If you ask any person that is inclined to procrastinate on nearly everything they do: “Is being lazy actually worth it?” I’m sure they will be able to recount many instances where procrastination has benefited them in some respect. Maybe procrastination lead to them getting a good deal on that brand new shiny toy, or they got a good discount on their flights and hotel fees for their holidays.

I would tend to agree that procrastinating can have it’s benefits; though in reflection it is clear there is little information backing the choice to hold back on making the decision or doing the task. The success’ are little more than an eclectic blend of pure luck and prior experience of procrastinating in that specific field; therefore the procrastinator is applying no other method than trial and error. This raises the question: how many times for every success have there been failures? Furthermore, what does the individual perceive as a failure? (i.e. were they aware of the risks? And were they prepared for the possible negative outcome?)

As with most things, proactivity and procrastination can be measured on a scale ranging from black to white with a large portion of grey in between. I think it’s quite clear that being at either poll would be a very bad place to be indeed. Extreme proactivity in all manners removes any level of surprise or spontaneity. It will take an inordinate length of time to exhaustively research each possible outcome as the result of a specific decision. This can be a self destructive mindset, hence my reasoning behind placing this type into the ‘very bad place to be’ category. For the individual that puts off all decisions for another day, paying a credit card for instance, the reasons are clear as to why this mindset should be categorised, as above, with the extreme pro-activist in the ‘very bad place to be’.

Balance is the key. Understand the risks, make sure that by procrastinating you have a good chance of being at an advantage. As a buyer, it can be a fantastic tool that should always be at your disposal. By threatening to pull out of a deal you place a greater emphasis on the commercial viability of the offer on the table. By all means, the decision to hold back must be weighed up, there will always be a risk, in this case the the seller may call your bluff.

I can really only conclude that a healthy balance between both proactivity and procrastination is the best path. A little information can go an incredibly long way, be a proactive procrastinator!