A dictionary definition of procrastination is:

• Postponing doing what one should be doing
• Postponing or delaying needlessly
• Putting off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness

I have never denied being a procrastinator. It’s always been one of my worst faults. The interesting thing is that most people I know procrastinate to some extent. I found this article which had an interesting view on procrastination.

The article argues there are three types of procrastination, depending on what you do instead of working on something:

• work on nothing
• work on something less important
• work on something more important

I know I have been guilty of all of the above, and I am sure most of you, if you look back you will find so have you.

The first one usually stems from a bit of laziness. It really is that much easier to do nothing rather than do actual work. Of course, this kind of procrastination often leads to feelings of regret when you realize you have accomplished absolutely nothing.

The second kind is really avoidance behaviour. You rationalize by saying you were too busy to get the real work done but a proper assessment shows that again you have really accomplished nothing. This approach however delays the guilt by providing you with a list of things you were able to do.

The last type is described as good procrastination - avoiding errands to do real work. Supposedly a lot of brilliant people (a la Einstein) fall into this category, where they “forget” to do the simple everyday things because their mind is preoccupied with their important life’s work. Whereas this can be useful at times, it does make regular life a little challenging, unless you have an assistant to carry out the mundane for you.

I guess the overall point is that each person needs to find a way to achieve balance in their life between the little things that need to get done, the fun stuff they really want to do and the big things that need their focus.

Not sure yet if this will become my project for this year. I still need to sit down and think about it. Maybe tomorrow.