different techniques for different procrastinators

Type 1: The Last-Minute Hoarder – “I work well Under Pressure” Type

You cannot work well under pressure all the time. Or, if you are doing it for the fun and joy of last-minute rush, it’s not going to work out in the long run. Working last-minute is not always fun.

How to beat this procrastinator mindset?

a. Change your mindset that you need some kind of last-minute push to perform well.

b. You are procrastinating because you might be afraid to start early.

c. Last-minute work can bring poor quality outputs.

d. Alleviate boredom. It’s another cause for your “I will do it last-minute”.

e. Last-minute steals your time to review your work.

f. Try the POMODORO technique for working.

g. Prepare an “Everyday To-Do List”. Start from it.

Type 2: Avoiders – “I can’t risk. I better do nothing” Type.

You worry about what others will think or judge what you have done. You are losing the best part when you listen to those negatives.

How to beat this procrastination type?

1. Have confidence in yourself that you can manage the task. Confidence gives an excellent start.
2. Give your best. Only then you can handle negative criticisms. Procrastination is not the answer.
3. Start. Figure things out later. Don’t keep avoiding it.

Type 3: Anxious Procrastinators – “What if something happens” Type

You fear change and avoid taking decisions. You procrastinate and don’t commit because of ‘what if something goes wrong’.

How to beat this anxious-related procrastination?

1. Offer self-compassion. It helps you overcome the fear of failures and judgments.
2. Don’t let anxiety take over.
3. Be confident.
4. You got nothing to lose when you start. Even if you fail, you at least did something. But, you put everything at stake when you don’t begin at all.
5. Start with simple tasks. Work on small chunks.

Type 1: The Over-Doer — “I am busy right now” Type.

You will have too much on your plate. You don’t say ‘No’ to your peers. Tasks in hand will be high and you won’t have enough time to complete them. You procrastinate.

What can you do to overcome procrastination?

1. Learn to Say No. Don’t feel guilty about it when you have to.
2. Prioritize your tasks so important things will occupy you. You won’t have time to add more things.
3. If you are burdening yourself to please or impress others, stop it.
4. Don’t just fill up your calendar with everything. See the value of tasks. Plan and prioritize tasks that have value, and important to do first. Let other tasks come later.

Type 2: The Perfectionists — “I want everything to be perfect” Type.

By focusing on details, you forget about how time is getting wasted. Without your knowledge, you are already in procrastination mode.

How can you fix this type of procrastination?

1. Progress is important than Results here. Don’t stay where you are by expecting perfectionism.
2. Have your set of standards. Work on it.
3. Be clear about what you want. A purpose delays procrastination.
4. Set realistic goals and expectations.
5. Work on time-limits.

Type 3: Rebels — “No. You can’t make me do this” Type.

You procrastinate when you feel anger, bitterness, ordering, or pressure.

How can you overcome this procrastinating mindset?

1. Understand that sometimes it’s not people’s agenda to keep pressuring or compelling you to do a task.
2. With this attitude, you take it as people demanding when they are requesting.
3. You have to realize other people’s situations and act. It’s not always about you.
4. Eventually, you have to do it. So, stop procrastinating out of your rebel attitude and start working.
5. Stop taking things personally.