In Defense of Procrastination

By Margaret Lucke

“I used to just crastinate, but I got so good, I went pro.”
~ Seen on a T-shirt

My name is Margaret, and I am a procrastinator.

It’s 11:27 a.m. on Friday, and right now I am typing the first sentence of my post on time management for the Ladies of Mystery blog. The post is due to go live tonight at midnight. So I have twelve hours in which to get it written — and to accomplish all of the other items on my long to-do list for today.

It could be worse. If I had really perfected procrastination to a fine art, I’d be typing this at 11:27 p.m. on Friday instead of shortly before noon.

On the other hand, if I were any good at time management, I’d have written this post yesterday. Or last week. Or, hey, two months ago, like some of my fellow Ladies of Mystery, who are much more on top of their time than I am.

“Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.”
~ Spanish Proverb

Getting things done is simple, I’m told. You set priorities. You make lists. You break down a project into easily accomplished action steps. When I’ve tried doing that, I find it really works. As soon as I’ve finished my list, I make sure to take action on my next priority, which is to do a Sudoku puzzle, or take a walk in the fresh air, or make myself another cup of tea.  

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”
~ Mark Twain

I used to feel bad about being a procrastinator. That’s because procrastination is usually talked about as if it’s a bad thing – a sure road to missed opportunities, a certain sign of laziness and sloth. Those annoying people who are on top of all of their tasks sneer at the rest of us with disdain and disgust. Their intent is to make us feel guilty and anxious, and too often they succeed.

But I think that when I’m confronted with an important project, it’s a good thing to take some time for mental preparation and to approach the work with judicious care. It saves me from slapdash results. And sometimes, if I procrastinate long enough, it saves me from having to do the work at all. The situation changes, and the need is no longer there.

Calvin: “You can’t just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.”
Hobbes: “What mood is that?”
Calvin: “Last-minute panic.”
~ Bill Watterson

I was gratified not long ago when I heard a radio interview with Berkeley psychologist Mary Lamia, about her book What Motivates Getting Things Done: Procrastination, Emotions, and Success. Lamia explains that there are two types of people: task-driven types who feel uneasy and anxious when pending work is going undone, and deadline-driven folks who are not motivated to act until they “feel the heart-pounding terror of an imminent deadline.” And she contends that both types are equally capable of doing quality work and achieving success.

So there.

“Procrastinate now. Don’t put it off.”
~ Ellen De Generes