No one wants to hear everything that's in your head. They just want you to live up to what comes out of your mouth.
Adam GrantRead
Procrastination gives you time to consider divergent ideas, to think in nonlinear ways, to make unexpected leaps.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Procrastination can lead to creative thinking and innovative ideas.
This quote suggests that procrastination, often viewed negatively, can actually provide individuals with valuable time to explore different perspectives and think outside the box. Rather than simply delaying tasks, taking a step back can allow for unexpected insights and more creative solutions to emerge.
Themes
ProcrastinationCreativityIdeasInnovationNonlinear Thinking
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage creative thinking in a workshop.
More from Adam Grant
All quotes →In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Adam GrantRead
When you procrastinate, you're more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.
Adam GrantRead
We have many identities, and we can't be authentic to them all. The best we can do is be sincere in our efforts to earn the values we claim.
Adam GrantRead
We all have thoughts and feelings that we believe are fundamental to our lives but that are better left unspoken.
Adam GrantRead
You want people who choose to follow because they genuinely believe in ideas, not because they're afraid to be punished if they don't. For startups, there's so much pivoting that's required that if you have a bunch of sheep, you're in bad shape.
Adam GrantRead
Similar quotes
The Master observes the world, but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is as open as the sky.
LaoziRead
If we had no hope - for a cure, for winning the lottery, for falling in love, for the end of war, for being free of abuse, or for having food, warmth, clothing, and shelter - we would have no reason to go on. What you hope for doesn't matter, but rather the essence of hope itself.
Bernie SiegelRead
Nothing focuses your mind quite like flying a jet. That's one reason NASA requires that astronauts fly T-38s: it forces us to concentrate and prioritize in some of the same ways we need to in a rocket ship.
Chris HadfieldRead
Every idea has to become broad till it covers the whole of this world, every aspiration must go on increasing till it has engulfed the whole of humanity, nay, the whole of life, within its scope.
Swami VivekanandaRead
True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.
SocratesRead
There’s nothing to it. All you have to do is take a close look at yourself and you will understand everyone else. We’re in no way different ourselves... You show me someone who can’t understand people and I’ll show you someone who has built up a false image of himself.
Isaac AsimovRead