Procrastination - Let's talk about it.

Procrastination they say "steals time!" 

This is absolutely true! Procrastinator is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute or past their deadline. It could be work, chores or other actions, 

Are you planning to imbibe or kick start a new positive habit, such as dieting, exercising or saving money but repeatedly delaying it while telling yourself that you will start sometime in the near future? That is procrastination.

It has affected each and every one of us one time or another. How do we snap out of it?  By identifying the different types of procrastinator, accept where you fit in and then take steps towards a positive change. 

Types of Procrastinator: Which One are you?

1. The perfectionist:

This kind of Procrastinator feels the need to be perfect and end up not doing anything for fear of rejection. This type has a fear of been embarrassed by making mistakes or been judged. 

2. The imposter:

The fear of been told that you are unqualified  or inferior, it is usually referred to as the "imposter syndrome." A psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".

This procrastinator puts off doing anything to avoid that risk of been told that they are not good enough. 

3. The dread-filled:

Also referred to as the rational procrastinator, you are putting off doing stuff because the stuff you have to do genuinely stinks. "If you hate what you're doing or you find it mind-numbing, it will be difficult to get yourself motivated to take an action."

4. The overwhelmed:

Sometimes, there's just too much to do and it is hard to figure out where to start, so we do not do anything.

5. The novelty seeker:

This is the person who says, "I just had the best idea!"

They are constantly coming up with new projects to take on and then getting bored with them a week later. They are intrigued by the latest trend and will be quick to implement but not follow through.

6. The overbooker who says, "I am so busy.":

This procrastinator is a pro at filling up their calendar and is often overwhelmed. "I am so busy" is probably the excuse we hear most often. Interestingly, some of the busiest people we work with get the most done. 

When busy-ness comes up as an excuse for not doing something, it is usually an indication of avoidance. Rather than facing a challenge head on or admitting they do not want to do something, it is easier to place the blame on having other important things to do.

7. The performer who says, "I work well under pressure.":

This procrastinator forces themselves to focus by shrinking the time they have to tackle a task. No matter what, being in the habit of putting pressure on yourself is not sustainable.

These are the folks who have learned to procrastinate without fear. "Some people believe they do their best work under pressure, so they procrastinate until their back is up against the wall. If they have a history of doing this without consequence, they've essentially been rewarded for procrastinating." 

TO OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION:

1. Think about the big picture.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable.

Be brutally honest about your priorities.

3. Stop feeling guilty.

4. Get Organized. Prioritize. You are more likely to procrastinate if you do not have a set goal, a plan or an idea for completing your work. Set deadlines.

4. Eliminate distractions.

5. Take a break and reward yourself for task achieved.