Can Procrastination Help Preclude Perfectionism?

I have a theory.  I call it efficient procrastination.  But first...

Perfectionism.

Often, when I want to get a big jump start on a paper or a presentation, I commonly find myself spending a lot of time.  In some cases, probably too much time.  I notice this, specifically, when I have to write a paper or when I'm preparing for one of my mock trials.  In doing such, I end up reading and researching, probably more than I need to.  Typically, despite how much effort, it still causes stress the day before, because I fear it's not quite yet perfect.  On the upside, I do feel, despite how bad the stress level becomes, I know because of the extra preparation, I'll make it through.  Question: is it worth the long term stress?  I'm not so sure, especially if I engage in what I call efficient procrastination.

Efficient Procrastination.

First, an illustration.  Last year, I had a paper due  after finals for my mediation class.  It was a 6 page paper for a pass/fail class.  Earlier in the semester, I did a sufficient amount of research to write it, but saved the writing for after finals.  I had one day to write the paper before it was due.  So that's what I did.  I spent 5 hours in one night writing the thing.  Turned it in, and didn't look back.  Now, if I had started writing it earlier on, I would have spent twice as much time for a paper that didn't count for much.  

Thus, I've learned, sometimes procrastination really does pay off.  I'm not saying that you should start writing a paper at 4am when it's due at 7am, because that may cause panic/ulcers/or worse: a very bad grade.  I am merely suggesting that sometimes putting things off forces me to spend less time on it.  Case in point: I spent a ton of time researching for my first mock trial.  Then, when it came down to writing my direct examination, I hardly used any of the material I read... I realized I should have started writing my direct before I went on this rabid reading frenzy.  I should have procrastinated.  

I have implemented this strategy in my Negotiations class when I have to write a one 4 page reflective paper a week.  I typically start a day before its due, knowing that this still would give me enough time.   As such, I get it done, and at the same time spend the first 5 days of the week not worrying about it;  when typically, it would take me a few days and several hours to write one measly, meaningless 4 pg. paper.  You see, the secret to efficient procrastination is that you still give yourself sufficient time to finish the assignment and do a good job.  Heck, I'd argue you could still do a great job.  In truth, efficient procrastination is really the cure to help avoid the habit of an excessive compulsive behavior... known as perfectionism.