Yep, I’m a procrastinator. A highly successful procrastinator, or so I tell myself. The thing is, I use procrastination to my benefit. Really, it can be a good thing! No, really.
Not too long ago I put off writing a blog post because I needed a break. I got some much needed me time and I was inspired to write 17 Ways to give yourself a break. Procrastination not only gave me a break, it gave me a great idea for a post. See, procrastination can work to your benefit!
Now I’ve read a lot of articles that suggest procrastination is a very bad thing. Maybe it is for some or maybe society has got it all wrong- just look at multitasking and time management– they have their place but more often than not these tools are making life more work, not less! Maybe procrastination can be a hindrance or a benefit, depending on what you do with it.
5 Benefits of procrastination
01. Boosting inspiration, innovation, and creativity
I can’t force that “ah-ha” moment- it happens on it’s own time. In my experience the ah-ha usually comes when I’m doing something completely different- usually an activity that doesn’t require much brain power.
I often procrastinate while writing and, voila!, the words come on their own!
02. Improved decision-making
I’m a big believer in trusting my instincts but often my thinking gets in the way. Procrastination allows me to stop thinking about the decision in front of me and gives my instinct the opportunity to come to the forefront of my mind. Intuition will guide me to the best decision at the right time.
Also, procrastinators rarely make impulse purchases! That sounds like a good decision to me.
03. Better self-care
The stuff I procrastinate is usually the stuff of to-do lists- like errands and chores. The thing about to-do lists is I can trick myself into thinking all that stuff I have to do is more important than taking care of me. Often when I procrastinate a to-do, I use that time to take care of me. I take a nap, go for a walk, or just relax.
My kitty, Tiger, approves of procrastination that leads to more kitty-care, aka rubs and scratches!
04. A quieter mind
Speaking of to-do lists, it’s good for me to remember that I’m a human being, not a human doing. Sometimes I need to stop doing and just be. Just be in the moment. Just be here, now. Just do nothing at all!
“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” ~Marthe Troly-Curtin
05. Live a more meaningful life
Procrastinating helps me cut out the things I think about doing that don’t really need to be done. I focus on what’s important first and if I don’t get that other stuff done- so what? If it was actually important, I would have made it a priority and gotten it done. Ahh…. now I can focus on living a meaningful life instead of just a full life.
Image via DesignedWalls
I love your comments! Do you agree procrastination can be a good thing? What benefits have you enjoyed because of procrastination?