What type of procrastinator are you? We are all different, but experts say everyone has a favorite avoidance pattern.
In the previous articles, we talked about whether procrastination was sabotaging your success and why it is harmful to you; then, we covered reasons why you procrastinate and how you procrastinate. Now we will dig deep into what type of procrastinator you might be.
Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily postponing decisions or actions. Everyone does it occasionally, but some have made it a habit. Let’s look at some procrastination buckets you might see yourself in.
The Performer
People in this bucket say, “I work better under pressure.” They force themselves to focus and get the job done by postponing the task and shrinking the time to complete the work. Some people do this because they are perfectionists; it is just a bad habit for others. Either way, this isn’t a sustainable way to manage your work.
The biggest challenge for people who fall into the Performer category is getting started. Once started, they manage well; it is forcing themselves to start that is an issue.
Success Tip:
Change things up, and instead of a due date, set a start date. When you focus on when you begin a task instead of when you hope to end it, you’ll take tremendous pressure off of yourself.
The Overbooker
This procrastinator is super busy with a full calendar, and their excuse is often “I’m too busy.” But the truth is, some of the busiest people get the most done. When being too busy to tackle a task is the excuse, it usually indicates avoidance.
Rather than meet the challenge head-on, they tend to avoid it by saying they are working on other important things. This type of procrastination creates chaos and adds to the amount of stress associated with the project.
Success Tip:
Ask yourself: What am I really avoiding?
The Novelty Seeker
This is a popular one; the Novelty Seeker procrastinator always had a new idea! They are the poster child for Shiny Object Syndrome. Before one project is complete, they have taken on several more of their own making and then find themselves bored with the new projects and take on additional ones.
They love the latest trend and are always quick to pull the trigger and implement, but the follow-through is not there. They are excellent with decision-making and taking action, but they waste time and burn out because they jump from idea to idea and are not taking consistent action in a single direction long enough to see success. They often shelve the idea and move to something else.
Starting isn’t the problem; they procrastinate the completion.
Success Tip:
Buy some Post-it notes. When you get a new idea or project thought, jot it down on your sticky note. But don’t allow yourself to stop and start. Continue working till you finish your current task.
Self-Deprecator
This procrastinator is hard working and hard on themselves. When they fail to do something, they blame themselves and the inaction on laziness or stubbornness instead of admitting they are tired or even exhausted. You will hear them say, “I’m unproductive,” or “I’m so lazy right now.”
Self Deprecator procrastinators need to learn to give themselves some grace and take breaks.
Success Tip:
Recharge your battery! Try taking a nap or going for a walk to give yourself space and begin to rebuild your energy.
In which of these procrastinating descriptions do you see yourself? Some people straddle two or three categories depending on the situation.
Procrastinating occasionally isn’t a problem, but when it becomes a habit, it has a negative impact on your life.
Be aware that procrastination short-circuits and creates mental blocks in your brain that prevent the accomplishment of even small tasks in a timely manner.
What is Next?
Above I have given you a few success tips. We will discuss additional solutions in future articles. Our subsequent posts will identify the various procrastination triggers to be aware of. We will end the series with how to prevent and overcome procrastination and help you succeed.
I Am Here To Help
I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals. If you need guidance on your career, I am here to help. If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice or support and want to talk about planning for your future, reach out to me, Rachel Schneider, at Career Find, for a free Intro Call.