspect to consider. When an individual procrastinates while involved in activities unrelated to the task, these seemingly counterproductive habits can be a source of unexpected inspiration. Reading a book, taking a walk in nature, or engaging in a stimulating conversation can expose you to new ideas and perspectives, sparking connections and fostering creative solutions that wouldn't have emerged if you had stayed focused on the original task.
Yes but…
Now that we have exposed the case for procrastination, let's remember that it is essential to distinguish between productive, intentional procrastination and chronic procrastination. The latter leads to stress, anxiety, and, ultimately, subpar work with potential negative impacts on many levels.
There is another distinction to make: procrastination without a deadline can lead to inaction. Let's say you want to learn how to play the guitar yourself. There are probably no time limits because it is something for you, and if you keep procrastinating, you will never do it.
The key is to be self-aware and understand how you work best because procrastination is not suitable for everyone, especially those who are typically more anxious.
A few tips
If you are willing to try, here are some tips for harnessing the potential benefits of procrastination without falling into its pitfalls:
Establish a flexible timeline for the time you'll need to complete the task under pressure.
Recognize the situations or emotions that make you procrastinate and develop strategies to manage them.
Have clarity on what you must do to accomplish the task and prioritize the steps.
Organize your workspace to minimize distractions.
Acknowledge and celebrate even small accomplishments to stay motivated.
Share your goals and deadlines with someone you trust. Regular check-ins can provide additional motivation to stay on task.
Hire a coach that could help you fruitfully manage procrastination.
Conclusion
Procrastination is a gentle yet dangerous dance between action and inaction, where there is a rhythm that can potentially lead to extraordinary creativity and innovation. The challenge and opportunity lie in finding that balance, allowing procrastination to serve not as a roadblock but as a detour on the path to creative discovery.
To unlock the potential benefits of procrastination while mitigating its pitfalls, all you need is self-awareness and conscious utilization.
Share in the comments - without procrastinating: how do you feel when you wait to accomplish a task until the deadline is dangerously close?
PS: there is a fun TED talk by Tim Urban on procrastination. Check it out:
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