Procrastination gets a bad rep, arguably for being the very antithesis of efficiency. Often derided as a malignant affliction that ironically stimulates those apathetic inclinations we are told to ignore. I have always been of the persuasion that distraction is healthy for the mind. A small respite from a laborious task is a practical tangent from monotony. Too often we apply such a stringent order to our work or even simple necessary tasks around the home, that permits a limited capacity for autonomy. It’s only natural that we seek an alternative to the stubborn regulations we impose on ourselves. That isn’t how I have ever operated, much to the chagrin of my partner.

She has always been very organised. Meticulous in her arrangements. Entreating the priority of logistical planning. Impulse is not an instinct readily relied upon, unless thoroughly discussed beforehand. If an errand is to be completed, however trivial it may be, it must observe the stipulated parameters rigidly imposed in advance. She doesn’t understand how I can deviate from even the simplest tasks. How I can turn a swift excursion to purchase a loaf of bread, into an epic journey to destroy an enchanted ring. I might decide to peruse a second hand book store for any potential reading material. Or indulge in some delectable pastries and cakes from the bakery. Or maybe I just feel inclined to stroll around town, with no discernible destination in mind.

The notion of enacting arbitrary restrictions on errands, is what turns work into work. I know I couldn’t survive the monotony of a work day, if I was thoroughly engrossed in my job. Engaging in nonsensical discourse with colleagues, reciting often obscure movie quotes or discussing the intricacies of Monica Bellucci’s evergreen beauty, are the types of procrastination that expedites an otherwise boring day. Perhaps I lack the necessary discipline to truly embrace the efficacy of work. But to prioritise one set objective, without the latitude to acquiesce seems counter intuitive. If anything trying to accomplish that objective with such rigid variables makes you less efficient.

There’s a critical distinction between procrastination and spontaneity, with the callous assessment being that spontaneity is somehow eccentric or intuitive. Whereas procrastination is undertaken at the detriment to the user. It really is the dim witted cousin of the more pithy “spontaneity”. The Scooby-Dum if you will. That it fosters apathy and disseminates negativity. That it’s a wilful pursuit, instigated to avoid or postpone duties you are obligated to consummate. Which it is. But it shouldn’t be considered a refusal to undertake difficult or boring tasks, but a reprieve from them. As long as the task is completed, what does it matter if it has been achieved in a less than timely manner?

In all honesty, I’ve been known to procrastinate from procrastination. I might sit down to play a game, only to spend 30 of those rare allocated minutes on my phone. Or reading a book. Or laying on my sofa not thinking about much of anything. Life’s too short to worry about how structured our lives are. Let’s embrace our mercurial ways and diminish the tedium that threatens to consume us.