7 Types of Procrastinators: Which One Are You?

Procrastination is a common problem that affects people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a homemaker, procrastination can hold you back from achieving your goals. Understanding the different types of procrastinators and the reasons behind their procrastination can help you overcome this problem.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 7 most common types of procrastinators and strategies to overcome them. We’ll cover the different reasons why people procrastinate, how it affects them, and what they can do to overcome this habit.

7 Types of Procrastinators

1. The Perfectionist Procrastinator

The perfectionist procrastinator is someone who puts things off because they want everything to be perfect. They are afraid of making mistakes and often spend more time planning and researching than actually doing the task at hand. This type of procrastinator is often afraid of failure and may struggle with feelings of anxiety.

Strategies to overcome perfectionist procrastination:

• Set realistic goals for yourself
• Break down large projects into smaller tasks
• Focus on progress rather than perfection
• Learn to accept mistakes and failures

2. The Busy Procrastinator

The busy procrastinator is someone who puts things off because they are too busy with other tasks. They may struggle with prioritization and may benefit from taking a step back and reassessing their workload. This type of procrastinator may also benefit from delegation and time management strategies.

Strategies to overcome busy procrastination:

• Prioritize your tasks
• Use a planner or calendar to manage your time
• Delegate tasks when possible
• Set aside specific times for working on projects

3. The Fun-Seeking Procrastinator

The fun procrastinator is someone who puts things off because they would rather be doing something more enjoyable. They may struggle with prioritization and may benefit from finding ways to make the task at hand more enjoyable or rewarding. This type of procrastinator may also benefit from setting goals and rewards for completing the task.

Strategies to overcome fun-seeking procrastination:

• Reward yourself for completing tasks
• Set aside specific times for leisure activities
• Use a timer to limit leisure time
• Identify the consequences of procrastination

4. The Avoidant Procrastinator

The avoidant procrastinator is someone who puts things off because they are afraid of the task at hand. They may feel anxious or uncomfortable with the task and may avoid it altogether. Avoidant procrastinators delay starting a project because they find it boring, difficult, or unpleasant. They may also procrastinate because they’re afraid of failure.

Strategies to overcome avoider procrastination:

• Break down large projects into smaller tasks
• Set realistic goals for yourself
• Find ways to make the project more interesting or enjoyable
• Identify the consequences of procrastination

5. The Crisis Procrastinator

The crisis procrastinator is someone who puts things off until the last possible moment. They thrive under pressure and often work best when there is a deadline looming. This type of procrastinator may struggle with time management and prioritization.

Strategies to overcome crisis procrastination:

• Set earlier deadlines for yourself
• Use a timer to limit the time you have to complete a project
• Identify the negative consequences of waiting until the last minute
• Learn to manage stress in a healthy way

6. The Overwhelmed Procrastinator

The overwhelmed procrastinator is someone who puts things off because they feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. They may struggle with breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable pieces and may feel paralyzed by the size of the project.

The overwhelmed procrastinator delay starting a project because they feel they lack the resources or support to complete it. They may also procrastinate because they’re afraid of making mistakes. This type of procrastinator may benefit from seeking help from others or utilizing time management tools. 

Strategies to overcome overwhelmed procrastination:

• Break down large projects into smaller tasks
• Identify the resources and support you need to complete the project
• Ask for help when necessary
• Focus on progress rather than perfection

7. The Dreamer Procrastinator

The dreamer procrastinator is someone who puts things off because they are too busy dreaming about the future. They often have grand plans and ideas but struggle with actually following through and taking action. This type of procrastinator may struggle with staying organized and focused.

Strategies to overcome dreamer procrastination

• Set realistic goals for yourself
• Focus on taking action rather than just imagining the ideal outcome
• Identify the consequences of procrastination
• Learn to accept mistakes and failures

FAQs:

Q: Can procrastination be a good thing?

A: Procrastination can sometimes be beneficial if it allows you to relax and recharge before starting a project. However, chronic procrastination can have negative consequences and hold you back from achieving your goals.

Q: Is procrastination a sign of laziness?

A: No, procrastination is not a sign of laziness. People procrastinate for a variety of reasons, including fear of failure, overwhelm, and perfectionism.

Q: Can procrastination be overcome?

A: Yes, procrastination can be overcome. By understanding the reasons behind your procrastination and implementing strategies to overcome it, you can break the habit and achieve your goals.

Q: What strategies can I use to overcome procrastination?

A: Some strategies include setting realistic goals, breaking tasks down into smaller steps, prioritizing tasks, and holding yourself accountable for meeting deadlines.

Conclusion

Procrastination is a common problem that affects many people. By understanding the different types of procrastinators and the reasons behind their procrastination, you can develop strategies to overcome this habit. Whether you’re a perfectionist procrastinator, a busy procrastinator, or a dreamer procrastinator, there are steps you can take to break the habit and achieve your goals. By setting realistic goals, breaking down large projects into smaller tasks, and identifying the consequences of procrastination, you can take action and overcome this common problem

Now that we have identified the 7 types of procrastinators, it’s time to determine which one you are. Take some time to reflect on your own tendencies and behaviors when it comes to procrastination. Do you tend to put things off because you want everything to be perfect? Or do you thrive under pressure and wait until the last possible moment?