It’s September 5, which means National Be Late for Something Day is upon us! This unconventional holiday aims to promote the more positive aspects of procrastination. No longer do you have to succumb to the pressure of a busy schedule, you have the perfect excuse to be fashionably late. The holiday highlights the need for us to slow down the modern hectic lifestyle. It urges everyone to focus on those things we never have time to appreciate or indulge in. For some, this could be blowing off that “important” meeting for some quality time with family. It doesn’t matter what your motivations are, so long as you benefit from that extra time.
History of National Be Late for Something Day
The exact year of creation is up for debate, but there is no denying the importance of the holiday. There are people who excel at procrastinating and never seem capable of being punctual. This behavior, while normally considered unacceptable, has been given a new twist with this holiday.
The Procrastinators Club of America created National Be Late for Something Day to showcase the upsides of tardiness. Founded by Les Waas in 1956, the club’s committee soon assigned September 5 as the official Be Late for Something Day. The group has been active in the United States since then, going on to protest the War of 1812 — in 1966. Philadelphia’s Betsy Ross bridge was the recipient of the “Award to Come Later” title because of its delayed opening.
The creation of Be Late for Something Day was another valiant effort on their part to pass an important message. With the incredible amount of pressure placed on our shoulders in an ever-evolving world, we all deserve a break now and again. Be Late for Something Day has encouraged many to look at their schedules a little differently. Take a step back and you might realize it’s all not as serious as you thought it to be.
The pressure that comes with sticking to tight schedules can be detrimental to mental and physical health. Taking time to do little things you never have time for like a walk, bird-watching, or maybe just a long nap, can work wonders. Squeeze a couple of minutes out of your schedule and see what you can, or can’t, get up to!
National Be Late for Something Day timeline
Les Waas creates the Procrastinators Club and stands as its acting president.
The Procrastinators club holds a demonstration to boycott the War of 1812.
Due to the much-delayed opening of Philadelphia’s Betsy Ross Bridge, the Procrastinator’s Club bestows it with the "Award to Come Later" title.
The founder of the Procrastinator's Club dies at the age of 94.
National Be Late for Something Day FAQs
What are the different types of procrastinators?
There are four major types of procrastinators, these are:
- Self-deprecator
- Performer
- Overbooker
- Novelty seeker
Are procrastinators mentally ill?
It’s possible to spend enough time procrastinating that you can’t carry out the most basic tasks. However, procrastination isn’t considered a mental health diagnosis.
Which celebrities are procrastinators?
Procrastinators come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some famous names among them:
- Marcus Aurelius.
- Victor Hugo
- Saint Augustine
- The Dalai Lama
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Herman Melville
- Margaret Atwood
- Gene Fowler
How to Celebrate National Be Late for Something Day
See the forest for the trees
When’s the last time you did something for the first time? Sit in the park and people-watch, feed the pigeons, watch the sunrise — the world can wait.
Reconnect with loved ones
Go visit an old friend or spend time bonding with your kids while you’re running late. Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint; you should spend it with people you love.
Give yourself a break
Take drastic measures to cut down your schedule. You can assign more time to tasks or remove some unnecessary ones. It’s up to you.
5 Facts About Procrastination That Will Blow Your Mind
Men are the main procrastinators
Gender plays a huge role in procrastination; the majority of procrastinators are men.
Knowledge isn’t always power
There is no established connection between intelligence and the tendency to procrastinate.
Procrastinators like the dark
Nightlife types are more susceptible to procrastination than early birds.
Procrastination is painful
Yes! Procrastinators can feel real physical pain when faced with a daunting task.
Procrastinators love too much
Worry is a staple of a procrastinator’s behavior; the average procrastinator dreads the judgment, disapproval, or ridicule of others.
Why We Love National Be Late for Something Day
We get to take a load off
Few things are better than being completely unencumbered. Be Late for Something Day is as close to a getaway as some people get.
We learn to appreciate the world around us
It’s not often we get to appreciate the little things around us. This holiday is the perfect time to ponder on the inner workings of nature.
We get to dedicate time to things we love
Whether it’s the people you hold dear or that hobby you never had time for, this is the best time to reconnect. This observance gives us that precious time with family and friends we always thought was lost.
National Be Late for Something Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 5 | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 5 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 5 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 5 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 5 | Tuesday |
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