Conquering Procrastination: A Guide to Beating Common Types

Discover 8 types of procrastination and how to conquer them

Note from Joseph:

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For a long time, I used to think that procrastination is one thing!

But I have realized that procrastination wears 1000 faces!

Each manifestation has distinctive characteristics that impacts on your habits and productivity in unique ways.

UNMASK it to TAME it!

Here is a guide to identify and overcome different types of procrastination.

You will gain profound insights into your tendencies and craft tailored responses to conquer your procrastination.

1. Classic Procrastination:

  • Description: Postponing tasks until the last minute.

  • Indicators: Waiting until the deadline approaches, rushing to complete tasks.

  • Triggers: Fear of failure, lack of motivation, or overwhelming workload.

  • Counteraction: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, set intermediate deadlines, and establish a schedule for task completion.

2. Decisional Procrastination:

  • Description: Delaying decisions that need to be made.

  • Indicators: Putting off making choices, avoiding responsibility.

  • Triggers: Fear of making the wrong decision, uncertainty, or perfectionism.

  • Counteraction: Break decisions into smaller components, gather necessary information, and set a specific deadline for making the decision.

3. Arousal Procrastination:

  • Description: Preferring to work under pressure for the adrenaline rush.

  • Indicators: Procrastinating until the last moment for excitement.

  • Triggers: Boredom, lack of interest, or a need for excitement.

  • Counteraction: Create self-imposed deadlines, find ways to make tasks more engaging, and break tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.

4. Avoidant Procrastination:

  • Description: Avoiding tasks due to discomfort or fear.

  • Indicators: Engaging in distracting activities to avoid the task.

  • Triggers: Fear of criticism, low self-esteem, or lack of confidence.

  • Counteraction: Identify and address underlying fears, break tasks into smaller, less intimidating steps, and focus on the benefits of completing the task.

5. Perfectionistic Procrastination:

  • Description: Delaying tasks due to the fear of not meeting high standards.

  • Indicators: Spending excessive time on details, fear of starting due to potential imperfections.

  • Triggers: Fear of failure, setting unrealistically high standards, or perfectionism.

  • Counteraction: Set realistic goals, focus on progress over perfection, and challenge irrational thoughts about failure.

6. Overwhelmed Procrastination:

  • Description: Procrastinating when tasks become too overwhelming.

  • Indicators: Feeling paralyzed by the sheer volume or complexity of tasks.

  • Triggers: An overload of tasks, feeling unprepared, or lacking a clear plan.

  • Counteraction: Prioritize tasks, break them into smaller, more manageable steps, and create a realistic schedule. Seek support if needed.

7. Behavioral Procrastination:

  • Description: Delaying action or implementation of plans.

  • Indicators: Difficulty starting tasks, a tendency to avoid practical steps.

  • Triggers: Lack of initiative, difficulty starting tasks, or a tendency to avoid taking practical steps.

  • Counteraction: Break tasks into smaller steps, create a detailed plan, and focus on initiating the first action to overcome difficulties.

8. Anxiety-Based Procrastination:

  • Description: Delaying tasks driven by anxiety.

  • Indicators: Procrastinating due to fear, worry, or apprehension.

  • Triggers: Anxiety about potential outcomes, fear of failure or criticism.

  • Counteraction: Practice mindfulness, break tasks into smaller steps, and seek support to manage anxiety.

Which type of procrastination do you find most relatable? Share your thoughts and strategies!

We are hosting a free webinar on Saturday 6th January 2024 at 8:00am where we'll unpack the Procrastinator's Mind.

Register using this link: https://bit.ly/procrastinatorsmind

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