How Thomas Edison Invented 10,000 Ways to Procrastinate!

Thomas Edison is famous for inventing the lightbulb.

But let’s be honest—that was just a side project.

His true genius? Procrastination.

Edison didn’t fail 10,000 times while inventing the lightbulb. No, no. He found 10,000 ways to avoid finishing it.

Let’s take a look at how the world’s most famous inventor also invented the art of doing literally anything except the task at hand.

 

1. “I’m Not Failing, I’m Learning” 📖

Edison famously said:

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Translation: “I’m totally going to finish this project… just not today.”

Modern procrastinators call this “research.”

Edison just took it to the extreme.

 

2. Starting New Projects to Avoid Old Ones 🔧

Edison didn’t just invent things.

He invented new things to avoid finishing old things.

Can’t get the lightbulb to work? Build a phonograph.
Still stuck? Invent the motion picture camera.
Still not done? Start a mining company.

If multitasking were an Olympic sport, Edison would have 50 gold medals.

 

3. The Power of “Working” Late ⏳

Edison was famous for working through the night.

But was he really working?

Or was he just staring at his desk, rearranging papers, and thinking, “I’ll get to it in five more minutes…”

Classic procrastination move.

 

4. Delegating Like a Pro 👏

Edison had an entire team of researchers who actually built most of his inventions.

While they did the real work, he was probably doodling lightbulbs on a napkin.

And yet, somehow, he still got all the credit.

Respect.

 

5. Inventing Just Enough to Get By 💡

Did Edison invent the lightbulb?

Technically, no. Others had working lightbulbs before him.

But he perfected it—when he finally got around to it.

A true procrastinator doesn’t finish first. They finish last—but best.

 

Final Thoughts

Edison didn’t just invent the lightbulb.

He invented the modern art of putting things off.

So next time someone calls you lazy for procrastinating, just tell them:

“I’m not failing, I’m just finding 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Then go take a nap. Edison would approve. 😴💡