Harvard happiness expert shares 5 ways 'procrastination can actually be beneficial'

Arthur Brooks teaches public leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and courses on leadership, happiness, and nonprofit management at the Harvard Business School. (Image credit: The Harvard Crimson)

Procrastination may not always be a bad thing, believes Harvard happiness researcher Arthur Brooks. In his new book The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life, the social scientist argues that when used intentionally, delaying tasks can enhance creativity and improve mental clarity.

According to him, procrastination is often seen as laziness, but ancient Egyptian philosophy also viewed it as “waiting for the right time.” He warns that chronic procrastination—where delays feel out of control or lead to unhappiness—can be harmful. But occasional, mindful stalling can be productive.

Speaking to CNBC Make It, he shared five strategies to make procrastination work for you:

1.) Take stock of your habits: Ask whether your delays make you feel anxious or out of control. If so, it may be chronic procrastination.

2.) Practice mindfulness: Limit distractions and immerse yourself in tasks to stay present.

3.) Delay creatively: Brooks waits a day after forming an article idea before writing. “I jot down my idea, think about it, sleep on it, go for a walk, and then start on it,” he writes.

4.) Use downtime wisely: Avoid doomscrolling. Instead, take a walk or put your phone away to boost creativity.

5.) Leave tasks unfinished—not stuck: Pause projects at a point of excitement to make restarting easier. “Start the next day by finishing up and moving on to the next task,” Brooks writes.
For tedious tasks like cleaning or yard work, Brooks suggests outsourcing if possible. “Your procrastination, maladaptive as it may be, is actually giving you hints as to how you can be happier. It’s up to you to listen,” he writes.