Putting off tasks, be they menial or require much effort, can be viewed negatively by some. However, whether people like it or not, procrastination may have potential benefits.
According to the mental health information and news portal PsychCentral, procrastination may occur for the following reasons:
- Feeling overwhelmed.
- Perfectionism or fear of failure or criticism.
- Low self-esteem.
- A lack of time.
- A lack of interest.
- Distractions (such as phones and other digital devices).
- Mental health conditions (ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression if chronic).
However, research has shown that intentional stalling may not always be bad as it may produce positive results, states the above information hub.
Below are five surprising benefits of procrastination.
1. Helps conserve resources
Solving Procrastination (an information hub that helps people understand and overcome their procrastination) states that conserving resources due to reasons stemming from procrastination may lead to postponing a task that ends up being cancelled. “This is associated with the evolutionary concept of a fast life-history strategy, which prioritises immediate benefits over potential long-term ones, especially in the face of issues like uncertainty.”
2. Increases motivation
For some, delaying a task can be motivating. PsychCentral says, “A person who welcomes active procrastination might need a fast-approaching deadline to feel inspired.”
3. Requires efficiency
Leaving things for the last minute can have you working quicker to complete your task. PsychCentral states that this can be an advantage for those who thrive under pressure, adding, “They may spend less time completing a task because they don’t have time to waste.”
4. Gives you more time to think
This can be beneficial in various ways, notes Solving Procrastination. For example, procrastination can offer benefits by allowing time to gather and process information before making a decision.
5. More time to plan
“Putting off a task for a specific time may give you more time to plan and develop creative strategies,” explains PsychCentral. “You might come up with an idea or solution that you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.”
Also see: The importance of self-love
