The Benefits of Procrastination

Posted by Sarah Turner Mar 26, 2008

I am a procrastinator. I always have been, and I probably always will be. Some people tell me this is a problem: they propose cognitive behavioral therapy or elaborate work schedules to cure me. The trouble is, I'm not convinced it's all bad.

First of all, so much gets done when I'm avoiding a writing project. I do laundry, scrub the floors, and clean the cupboards. I get a sudden urge to bake and end up churning out pies and cookies like a pro. I organize my first aid kit and replace the light bulb in the storage closet.

My productivity on everything but writing is astounding.

Second, when I finally do sit down in front of my computer to do what must be done (usually just hours before the deadline) I find that some of the work has already been done for me. Somehow, while I've been busy baking and scrubbing and walking the city streets, my brain has been busy processing the project I was avoiding. The writing comes easier.

I'm not prescribing procrastination. Sometimes it's just an excuse to not work and it can be damaging to your writing career. If you are unhappy about being a procrastinator, there are strategies that can help you.

But I truly believe that sometimes stepping away from your writing to do something else can be just what you, and your writing, need.

If not, at least you'll have clean floors.