In certain ways, being behind bucks one up! (6)
I believe the answer is:
elates
'bucks one up' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'in certain ways being behind' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'certain ways' becomes 'es' (east and south - two directions. I am not sure about the 'certain' bit.).
'being behind' becomes 'late' (as in behind schedule).
'es' going around 'late' is 'ELATES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for elates that I've seen is " Makes happy and overjoyed".)