Identifying Procrastinator Types

According to Ali Schiller and Marissa Boisvert, co-founders of Accountability Works, there are four primary categories of procrastinators:

1. The Performer
2. The Novelty Seeker
3. The Self-Deprecator
4. The Over-Booker

The Performer

This type is familiar to many. They consistently produce remarkable work but only when pressed against a tight deadline. They flourish under pressure and often struggle to initiate new tasks.

The Novelty Seeker

On the opposite end, this individual never completes tasks due to constant distractions from new ideas or projects. They have a plethora of concepts but little finished work to show for it.

The Self-Deprecator

This person tends to dismiss their lack of progress with humor, labeling themselves as lazy. In reality, they are highly motivated but often feel burnt out, leaving many tasks unfinished.

The Over-Booker

This type is overwhelmed with commitments, filling every segment of their calendar. They struggle to find time to tackle additional tasks.

Which category do you fit into?

As I read through the descriptions, I realized I could identify with all four types. Depending on where I am in my multifaceted life, any of these archetypes can hinder my productivity.

For instance, I delayed creating a website for my project, Awesomely Adept. Instead of diving in, I felt the need to research the best web host, the amount of coding required, and my target audience—all significant factors that morphed into mini-projects, feeding my novelty-seeking tendencies. This left me so occupied that I barely had time to start on the website (over-booker), and when asked about my progress, I would jokingly refer to myself as lazy (self-deprecator).

I also discovered that my performer side was present. Without a strict deadline, there was no urgency to complete the task.

However, I noticed something intriguing: during my least productive periods (at least by my standards), I experienced bursts of creativity. Amid the procrastination, I clarified my vision and eventually completed my website in just a few days.

This situation reminded me of the saying,

“Give me six hours to fell a tree, and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the axe,” often attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

So what’s the takeaway?

Sometimes, procrastination may not be as straightforward as it seems; it can be a form of preparation. Yet at other times, it’s simply procrastination—and that’s where we need strategies to combat it!

How about you? Do any of these procrastinator types resonate with you? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

This TED talk by Tim Urban explores the mind of a chronic procrastinator, shedding light on the underlying reasons for delaying important tasks and how to overcome it.