Procrastination. This is a word that’s often wrapped in guilt and shame, as if it’s the villain in our lives. We’re told it’s the thing keeping us from reaching our potential, the thief of our time even. It’s painted as laziness, a bad habit we’re supposed to break, as if we’re failing every time we let ourselves put something off.
Honestly, I have an unpopular opinion: procrastination isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, it’s the one thing quietly protecting my peace.
We all know that feeling, the load of a thousand things we should be doing, the constant weight of the endless lists of tasks begging for our attention. The moment you find yourself scrolling through your phone or rearranging the same pile of papers for the fifth time, the guilt creeps in. You start hearing that voice: You’re falling behind. You’re being lazy. You’re not good enough. You can’t keep up.
It’s funny how we’ve come to see procrastination as this thing that needs to be fixed. I’m learning in my life that procrastination is often a gentle reminder that maybe I need a little more time to breathe, to think, and to gather my thoughts. In those moments when I’m putting something off, I’m not avoiding the work, but rather giving myself permission to pause and to remember that life is short and that there is so much more to it than constantly checking off the next thing on the list.
The truth is, we live in a world of constant motion.
We’re told we have to be busy all the time to prove our worth. But here’s what I’ve learned: Procrastination is not the enemy of productivity, but rather it is the protector of my sanity. It’s the space between the chaos and the chance to reset before diving in. It’s the whisper telling me to be gentle with myself, to recognize that not everything has to happen right this second.
As a mom, the to-do list is endless. Laundry, dishes, playdates, practices, games, meal planning, doctors’ visits, school functions…the list goes on. But here’s a little secret I’ve learned since becoming a single mom of four: Procrastinating isn’t so bad. Sometimes, I think procrastination is misunderstood. In the whirlwind of daily life, with a never-ending list of things to do, procrastination is the quiet rebel in me just sitting back, gently reminding me to slow down. And, honestly? It’s the voice I need to hear more often. Sure, we’ve all heard that procrastination is the enemy of productivity, but in my case, it’s been a surprisingly effective way in keeping my sanity intact.
A pile of laundry may be sitting in a basket in my living room. Let’s be honest here; a pile of laundry may be overflowing from a basket in my living room, but until I’m ready to tackle it, I can focus on playing with my kids or go for a walk with them. And that’s OK. When I leave something on my to-do list for a little longer than I’d like, I’m actually giving myself space to think about whether it’s something that really needs to be done today. Sometimes, I realize it can wait until tomorrow or, better yet, it’s not as urgent as I thought.
When I allow myself to procrastinate, I often find that the things I thought were urgent, like tidying up every corner of the house, are not as pressing. Instead, I realize my real priorities: The extra hour of play with my kids, a quiet cup of coffee, or taking the time to rest so I can be the best version of myself for everyone around me. The house can wait. My health and my family? They can’t.
Procrastination helps me pause, breathe, and reflect. It’s not at all about avoiding work that eventually needs to get done. It’s about listening to my heart, finding space to think clearly, and choosing what truly deserves my attention. It gives me permission to let go of the pressure to be perfect and have it all together all the time.
So, yes, I may be procrastinating on the laundry, the dishes, cleaning out the back of my van, and opening 73 unread texts (just call me). But maybe, just maybe, that’s because what matters most today is laughing with my kids or taking a breath before the next thing demands my attention. And in that pause, I’m not wasting time. I am recharging, refocusing, and making room for what matters.
In a world that constantly tells moms to be on top of everything, I’m learning that sometimes, stepping back and letting things wait is exactly what I need, for my sanity.
