Last Wednesday, I heard about National Procrastination Day on a local NPR station.  Who knew there was a whole day committed to delaying the things we ought to do??  Then, the next day, I worked with a client who had to sit through 13 hours of industry specific classes – all in one day – because she hadn’t taken classes throughout the year. She didn’t look any worse for the wear and it was all wrapped up in less than one day (though she did have to reschedule her appointment with me to do that). 

Recently, CNN reported that “those who’ve put off making travel plans — out of economic fear, guilt or otherwise – may come out ahead as airlines, hotels and resorts continue to roll out screaming-good deals.”  Sounds like procrastination is paying off – big time.

So, can procrastination be good for you?  Does it help you build your “quick on your feet” skills?  Are you less stressed because you’re dealing with things in the moment?

Maybe when you delay working on your important projects to hang out with friends or go to the beach – or just do nothing at all – maybe you’re building up those endorphins and, therefore, making yourself happy and reducing stress??  Kinda like eating chocolate.

If you’re a person who thrives under pressure and enjoys the thrill of racing to meet the deadline AND you almost always meet those deadlines, is procrastination really that bad?  Is that kind of stress “good stress,” the motivation type of stress?

While I perform well under pressure, I much prefer having a flexible plan with timelines so I can keep myself on track.  Otherwise, I can get a bit ornery. Most times, I need a plan and not the “wing it” type of plan.  The nice folks at ListPlanIt agree with me. They say in their monthly e-newsletter that while “it requires a little bit of time, planning ahead can save you loads of time in the long run.”  They suggest that you “plan backward” from the deadline to figure out time frames and activities leading up to the deadline.

Planning works really for me.  What about you? …or the student cramming for final? …or the mom racing to make the doctor’s appointment?  …the average Joe or Jane who loves the “thrill of the chase?”  Does it matter?  

Should we all subscribe to the same “don’t procrastinate” rule of thumb?

What say you?

Related Articles

• 10 Ways To Give Yourself A Procrastination Inoculation (zenhabits.net)
• Procrastination: later is not always better (cbc.ca)