Procrastination Can Be A Superpower: An "Originals" Revelation

For as long as I can recall, I've worked best under pressure. From exam cramming to submitting a proposal just before the deadline, there’s something about a ticking clock that sharpens my focus. I always get things done, and done well, but I used to wonder if there was a better way. "Why not start sooner?" I’d ask myself. If that inner dialogue sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Then I read Adam Grant's "Originals," and something shifted. Grant challenges the notion that procrastination is inherently negative, suggesting it can actually fuel creativity. Suddenly, my lifelong habit started to feel validated.

Grant highlights how many innovators, from Leonardo da Vinci to Martin Luther King Jr., were known for their delays. They didn't rush into things; they let ideas simmer and evolve. This "delaying gratification," as Grant calls it, isn't inaction; it's a form of incubation.

Think about it: when we rush, we often grab the first solution that pops into our heads. But when we procrastinate strategically, we give ourselves time to explore alternatives, consider different angles, and ultimately, arrive at more innovative solutions.

Grant doesn't advocate for perpetual avoidance, of course. He distinguishes between harmful procrastination, which is simply putting things off, and strategic procrastination, which is about suspending action to allow time for deeper thought. It's about letting ideas marinate until they're truly ripe.

Another fascinating attribute often associated with this type of positive procrastinating personality is a greater inclination towards nonconformity. Procrastination, in certain instances, can manifest as a subtle, perhaps even unconscious, form of rebellion against external authority or against tasks that are perceived as unpleasant, unengaging, or fundamentally meaningless. Individuals who engage in strategic procrastination tend to be driven by a stronger sense of intrinsic motivation. They are more likely to follow their own internal compass, guided by their own values and insights, rather than blindly adhering to established routines or externally imposed expectations. This independent spirit can be a significant driver of original thought and action.

For me, this newfound perspective on procrastination has helped me be less critical of myself. I now recognize that the way I approach projects might be a sign that I’m wrestling with complex ideas, allowing them the necessary time to germinate and mature. 

Recognizing this potential has shifted my internal dialogue from self-reproach to curious observation of my own process. It’s about trusting that the initial delay might lead to a more insightful and original outcome than a rushed start. This doesn't excuse perpetual avoidance, but it reframes thoughtful postponement as a potential stage in the creative process.

For me personally, Grant's views on procrastination have given me permission to see my tendency to delay not as a failing, but as a creative asset. Perhaps, just perhaps, my best ideas are still brewing. And maybe, just maybe, yours are too.

Stacy Weller Ranieri’s opinions are her own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.