Today I was procrastinating, mainly on the computer, but I also discovered other ways to waste time as well.   It was just one of those days. My day was spent in a state of meta-awareness that I was not accomplishing anything (I brought up the pre-lit Christmas tree from the basement so it appeared to others that I had done some holiday decorating!).  I was mildly frustrated but also fascinated by it.  Before long, I was on the internet reading about procrastination.

Procrastination: : to put off intentionally and habitually.  According to a 2003 issue of Psychology Today, there are 3 types of procrasinators:

• arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait to the last minute for the euphoric rush.
• avoiders, who may be avoiding fear of failure or even fear of success, but in either case are very concerned with what others think of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability.
• decisional procrastinators, who cannot make a decision. Not making a decision absolves procrastinators of responsibility for the outcome of events.

Only three types of procrastinators, eh?  Three types of foot-dragging, time wasting, dilly-dallying slackers? With all due deference to Psychology Today,  I came up with 3 more types of procrastinators:

• The Lightening Bolt Procrastinator, who requires a jolt of energy or inspiration but who isn”t necessarily seeking the “wait for the last second thrills.” Maybe this type of procrastinator is like a weak car battery that  needs a jump start from time to time.  Perhaps this is a  cousin to the “Arousal Procrastinator.”
• The Experimental Procrastinator, who is intrigued by a concept and has to test it out further right now. today I wondered if lying on my right or left side would yield different types of thinking or perspectives on a problem (right brain versus left brain thinking styles.)   I had to try it out and I think it does make a difference, by the way.
• The Investigational Procrastinator, who curiosity is piqued by a topic and who needs to learn about it right away.  The internet is a particular temptation to the Investigating Procrastinator. (more…)