Clausewitz on Why We Procrastinate
Procrastinate Strategically Like a Military General
Carl von Clausewitz, a 19th-century Prussian general and military theorist, is best known for his work On War. His ideas about strategy, uncertainty, and decision-making remain influential beyond military contexts. His theories are not just about war; they explain how people approach difficult decisions in all areas of life, including why we procrastinate.
Procrastination, often seen as laziness or a lack of discipline, is actually a strategic decision at a subconscious level. Just as nations delay military actions to gather resources or wait for better conditions, individuals postpone tasks for similar reasons.
Understanding this parallel helps us recognize when procrastination is strategic and when it is self-defeating.
The Main Concept
Procrastination in War
Nations do not rush into war without preparation. Leaders often delay conflict to gather resources, build alliances, or wait for better conditions. This is not necessarily indecision but an attempt to maximize the chances of success.
For example, before major military operations, commanders assess risks, predict enemy moves, and ensure readiness. Similarly, individuals put off tasks because they believe waiting will improve their ability to complete them successfully.
However, this assumption is not always correct.
The Subconscious Factor
Procrastination is not a purely logical process; it often happens at a subconscious level. The human brain is wired to seek comfort and avoid threats. Difficult tasks trigger feelings of uncertainty and potential failure, making them seem like threats. To maintain a sense of security, we delay them.
For example, someone postponing a difficult conversation at work is not just avoiding discomfort but instinctively protecting themselves from potential negative outcomes. Nations in war operate similarly, sometimes delaying action out of fear of costly consequences.
Means and Ends in Personal Procrastination
In war, nations delay action to accumulate resources—whether military strength, intelligence, or diplomatic support. The end goal is to achieve victory with minimal risk.
In personal procrastination, resources are different: they may include energy, motivation, confidence, or necessary information. However, the end goal of procrastination is often not success but temporary relief from stress. This is where the problem lies—delays driven by a need for comfort rarely lead to better outcomes.
Historical Examples of War and Diplomacy
Successful Procrastination: D-Day (1944)
Context: The Allied invasion of Normandy, originally planned for early June, was delayed multiple times due to weather and strategic considerations.
Outcome: The extra time allowed for better preparation, coordination, and deception strategies that misled German forces.
Lesson: Procrastination can be beneficial when it leads to improved conditions and better outcomes.
Failed Procrastination: The Crimean War (1853-1856)
Context: Britain and France delayed decisive military action, allowing Russia to fortify its positions.
Outcome: The delay resulted in a prolonged and costly war with high casualties and limited strategic gains.
Lesson: Hesitating without a clear advantage can lead to worse outcomes.
Application to Everyday Life
Procrastination is not always bad. Sometimes, waiting helps us make better decisions. However, in many cases, procrastination is an illusion—convincing ourselves that we are waiting for a better time when we are actually avoiding discomfort.
Examples of Everyday Procrastination
Studying for an Exam
Many students put off studying, telling themselves they will be more focused later.
Reality: This often leads to last-minute cramming, which results in lower retention and higher stress.
The Psychological Trap: The brain perceives studying as effortful and seeks short-term relief by postponing it.
Key Question to Ask: Will I truly be more prepared if I wait, or am I just avoiding the discomfort of starting?
Starting a Fitness Routine
People frequently delay exercising, thinking they will start "when they feel motivated" or "when the timing is right."
Reality: There is rarely a perfect time, and delaying only leads to lost health benefits and weakened discipline.
The Psychological Trap: Exercise is physically demanding, and the brain favors immediate comfort over long-term health.
Key Question to Ask: Will waiting actually make me healthier, or am I just looking for an excuse?
Work Projects
Employees often procrastinate on big projects, waiting for inspiration or the "right mindset."
Reality: This results in rushed work, missed deadlines, and lower quality output.
The Psychological Trap: Big tasks feel overwhelming, so the brain seeks short-term relief by avoiding them.
Key Question to Ask: Is there a real advantage in waiting, or am I just delaying the inevitable?
Waiting for a Promotion
Some employees hesitate to ask for a promotion, waiting for a more favorable moment.
Reality: If timed correctly, this delay can work to their advantage. For example, waiting until after successfully leading a project or during a company expansion increases their leverage.
The Strategic Benefit: This type of delay is intentional—it allows time to build a stronger case, gain skills, or wait for a period when the company is more likely to approve promotions.
Key Question to Ask: Am I postponing this to improve my chances, or am I just afraid of rejection?
Buying a Home
Many people hold off on purchasing a home, hoping for better market conditions.
Reality: If the delay is based on financial strategy—such as waiting for lower interest rates, saving for a larger down payment, or securing a more stable job—it can be a smart move.
The Strategic Benefit: Unlike avoidance-based procrastination, this delay is based on economic factors and long-term planning.
Key Question to Ask: Is my hesitation based on logical financial reasoning, or am I just afraid of making a big decision?
Unproductive vs. Strategic Procrastination
Unproductive Procrastination
Driven by fear, laziness, or avoidance.
Results in stress, missed opportunities, and poor-quality work.
Examples:
Postponing studying without any real advantage.
Avoiding exercise indefinitely, waiting for motivation that never comes.
Delaying an important work project just to avoid the pressure of starting.
Strategic Procrastination
Driven by a clear benefit and intentional planning.
Results in better outcomes through preparation and improved conditions.
Examples:
Waiting to invest until market conditions improve.
Timing a salary negotiation after achieving a significant workplace achievement.
Delaying a major purchase until financial stability is ensured.
Conclusion
Clausewitz’s ideas on strategy help us evaluate our procrastination habits. Before delaying a task, ask yourself:
Will I get any benefits from delaying this?
If you can clearly define a benefit (e.g., more information, better conditions, increased readiness), the delay might be strategic.
Am I avoiding discomfort or improving the outcome?
If you're simply postponing a task to escape difficulty, it’s unproductive procrastination.
Will delaying actually change anything?
If waiting will not improve the circumstances, then it’s best to take action now.
The key takeaway? Like in war, procrastination should be a conscious decision, not an unconscious habit. Thoughtful delays can be useful, but avoidance disguised as strategy often leads to failure.
By critically evaluating our reasons for procrastination, we can make better decisions and take action at the right time.
You can read here about how Clauswitz’s ideas can be applied to anger management
