When most of us think about procrastination, we imagine last-minute cramming, missed deadlines, and the stress of putting things off. It’s considered the enemy of productivity and success.
But what if we’ve been thinking about procrastination all wrong?
Steve Jobs—yes, the visionary behind Apple—was known for using procrastination not as a weakness, but as a strategic tool for creativity and innovation.
Let’s unpack how.
The Myth of Constant Hustle
We live in a culture that glorifies hustle. “Do it now!” is the unspoken mantra of modern productivity. But Jobs saw things differently. He believed that some ideas need time to marinate, and that rushing a solution could limit its potential.
Jobs was known to intentionally delay decisions, especially on creative matters. He wanted to make sure the solution wasn’t just good—it was perfect. That pause gave him time to look at problems from different angles, consider more elegant solutions, and challenge assumptions others might accept too quickly.
This wasn’t laziness. It was calculated.
Procrastination as Incubation
Psychologists call this “active procrastination” or “creative procrastination.” The idea is that stepping away from a problem—rather than tackling it head-on immediately—can give your brain time to process it in the background. It’s like putting an idea in the oven and letting it bake.
Jobs often did this. Whether it was the design of the original Macintosh or choosing the perfect material for the iPhone, he gave ideas time to breathe. He believed intuition and inspiration could not be forced.
And more often than not, that patience paid off.
The Power of Saying “Not Yet”
One of Jobs’ most iconic strengths was his willingness to say "no" or “not yet” when something didn’t feel right. While others rushed to release products or finalize designs, Jobs would hold back—sometimes frustrating his team—but always in pursuit of excellence.
By strategically delaying decisions, he created space for breakthroughs.
Think about the iPhone. It wasn’t the first smartphone, but it redefined the category because Jobs waited until the technology, the design, and the user experience could all align seamlessly.
How You Can Use Procrastination Strategically
You don’t have to be Steve Jobs to use procrastination as a superpower. Here’s how you can start:
- Pause before rushing in. Not every decision needs to be made immediately. Take time to reflect.
- Create “thinking time.” Step away from the problem—go for a walk, sleep on it, or switch tasks.
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel ready, allow space for a better idea to surface.
- Avoid passive procrastination. This isn’t about endlessly scrolling through social media. It’s about giving your mind the room to process ideas more deeply.
Final Thoughts
Procrastination isn’t always the villain it’s made out to be. When used with intention and awareness, it can become a tool for clarity, creativity, and better decision-making.
Steve Jobs showed us that sometimes the best way to move forward... is to wait.
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