Every week for at least a year, I’ve written a weekly email called One Thing Thursday – it’s a reflection on life, work, what I’m learning, packaged in a story of sorts.
Some of you know this already, but 8 out of 10 of them, I write the day they go out. Usually, a 5 am coffee-fueled exercise.
I sit down, think about what’s been on my mind or in my week, and write.
But what about those Thursdays when life is uh… full?
A few Thursdays ago, I had to be at a TV station early for a client’s interview segment.
The night before? Client dinner.
The night before? Client dinner.
The days before that? Nonstop.
Zero margins. No quiet morning. No creative window. And no stash of pre-written One Things to dust off and send.
That’s when I thought, instead of One Thing Thursday, we could make it a First Thing Friday – to buy me some time (and maybe get a laugh). Why do today what you could put off until tomorrow?
In the end, I couldn’t admit defeat in the face of a deadline.
Instead, I dictated my thoughts into the notes on my phone. I made edits later in the day and got it out for 6 pm delivery (thanks to the lovely team who formats and sends it for me). At least it still made it out on Thursday.
And so you might ask, why do I do this to myself? There’s something about a deadline.
When inspiration strikes. When there’s no more room for contemplation.
It forces that back-against-the-wall kind of focus. And makes it more fun, in general.
I know not all of us are wired this way, but for me…it’s kind of precondition for enjoying the process and maybe the quality of the outcome? You tell me.
Which brings us (finally) to today’s topic: procrastination
Is it ever a good thing? Turns out … yes!
The case for…
- Procrastination isn’t always laziness.
Psychologists distinguish between active and passive procrastination. Passive is avoidance. But active procrastination? It’s when people choose to delay because they believe they’ll do better under pressure. And for some, it works.
Chu & Choi (2005) coined the term active procrastinators, people who intentionally delay tasks and still achieve productive outcomes.
- Deadlines can trigger flow.
That last-minute crunch can actually unlock flow states, heightened focus, creativity, and productivity, especially for people with a high tolerance for urgency or risk.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research on flow highlights how challenge and urgency can help create the mental conditions for it.
See…I knew I was onto something.
But that’s not all. The case against…
Procrastination isn’t always harmless.
Chronic procrastination is linked to stress, anxiety, and lower well-being. The key? Knowing whether your delay is a strategy or a symptom.
Dr. Tim Pychyl (Carleton University) says procrastination is often emotion regulation, not time management. We delay to avoid discomfort, not just to buy time.
I found this fascinating. The same article cites a 2013 study, Dr. Pychyl and Dr. Sirois found that procrastination is less about poor planning and more about mood repair. We delay tasks to avoid negative emotions at the moment, even if it costs us later.
Doh! I definitely do that.
To all the keeners, the planners, and checklist champions: don’t go judging your friends and colleagues. Not all procrastination is bad.
And to my fellow procrastinators: just know how you roll. Is your delay in service or sabotage?
Me? I live somewhere in between.
I love the energy of the eleventh hour AND the sweet, sweet calm of hanging out with the early birds. In fact, this email? Ironically, done and dusted five days ago.
Yes, I’m just as surprised as you.
And now I have 2 delivery windows to work towards. I promise not to start sending Something Saturdays anytime soon.
New to One Thing Thursdays?
Each week, I share something I’m learning, living, or working out in real time. It’s part storytelling, part reflection. I hope there’s something in it for you too.
Mary
P.S. We help visionary leaders and organizations achieve more impact through purpose, engagement and storytelling. When you’re ready, here’s how we can help:
- Build the story of your impact through Envision OnPrpose™
- Energize your people’s potential from the inside out with Engage OnPrpose™
- Amplify your industry voice through Influence OnPrpose™
- Develop purpose-driven leaders and storytellers with Influential Leaders Circle™