What Kind of Procrastinator Are You?
We all procrastinate. Even really organized people procrastinate. Psychologist Dr. Linda Sapadin’s curiosity about why some people procrastinate more than others lead her to discover the six types of procrastination. So which type are you?
Six Procrastination Styles
PERFECTIONIST
- Says, “But it’s not perfect yet!”
- Because they fear others will judge their work, the start is overwhelming. Wanting the results perfect, their work is never done. (This is me, but don’t tell anyone!)
DREAMER
- Says, “I hate dealing with all those bothersome details!”
- They are all ideas but doesn’t want to deal with details.
WORRIER
- Says, “I’m afraid to make a change! It’s too much work. It might not turn out right or be too expensive.“
- Hates leaving their comfort zone & worries they won’t get it right.
CRISIS-MAKER
- Says, “I only get motivated at the last minute!”
- Ignores important tasks until the very end. Intense stress to get done causes moods to change drastically. Has no focus on the project until right before the deadline. This is my BFF to a T! We laughed about it.
DEFIER
- Asks, “Why should I do it?” or Says, “I’ll do it.” but has no intention to do task—or at least not in the foreseeable future.
- Openly defiant or (silently) passive-aggressive.
PLEASER
- Says, “I have so much to do!”
- Says yes to everyone so people will like them, and then has no time for their own tasks.
Understanding your style of procrastination is the first step toward overcoming the problem. If you’re not sure, ask someone close to you their opinion of your style. Once you have identified with your style, you can employ these suggested changes in your everyday life.
Suggested Change in Pattern for the PERFECTIONIST
Change “shoulds” to “coulds.” What could you do for the next 30 min that would make a difference in your organizing? Then, set the timer.
Suggested Change in Pattern for the DREAMER
Change “try to” to “will” by a specific date. Then, create a time line for each project you’ve committed to.
Suggested Change in Pattern for the WORRIER
Change “I can’t ___” to “I can’t ____ but one thing I can do is ____.” Then, break down large intimidating projects into smaller, easier to do tasks.
Suggested Change in Pattern for the CRISIS-MAKER
Think about the consequences for not doing the task even if you don’t feel like doing the task. Then, use “Beat the Clock” games to change a boring task into a more interesting one.
Suggested Change in Pattern for the DEFIER
Ask to exchange tasks if you don’t want to do something. And, act with your team or family, rather than reacting against them.
Suggested Change in Pattern for the PLEASER
Consciously create priorities, giving importance to your needs as well as other’s. Then, learn multiple ways of saying “no,” from polite and gracious to blunt and curt.
Now that my BFF and I know our procrastination styles, we are holding each other accountable, supporting & motivating each other to get things done. Life’s too short to have an incomplete list of dreams!
