Not Every Delay Is Procrastination

If you’ve read any of my recent posts, you’d have figured out that being overwhelmed is something I feel too often. I’ve been sat in my study for almost 16 hours, doing one piece of work or the other. This led me to think, maybe procrastination has a good side to it? if I do not willingly stop working and go have a nap, I’d be on this desk for the next 12 hours because of the amount of work needed.

Procrastination is the act of postponing or delaying something. Are there times when we need to delay something or postpone it, possibly because it isn’t a high priority? or because we have a strong conviction to delay? Do we still categorise it as procrastination?

The life of Jesus is brought to mind as I write this, and I think of the time he was made aware that Lazarus was sick, the Bible doesn’t tell us he had anything important doing, meaning he delayed on purpose. Can we say he procrastinated? Or is it acceptable because he knew it’ll be better if he delayed, thereby giving God the glory through Lazarus’ resurrection?

People often talk about procrastination like it’s some bad spirit. Like it’s something we should rebuke and not accept at any cost, but maybe it has a healthy side to it. If we procrastinated based on calculated risks and priority, I think it’ll be an acceptable kind of delay. Or if God led us to delay an action because doing so will bring Him more glory, that can be wise too.

Whatever the case, I’m happily leaving everything I have to do now till a later time. Surely that is healthy procrastination.

I’m happy to hear from you, what are your thoughts on healthy procrastination?