---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Procrastination also can be a way of…"
description: "\"Procrastination also can be a way of self-handicapping: if you don't do a great job, you can always say to yourself, \"If I'd only started sooner, I'd h..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a58/james-surowiecki-2196_able_procrastination-also-can-be-a-way-of-sel_417629.jpg"
---

#  Procrastination also can be a way of self-handicapping: if…

![“Procrastination also can be a way of self-handicapping: if you don't do a great job, you can always say to yourself, "If I'd only started sooner, I'd have been able to produce something excellent."” quote by James Surowiecki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a58/james-surowiecki-2196_able_procrastination-also-can-be-a-way-of-sel_417629.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a58/james-surowiecki-2196_able_procrastination-also-can-be-a-way-of-sel_417629.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a58/james-surowiecki-2196_able_procrastination-also-can-be-a-way-of-sel_417629.jpg)

> “Procrastination also can be a way of self-handicapping: if you don't do a great job, you can always say to yourself, "If I'd only started sooner, I'd have been able to produce something excellent."”

[James Surowiecki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-surowiecki/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Procrastination can serve as self‑handicapping, allowing excuses for poor performance if one delays starting.

**In simple terms:** Delaying work creates a safety net for failure.

Key Takeaway

Address procrastination by setting realistic goals.

Themes

procrastination self‑handicapping performance

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

personal psychological

When to use this quote

- academic work
- creative projects
- career tasks
- personal goals

Key Concepts

behavioral economics motivation

Questions to Reflect On

- What triggers your procrastination?
- How can you reframe starting early as rewarding?

A Different Perspective

Excuses may become a habit, hindering growth.

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