Procrastination: Which type of doer are you?

Procrastination can be cured

We’ve all been there. That looming deadline or important work task gets overshadowed by scrolling through emails, tidying our desk, or convincing ourselves we’ll get to it “in a bit.” Procrastination sneaks into our workday before we even realise it, and suddenly we’re racing to catch up, stressed, and overwhelmed.

Procrastination isn’t just a quirky habit as left unchecked, it can lead to overwork, burnout, and even anxiety. But here’s the good news recognising the behaviours that fuel procrastination is the first step to overcoming it.

Let’s explore 10 types of procrastinators. Be honest, where do you fit? And more importantly, how can you break free from these patterns?

1. The Put-It-Off Doer

Motto: "Future me will totally have more time for this."

Do you find yourself staring at a task, only to avoid it by doing other things, like reorganising your workspace or scrolling social media? Putting things off can feel harmless, but it often leads to a last-minute panic.

How to fix it:
Take a short break to reset your mind, then come back and break the task into small, manageable chunks. Tackling one step at a time makes it feel less overwhelming.

5. The Last-Minute Panic Doer

Motto: "Deadlines are the best motivators."

Some people thrive on adrenaline, waiting until the last possible moment to get things done. While it can work in the short term, it’s not sustainable and often leads to burnout.

How to fix it:
Adopt project management techniques, like breaking the task into phases with smaller deadlines. This keeps you on track without the stress.

6. The Multitasker Doer

Motto: "I can do it all, all at once."

Juggling multiple tasks may seem efficient, but it often leads to mistakes or burnout. Telltale signs of this behaviour relate to an overly cluttered internet browser and a cold mug of coffee.

How to fix it:
Focus on one task at a time. Use time-blocking techniques to dedicate uninterrupted time to each project.

7. The "Delegate Everything" Doer

Motto: "Teamwork makes the dream work."

Delegation is a valuable skill, but relying on others for everything can backfire, especially if the task requires your personal expertise.

How to fix it:
Before passing a task to someone else, ask yourself: Am I the right person for this? Would delegating compromise the quality of the outcome?

8. The Night Owl Doer

Motto: "I’m most productive at 2 a.m."

Some people find their stride after dark, others early in the morning but sacrificing sleep to work can take a toll on your health and productivity.

How to fix it:
Establish a routine that works for your natural rhythm, but prioritising sleep is a must. Rested brains work smarter, not harder.

9. The Perfectionist Doer

Motto: "If it’s not perfect, it’s not done."

Do you want everything to be done right? If so, you may be referred to as a perfectionist, however this behaviour can lead to endless tweaking and constant delays. Spending hours on every minute detail can prevent you from seeing the bigger picture.

How to fix it:
Set a realistic standard for I’m done and stick to it. Remind yourself that perfection isn’t always necessary and can be seen as a sense of ego.

10. The Energized Burst Doer

Motto: "I work in inspired sprints!"

Do you like to work at constant top speed? While working in bursts of energy can be effective, it often leads to missed steps, like proofreading or quality checks leading to mistakes.

How to fix it:
Slow your work down and take a moment to review it before moving on. A little pause can catch big unnecessary mistakes.

Summary

Procrastination isn’t one-size-fits-all. By identifying which “doer” you are, you’ve taken the first step to addressing and overcoming it. From better time management to mindful planning, small changes can make a big difference in your productivity and well-being.

Finally, remember progress beats perfection, and balance beats burnout. So, which procrastinator are you, and what will you do differently?