A lot of people believe that entrepreneurs are relentless hard workers that only sleep when it can somehow benefit their company. The stereotype of the overly ambitious startup founder comes from the inherently stressful nature of entrepreneurship. And while running your own business takes a lot of hard work, procrastination is just as much a part of the process as anything else.
While procrastinators get a bad name in everything from the classroom to the board room, the benefits are well-documented in everyone. From stress management to creative thinking, putting off work is sometimes the best way to get it done.
It Calms You Down
Yes, procrastination is often associated with undue stress. The fear of failure paired with the knowledge that you could’ve been working on your important endeavor is enough to cripple lesser entrepreneurs. However, the stress benefits of procrastination can do wonders for the future success of your startup. Particularly when you’re prone to freaking out.
The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, states that 80 percent of the effects comes from 20 percent of the cause. In entrepreneurial terms, 80 percent of your stress will come from 20 percent of your hard work. Because procrastinators often work faster and for less time (because they put it off), their stress levels are notably lower than that of their diligent counterparts.
It Gives You Good Ideas
Focusing every ounce of energy on your startup can yield a lot of good ideas. Your perpetual hard work and your unflinching commitment to the cause not only makes for a successful startup, but also turns you into a better entrepreneur. But everyone gets a block every now and then. And without a little down time, you’ll burnout before you can even go to market. This is where procrastination comes in handy.
The Shower Principle, made famous by Jack Donaghy in the popular NBC show 30 Rock, states that you’re best ideas come when you aren’t even thinking about them. Giving yourself time to breath by partaking in a different activity, like showering, let’s your brain reset and relax long enough to come up with some of your best ideas.
It Helps You Keep Your Priorities Straight
Everyone has heard stories of the friend-less entrepreneur; founders that worked so hard to make their company a success that they alienated every friend, family member, and acquaintance in the pursuit of unicorn status. While this process has created some of the greatest minds in the world, Disney movies have shown on more than one occasion that this does not bode well for a happy life.
Procrastination can help quell some of these overworking tendencies. Go out for a drink with friends. Partake in a family dinner. Go on a blind date. If you’re a truly dedicated to being a well-rounded entrepreneur that is happy and successful, procrastination is a necessary tool.