Types of Procrastinators

 

There are many different reasons why people procrastinate, but psychologists have identified six main types of procrastinators:

*The Perfectionist: 

Characteristics

• Have a tendency to overwork themselves to ensure that everything they accomplish is flawless.
• Frequently put off beginning projects out of a fear of failing or uncertainty about doing things the "right way."
• Have a tendency to view everything in life as obligatory rather than as something they genuinely want to undertake.

Perfectionists are driven by a need for everything to be done flawlessly and a fear of failing. They may put off beginning or finishing projects because of concern that the quality of their work will be inadequate. 

*The Dreamer:

Characteristics

• Have a tendency to shrink away from anything challenging or upsetting.
• Have a propensity toward passivity over activity.
• Have a propensity to overlook information, which makes it difficult to concentrate on and complete challenging activities.
• Have a tendency to believe that they are unique individuals, deserving of fate's intervention rather than efficiency and hard effort.

Dreamers frequently have a lot of energy and ideas, but they might find it difficult to carry things through. They may put off doing activities because they are easily bored or have trouble concentrating on the specifics.

*The Worrier: 

Characteristics:

• Have a propensity to withdraw from difficult or unpleasant situations.
• Prefer to be passive rather than active.
• Have a tendency to ignore information, which makes it hard to focus on and finish demanding tasks.
• Have a tendency to think of themselves as special individuals who should be left to the mercy of fate rather than efficiency and diligence.

Worriers are afraid of making mistakes or taking risks. They may procrastinate on tasks because they're worried about what could go wrong. 

*The Crisis Maker:

Characteristics

• Tend to retreat from challenging or disagreeable circumstances.
• Prefer to remain inactive as opposed to active.
• Have a propensity to overlook information, which makes it challenging to concentrate on and complete difficult jobs.
• Have a tendency to view themselves as unique people who need to be left to fate rather than effort and efficiency.

Drama and thrills are what crisis makers are all about. They could put off doing things until the very last minute, at which point they might cause confusion and a sense of urgency. 

*The Defier:

Characteristics

• A tendency to withdraw from difficult or unpleasant situations.
• Would rather be idle than engage in activity.
• Have a tendency to ignore information, which makes it tough to focus on and finish demanding tasks.
• Have a tendency to think of themselves as special individuals who should be left to fate rather than exertion and effectiveness.

Defiers procrastinate as a form of rebellion. They could object to regulations or deadlines that they feel are being forced upon them.

*The Overdoer:

Characteristics

•A propensity to retreat from challenging or disagreeable circumstances.
• Would prefer to do nothing than to be active.
• Have a propensity to overlook information, which makes it difficult to concentrate on and complete difficult activities.
• Have a tendency to believe that they are unique people who should be left to fate rather than effort and efficacy.

Overdoers take on too much, which makes them feel overwhelmed and causes them to put things off. They could find it difficult to decline requests and to set priorities for their duties. 

So, which procrastinator are you? The good news is that identifying your style is the first step to overcoming it.

In the meantime, leave a comment below and tell us: which procrastinator do you identify with most?

References

Cherry, K. (2022, November 14). verywellmind. From verywellmind.com: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-psychology-of-procrastination-2795944#toc-types-of-procrastination

Dutta, S. (2023, December 29). re School. From bignet.in: https://bignet.in/blog/1487/types-of-procrastination-in-english

Indiana State University. (n.d.). From indstate.edu: https://www.indstate.edu/sites/default/files/media/nstp/pdfs/procrastination-types-word.docx