New Delhi: Scientists may not have been able to find the cure for procrastination yet, but they have figured out the types. And knowing your type can help you fix your finances, health or relationship, according to Itamar Shatz, a social scientist at Cambridge University.
Delaying tasks is so common that most don’t even feel it’s worth talking about. But Shatz argues that it’s not just a lack of motivation or bad time management that’s holding you back. “These are really unhelpful misconceptions. Procrastination revolves around the tug-of-war between helpful elements of our drive to act and harmful elements of our drive to delay,” he said.
In his upcoming book, titled Solving Procrastination: The Science of Why We Put Things Off and How to (Finally!) Stop, Shatz has identified and explained nine types of procrastinators — Worrier, Pessimist, Perfectionist, Dreamer, Zigzagger, Rebel, Thrill seeker, Hedonist, and Burnout.
Perfectionists
If you are often unable to get done with your work because it’s not ‘perfect’ yet, then you fall in this category of procrastinators. Shatz insists that such people must abandon the “all-or-nothing mentality” and remember that imperfect progress is also progress.
Worriers
Stressing over a task but not doing it due to a fear of failure — these are the signs of worriers, another type of procrastinator. These people know that the submission deadline is tight and there is no escape from the assignment, but they still keep delaying it. Shatz says worriers should overcome their fears, reject perfectionism, and believe in their ability to succeed.
Zigzaggers
These procrastinators often keep switching between different tasks, and end up completing none. According to the Cambridge scientist, reducing distractions, adding structure to plans, and setting specific goals can help.
Rebels
Shatz says these procrastinators feel they can’t control what happens in their life so they put off tasks to “assert their autonomy”. Rebels should “find their own reasons for taking action and focus on their own standards” rather than chasing perfectionism.
Hedonists
Hedonists are more focussed on maximising pleasure rather than completing the task at hand. Such people need to get over temptations and “find your sources of motivation (including external ones)”.
Thrill seekers
These people like the adrenaline rush of doing things last-minute. Shatz wants such thrill seekers to acknowledge how this behaviour can affect them in the long run, and look for different ways that can make completing tasks early appealing.
Burnouts
If you are way too exhausted to even begin the task, you are a burnout procrastinator. It can happen if you are engaged in some other activity that is draining your energy or making you stressed. Shatz advises getting enough rest and better sleep.
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Dreamers
Dreamers are often lost in la-la land, fantasising about the future and ignoring the present realities. These procrastinators must figure out the reason why they get teleported to a fantasy world, and then try to focus better on the pending tasks.
Pessimists
These people underestimate themselves, and believe that something bad would happen if they begin the task. So, they don’t try at all. Having a good support system and confronting the fears may help, says Shatz.
Itamar Shatz’s book will release on 25 August.