Why You Need Procrastination to Get Better

Today, I want to look into something wildly counterintuitive: Why You Need Procrastination to Get Better. Yeah, you heard that right—procrastination, that thing we’ve all been told is the enemy of progress, might just be your secret weapon for growth, creativity, and even success. 

Now, we’ve all heard the usual spiel: “Stop procrastinating! Get organized! Do it now!” But what if I told you that putting things off—yes, deliberately delaying—can actually make you better at what you do? I know, it sounds crazy, but stick with me. Today, I’m going to share three surprising ways procrastination can be a game-changer: it sparks creativity, it sharpens decision-making, and it builds resilience.

By the way if know nothing about procrastination read this: Overcoming Procrastination

Point 1: Procrastination Sparks Creativity

First up, let’s talk about creativity. You know that moment when you’re staring at a blank page or a looming deadline, and instead of diving in, you… scroll through social media, reorganize your desk, or maybe take a walk? That’s procrastination, sure, but it’s also your brain’s way of brewing something brilliant.

Here’s the deal: when you procrastinate, your mind doesn’t just shut off. It’s working in the background, making connections you wouldn’t have seen if you’d forced yourself to start right away. Psychologists call this the incubation period—a fancy term for letting your ideas simmer. Studies, like one from the University of Wisconsin, show that people who delay tasks often come up with more creative solutions because their brains have time to wander, connect random dots, and think outside the box.

Think about it: some of the best ideas in history came from people who weren’t rushing. J.K. Rowling dreamed up Harry Potter while staring out a train window, not forcing herself to write. Procrastination gives your brain permission to play, to explore, to stumble across ideas that a rigid schedule might squash. So, next time you’re putting off that project, don’t feel guilty—your brain might just be cooking up something extraordinary.

Point 2: Procrastination Sharpens Decision-Making

Procrastination can actually make you a better decision-maker. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t procrastination just avoiding decisions?” Not quite. When you delay action, you’re often giving yourself space to gather more information, weigh your options, and avoid impulsive mistakes.

Let’s say you’re working on a big presentation, and instead of jumping into the slides, you keep mulling it over, maybe chatting with a colleague or skimming some articles. That delay isn’t laziness—it’s your brain collecting data, refining your approach. Research from Columbia University backs this up: people who take longer to make decisions often make better ones because they’ve had time to process and prioritize.

And here’s the thing: procrastination can act like a filter. When you put off a task, you’re forced to focus on what’s truly important when the deadline finally looms. Ever notice how you get a burst of clarity when time’s running out? That’s procrastination helping you cut through the noise and zero in on what matters. So, instead of beating yourself up for delaying, see it as a strategic pause that’s setting you up for smarter choices.

Point 3: Procrastination Builds Resilience

Now, for our third and final point: procrastination can make you tougher. It builds resilience—the ability to bounce back, adapt, and thrive under pressure. How? Well, think about what happens when you procrastinate. You push a task to the last minute, and suddenly, you’re in crunch mode. Your heart’s racing, the clock’s ticking, and you’ve got to deliver. And you know what? Most of the time, you do.

That’s not just luck—that’s you training your mental muscles. Every time you pull off a task under pressure, you’re proving to yourself that you can handle stress, think on your feet, and get things done even when the odds feel stacked against you. Over time, that builds confidence and grit. It’s like a workout for your willpower.

And let’s be real: life isn’t a perfectly planned to-do list. Things go wrong, deadlines shift, and chaos happens. Procrastination teaches you to roll with the punches, to adapt, and to trust yourself to come through. So, in a weird way, those late-night scrambles are making you stronger, more capable, and ready for whatever life throws your way.

So, there you have it—three reasons why procrastination isn’t the villain we’ve been taught to fear. It sparks creativity, sharpens your decisions, and builds resilience. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying you should procrastinate everything or let deadlines pile up until you’re a stressed-out mess. The key is to use procrastination wisely. Let it be a tool, not a trap.

Next time you catch yourself putting something off, ask yourself: Is my brain trying to tell me something? Do I need a moment to think, to explore, to prepare? Embrace those pauses as part of your process, not a flaw in your character. You might just find that procrastination is helping you grow, create, and get better.

Thanks for stopping by and If you found this helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it, drop a comment or share your story. Connect with me on socials. Tell me what you’re working on, did this post flip your perspective? I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, keep thinking, keep growing, and maybe… keep procrastinating, just a little.