I’m going to start with some good news: the last minute isn’t always the worst time to do something.
A client once told me he likes waiting until the last minute. It makes his work better. It’s more focused, more creative, and more inspired, all thanks to the pressure of the ticking clock. I have to admit that I think he’s right, and there are times that this is true for me as well.
Take packing for a trip. I have obsessively timed myself over the years, and after thousands of business trips out of town, I can safely declare I need exactly 30 minutes to pack. No less… and no more!
I reverse-engineer from my gate time, back up to when I need to walk out the door of my house to comfortably get there, and start packing exactly 30 minutes before departure.
Why would a “guru of personal productivity” like myself invite that kind of pressure? It’s simple. If I gave myself an hour, then I’d use an hour – mostly second guessing. Sweater or no sweater? One pair of dress shoes or two? Will I jog? How cold will it be? Should I pack a swim suit even though I almost never touch hotel pools (but always regret not having one if I feel like it)?
Twice the time does not mean I’ll end up packing twice as well. Maybe 3% better. But with 100% more stress. Not a good trade.
This applies beyond packing. Sometimes, in business or politics, waiting – strategically – is the smartest move. The world changes fast. Absorbing last minute intel can be mission critical.
So yes, the last minute has its place. But if you want it to work for you – not against you – you’ve got to reframe it. It’s not slacking off. It’s precision timing. The key is:
1. know exactly how many minutes your “last minute” needs
2. make it a conscious choice, not something you beat yourself up for before or after
(And for the record: I’ve spent plenty of time over the years exploring the realms of sloth, indolence, and mild stupidity. That’s how I know this stuff!)
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