Hey, it’s like a quiz! Don’t you love taking quizzes? Identify your particular procrastination style and try the suggested solutions. Or try any of the solutions that appeal to you, even if you don’t match the style. If it works, it works.
These definitions come from the book It’s About Time, by psychologist Linda Sapadin, condensed by me. You may have characteristics of several types; that’s okay. Pretty normal, actually.
The Perfectionist
These people don’t want to finish, or even start, a project that they fear won’t be perfect. They waste time refining and honing their work, but adding no value.
How to overcome:
- Set absolute deadlines.
- Devise other criteria and adhere to it. Remember that anything can be improved infinitely. There’s no ending point for improving something. You have to pick an end point and stick to it.
- Most of the details you’re worrying about won’t matter in the end
- Keep in mind how much effort you can afford, given everything else that’s going on in your life.
The Dreamer
These people are better at ideas than execution. Actually doing the work seems tedious and boring. They are vague about how to make things happen and tend to believe they’ll be magically rescued.
How to overcome:
- Make plans in writing
- Talk to others regularly to “test your reality”
- Give yourself specific tasks to do, some routine and some that make your dreams reality
- Use a timer to keep yourself on track and honest.
The Worrier
These people fear risk and always worry “what if?” They put off acting if it means doing something unfamiliar or uncomfortable
How to overcome:
- Remember that avoiding decisions is still deciding
- Motivate yourself by focusing on the positive outcome you desire
- Break down your tasks as small as possible to circumvent fear
The Defier
These people hate feeling controlled by others. The feel oppressed by mundane chores. “You can’t make me” is their line.
How to overcome:
- Realize that people are requesting you to do something, not demanding it
- Don’t take it personally!
- Do what you know is right, even if it means “giving in.”
The Crisis Maker
These people are adrenaline junkies. They thrive on and even create near disasters because they’re exciting.
How to overcome:
- Don’t wait to feel excited about a project. That might not happen until you get involved in something.
- Satisfy your need for speed in more benign ways, like speed cleaning your kitchen.
- Before you act, focus on how you’ll feel later, not just in the moment.
The Over Doer
These people are indecisive and unassertive. They say yes to everyone and then get stuck. They over commit and burn out.
How to overcome:
- Realize you aren’t superwoman, and you’re fine the way you are now.
- Don’t let the priorities of others take precedence over your own.
- Remember that you are already in control of your time. You are choosing what happens to you. Let that empower you to make positive decisions.
Still stumped? You could get a few customized tips to deal with your particular brand of procrastination during a free 20 minute consultation. I’m offering this for another week or so. Jump on it!