How Procrastination can be a Good Thing

When most people think procrastination, we think LAZY… But it can be so so much more. This is how procrastination can be a good thing.

The other day we were listening to a podcast by Ted Radio Hour called “Slowing down”.

I am mainly talking about Adam Grant’s talk. He talked about how people that procrastinate are normally more creative. Their ideas are really thought through because they took longer to think about that one thing. Someone might not agree with this but listen to the talk then see what you think (please note that there are some really great ideas that come quickly). Here is the original video from Adam Grant’s talk:

Now as I was listening to this talk I started to think about money and the idea of procrastination with money. Would this work also?

I think YES and here is why…

WANT VS. NEED

We all want things (don’t deny it). And I have found in my own personal experience, that it is so so easy to buy that want if I don’t take the time to think about it first. If I don’t procrastinate…

So if you procrastinate that impulse buy and take the time to decide if it’s a want or a need. Is this item something you could not live without (aka: food)? I do this a lot but there are times when that really cool tool or equipment needs lots of procrastination to decide if it’s a want or a need. And normally it’s a want. If I happen to buy the item when it was a want they sometimes get used once or twice. Have you done this?

CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

One way you would save money is by not buying the item. But what if you procrastinate buying it at one store to see if there is a cheaper one at another store or maybe a better one for the same price?

I always do this, I normally have to look at at least 3 stores before buying an item plus I normally find it cheaper. And sometimes I get tired of looking because I figure out I don’t need it. This drove my husband crazy for a long time. But guess what? He does it now too because he sees the benefits. Have you ever purchased something and a couple of days or weeks later it comes on SALE? It has happened to me and it can be very frustrating…

FIND SOMETHING BETTER

There have been times when I needed to buy something but like I said earlier, I have to look around for the best price. But during this time a newer model comes out, a better model. Has this happened to you? Or maybe the other way?

SIDE NOTE: Sometimes when this happens the other model goes on sale which can save you money!

PROCRASTINATION CAN BE A GOOD THING

I feel that it is always a good idea to take a step back and really think about what you are looking at purchasing. Whether it’s a couple of seconds, months, or maybe even years; it’s a smart idea to procrastinate an impulse buy! This has helped me countless times decide if something is a want or really a need.

Procrastination has helped me save money by shopping around or waiting for it to come on sale. It sometimes can even help you find a better option.

Now I love LOVE shopping this way but please note there have been times when I missed a really good deal on something because I took too long looking around. But even when this happens, it almost always turns out as a want for me. Giving me more time to save for that item until it comes on sale again!

In the long run, procrastination has saved us LOTS of money over the years and I believe it is the only way to shop! What are your thoughts? Do you procrastinate when shopping? Or do you hate the idea all together? Give it a try and maybe you will change your mind!