Ops, I did it again. I postponed a task. Let’s face it, we all have done it. What if there was a cure to procrastination? Read this article to know more about which types of procrastinator you belong to and how to cure it.
According to the Oxford language dictionary, procrastination is the action of postponing or delaying something. We can agree to say we have all done it once in our lives.
When we delay doing something, it is often because we are trying to avoid feeling uncomfortable. Maybe something seems stressful or painful, so we find excuses to do anything else instead. Eventually, though, avoiding the original discomfort makes us feel uneasy.
Fixing procrastination is not mainly about managing time; it is more about handling our feelings. A crucial step is figuring out which emotions are pushing us to procrastinate.
Jeffery Combs, in his book "The procrastination cure", explains the 7 types of procrastinators types.
We all have our life stories and experiences that affect how we act. Luckily, the author has coached thousands of people struggling with procrastination and noticed some common patterns. In the following sections, we will explain each type based on the associated feelings and explain how to overcome procrastination.
Perfectionists exhibit a deep fear of making mistakes and an intense desire for flawless outcomes, which often leads to a paralyzing level of self-scrutiny. They may procrastinate due to the unrealistic standards they set for themselves, fearing that anything less than perfection is a failure. This tendency can manifest in various aspects of their lives, from work projects to personal endeavors.
The author recommends a multifaceted approach for perfectionists. Embracing imperfection is a key aspect, encouraging them to recognize that mistakes are inherent to the learning process and should be viewed as opportunities for growth. Setting realistic goals and breaking down tasks into manageable steps helps in navigating the overwhelming nature of perfectionist tendencies. Additionally, cultivating a mindset that values progress over flawlessness and acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, contributes to overcoming the procrastination associated with perfectionism.
Dreamers are individuals who often have grand ideas and aspirations but struggle when it comes to turning these dreams into tangible actions. Their procrastination is rooted in the difficulty of translating their visionary thoughts into practical steps, resulting in a sense of overwhelm and stagnation. Dreamers may find themselves caught in a cycle of envisioning ambitious goals without the follow-through necessary for realization.
The cure for the Dreamer involves breaking down these lofty dreams into smaller, actionable steps. By creating a roadmap with specific tasks and deadlines, Dreamers can transform their aspirations into manageable objectives. The emphasis is on developing concrete plans that provide clarity and direction. Additionally, the book advocates for incorporating a realistic timeline, allowing Dreamers to navigate the gap between their grand ideas and the practical execution required for success.
Ultimately, the goal is to empower Dreamers with the tools and strategies needed to bridge the gap between inspiration and implementation, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Worriers are individuals who procrastinate due to an overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear of potential negative outcomes. This anxiety can paralyze them, making it challenging to initiate tasks or make decisions. Worriers may find themselves caught in a cycle of catastrophic thinking, where they imagine the worst possible scenarios, leading to procrastination as a way to avoid perceived threats.
The cure for the Worrier involves addressing and managing the irrational fears and negative thoughts that contribute to their anxiety. The book recommends techniques such as cognitive restructuring, where Worriers learn to challenge and reframe negative thoughts. Additionally, developing a habit of positive self-talk and mindfulness practices can help Worriers gain better control over their anxiety.
Defiers are individuals who resist external expectations and authority, leading to procrastination as a form of rebellion or resistance against imposed deadlines or tasks. This resistance can stem from a desire for autonomy and a reluctance to conform to external pressures. Defiers may find it challenging to initiate tasks that feel imposed upon them, even if the tasks are essential or beneficial.
The cure for the Defier involves understanding the source of resistance and finding intrinsic motivation. The book suggests that Defiers can connect tasks to their personal values and goals, making them more meaningful and aligned with their sense of autonomy. Establishing a sense of choice within the given constraints helps Defiers take ownership of their responsibilities.
Crisis Makers are individuals who thrive on the adrenaline of last-minute work and intentionally delay tasks until the pressure of an impending deadline forces action. They may procrastinate consistently, relying on the urgency of a crisis to stimulate productivity. This pattern can be a source of stress and may lead to suboptimal outcomes due to rushed or incomplete work.
The cure for the Crisis Maker involves implementing time management techniques to break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. By setting artificial deadlines earlier than the actual due date, Crisis Makers can create a sense of urgency without the negative consequences of true crises. The book emphasizes the importance of planning and organization to distribute effort evenly over time, reducing the reliance on last-minute pressure.
Overdoers are individuals who take on too much, overwhelming themselves with an extensive list of tasks and responsibilities. This tendency to overcommit often leads to procrastination as they struggle to manage the sheer volume of work. The Overdoer may find it challenging to prioritize effectively, resulting in burnout, stress, and a cycle of incomplete tasks.
The cure for the Overdoer involves prioritization and a shift towards quality over quantity. The book recommends developing the skill of discernment to identify tasks that truly matter and contribute significantly to goals. Overdoers are encouraged to set clear boundaries, learn to say no, and delegate tasks when possible. By focusing on meaningful tasks and avoiding the trap of overcommitting, Overdoers can reduce stress and increase overall effectiveness.
Crisis Avoiders are individuals who procrastinate to prevent stress and pressure associated with impending deadlines. They tend to delay tasks to avoid the anxiety and discomfort linked to urgent situations. This avoidance can lead to incomplete or rushed work as they strive to circumvent the tension of last-minute crises.
The cure for the Crisis Avoider involves developing proactive planning habits. The book suggests breaking tasks into manageable components, establishing realistic timelines, and gradually exposing oneself to manageable levels of stress to build resilience. By cultivating a proactive mindset and facing tasks systematically, Crisis Avoiders can overcome the habit of delaying work to avoid impending pressure.
To break down tasks into habits it needs a recurring system and a reminder to do your habit every morning/evening etc.
As you might have noticed, in many types it is about structuring goals into manageable tasks. For this, there is an application to recommend: https://taskamo.com. It is a simple tool and a daily coach for achieving your goals. You can create your dream project and break it down into simple recurring tasks. The secret relies on in consistency, and this is what taskamo is here for.
Also, for the overdoers, there is the focus mode. There, you will only see one task at a time, which will prevent you from being overwhelmed by your very long to-do list. For you to stay on track, daily streaks and XP points will reward you for each accomplished task. Moreover, each and every day, your personal coach will encourage you with an AI-generated journal entry. This push should help you stay motivated to restart the next day. You can meet fellow achievers and procrastinators in the growing discord community and share with them your struggles and progress.
Do you want to know more about your type? To get more details and practical examples, there is no better way than reading the whole book. You can order it right here on amazon.com.
Caroline
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