Procrastination gets a bad rap. Okay, let’s first acknowledge that not all procrastination is created equal. Procrastinating treating an exploding appendix is a bad idea. I am not talking about that. I am talking about putting something off because, well, there are other things needing attention now – that’s you, sock drawer.
Yet even this can be divided. One is when we put off what is genuinely not a priority and may never get due attention. To this procrastination I say, “quite right!” If it’s not a priority, better to put time and effort into what is more important or more pleasant. Good for us for having priorities so let’s work on not beating ourselves up about it.
The other is procrastinating what really does need to get done, but gets put off anyway. I have had many clients berate themselves for not doing what they “should.” They use words like “lazy, disorganized, incompetent, pathetic” If this is you, I say “Halt!” Before you look at your actions with a deprecating eye, consider what’s getting in the way. Is it unpleasant? Does it feel like too big a task? Are you not sure exactly how to do it well? Something else?
A good dose of procrastination could help address these things. Procrastination creates urgency which triggers adrenaline. Adrenaline is an awesome hormone that can give us focus and speed. It helps in the moment to triage where to put effort and can ignite some amazing creativity and problem solving.
But relying on procrastination alone is risky. Nowhere in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People does he suggest procrastination is a way to success. Adrenaline surges can be unreliable. I love my adrenaline bursts and I have a glorious portfolio of business insights, innovations and well composed and expressed communications to back up their worth. What I don’t love is the anxiety that can [sometimes] build in the lead-up to them. Or in some cases, when the adrenaline doesn’t sustain, I end up doing a sloppy and exhausted job of it (that would be every packing job for every trip I have ever taken. Ever.)
The cost-benefit tradeoffs are very personal to each individual which is why I caution unilateral statements that procrastination is either good or bad. Are you still able to meet deadlines and produce quality work when you procrastinate? Do you procrastinate everything or only select things that need the extra oomph? And how do your methods impact those around you?
If you are someone who can only function in a pressured adrenaline surge, then perhaps take pause and consider if this is really working for you or if it is getting in the way of your other goals. Or if you are just tired of the adrenaline roller coaster, then perhaps it’s time to get off, and there are ways to build new habits. But for the rest of us, if you feel you gain more from procrastinating than you lose by it, then boldly go forth and proudly show off your wins, including that very well-organized sock drawer.