Precrastination vs. Procrastination: How They Affect People's Lives

In today’s fast-paced society, effective time management has become increasingly essential. However, people often find themselves grappling with two distinct tendencies: procrastination and precrastination. Procrastination, the more commonly recognized behavior, involves delaying tasks until the last minute which often leads to stress and mediocre results. In contrast, precrastination refers to the urge to complete tasks as quickly as possible, sometimes at the expense of quality and efficiency. While these behaviors may seem opposites, both can significantly impact personal and professional lives, although in different ways. This article explores the nuances of procrastination and precrastination, the psychological factors driving them, and the broader implications for individuals.

Procrastination: The Art of Delaying Tasks

Procrastination is a widespread phenomenon, often seen as a self-regulation failure where individuals postpone tasks despite being aware of the potential negative outcomes. It is deeply ingrained in human behavior and can be traced back to several psychological factors, including temporal discounting, fear of failure, perfectionism, and a lack of motivation (Steel, 2007; Pychyl & Flett, 2012; Sirois, 2014).

Temporal discounting is one of the critical cognitive biases linked to procrastination. It refers to the tendency to value immediate rewards more highly than future benefits, leading individuals to prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term goals (Ainslie, 2010). This bias often results in the deferral of tasks that are perceived as less immediately gratifying, such as work or study, in favor of more enjoyable activities. For instance, a student might choose to watch television instead of starting a challenging assignment, even though they know that this delay will lead to last-minute stress and potentially lower grades.

Fear of failure is another significant driver of procrastination. Individuals who are afraid of failing often delay tasks to avoid the possibility of performing poorly (Pychyl & Flett, 2012). This fear can be exacerbated by perfectionism, where individuals set unrealistically high standards for themselves and worry that their work will not meet these expectations (Flett, Hewitt, & Martin, 1995). Procrastinators often engage in self-handicapping behaviors, such as delaying the start of a task, as a way to protect their self-esteem. By attributing potential failure to a lack of time rather than a lack of ability, they can maintain a sense of competence, even when their performance suffers.

The consequences of procrastination are far-reaching and well-documented. In academic and professional settings, procrastination can lead to missed deadlines, reduced productivity, and lower-quality work (Steel, 2007). These outcomes can, in turn, harm one’s career prospects and academic achievements. In addition to that, chronic procrastination is associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as individuals become overwhelmed by the accumulation of unfinished tasks (Sirois, 2014). Over time, this behavior can erode self-esteem and hinder personal growth, as individuals may feel trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled potential.

Precrastination: The Compulsion to Act Immediately

While procrastination is a well-known and extensively studied behavior, precrastination is a relatively recent concept that has begun to receive attention in psychological research. First introduced by Rosenbaum et al. (2014), precrastination refers to the tendency to complete tasks as quickly as possible, often to alleviate the cognitive load associated with having unfinished tasks. Although this behavior may seem advantageous at first glance, it can lead to suboptimal outcomes, such as hasty decisions, overlooked details, and unnecessary stress.

Precrastination is driven by a desire to reduce cognitive load and gain a sense of control. When faced with multiple tasks, precrastinators often choose to complete the easiest or quickest tasks first, even if this means expending more effort in the process (Rosenbaum et al., 2014). For example, in an experiment conducted by Rosenbaum and colleagues, participants were asked to carry a bucket from one end of a room to the other. Given a choice between picking up a bucket closer to the starting point and carrying it a longer distance, or picking up a bucket farther away and carrying it a shorter distance, many participants chose the former option. This decision, which required more physical effort, was driven by the desire to complete the task as soon as possible and reduce the mental load of having an unfinished task.

The need for cognitive closure, or the desire to resolve uncertainty quickly, is another psychological factor that contributes to precrastination (Kruglanski & Webster, 1996). Precrastinators may feel uncomfortable with the idea of leaving tasks unfinished, even if delaying action would lead to better outcomes. This can result in a constant state of busyness, where individuals focus on completing minor tasks quickly rather than taking the time to plan and prioritize more significant projects.

While precrastination can provide a temporary sense of relief and accomplishment, it can also have negative consequences, particularly in the workplace. Precrastinators may prioritize responding to emails or completing other small tasks over more critical work that requires deeper focus and strategic thinking (Rosenbaum et al., 2014). This behavior can lead to a lack of long-term planning and poor decision-making, ultimately hindering professional growth and success. Likewise, the constant pressure to complete tasks immediately can contribute to burnout, as individuals may feel overwhelmed by the need to stay busy and productive at all times.

Psychological Underpinnings of Procrastination and Precrastination

Both procrastination and precrastination are influenced by various psychological factors, including cognitive biases, emotional regulation, and personality traits. Understanding these underlying mechanisms can provide insights into why individuals engage in these behaviors and how they can be managed effectively.

Procrastination is often linked to emotional regulation difficulties, where individuals use avoidance as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions associated with the task at hand (Tice & Bratslavsky, 2000). For example, a person may delay working on a challenging project because it triggers feelings of anxiety or self-doubt. By procrastinating, they temporarily avoid these unpleasant emotions, even though this behavior ultimately exacerbates stress and anxiety in the long run.

Moreover, research has shown that procrastination is associated with lower levels of self-compassion, or the ability to be kind and understanding toward oneself in times of difficulty (Sirois, 2014). Procrastinators often engage in self-criticism and negative self-talk, which can perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and self-defeating behavior. On the other hand, individuals with higher levels of self-compassion are more likely to approach tasks with a positive mindset and are less prone to procrastination.

In contrast, precrastination is driven by a desire to reduce cognitive load and gain a sense of control. This behavior is often influenced by the need for cognitive closure, or the desire to resolve uncertainty quickly (Kruglanski & Webster, 1996). Precrastinators may feel uncomfortable with the idea of leaving tasks unfinished, even if delaying action would lead to better outcomes. This can result in a constant state of busyness, where individuals focus on completing minor tasks quickly rather than taking the time to plan and prioritize more significant projects.

Additionally, precrastinators are often motivated by a fear of losing control. By completing tasks immediately, they can maintain a sense of control over their environment and reduce the anxiety associated with uncertainty (Rosenbaum et al., 2014). However, this behavior can also lead to a lack of flexibility and adaptability, as precrastinators may struggle to adjust their plans or consider alternative solutions when faced with unexpected challenges.

Impact on Personal and Professional Life

Both procrastination and precrastination can have significant impacts on an individual’s personal and professional life, affecting everything from productivity and job performance to mental health and relationships.

In the workplace, procrastination often leads to missed deadlines, lower productivity, and strained relationships with colleagues and supervisors (Steel, 2007). Procrastinators may find themselves constantly playing catch-up, as they scramble to complete tasks at the last minute. This can result in lower-quality work, as there is little time for revision or reflection (Ferrari, 2010). Over time, chronic procrastination can harm one’s career prospects, as individuals may struggle to meet expectations or take on leadership roles.

Furthermore, research has shown that procrastination is associated with lower levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of job stress (Van Eerde, 2003). Procrastinators may feel overwhelmed by the accumulation of unfinished tasks, leading to increased stress and burnout. Additionally, the negative consequences of procrastination can spill over into one’s personal life, affecting relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being (Sirois, 2014).

Precrastination, while seemingly more productive, can also have negative consequences in the workplace. Precrastinators may focus on completing minor tasks quickly, neglecting more significant projects that require thoughtful planning and execution. This behavior can lead to a lack of strategic focus and missed opportunities for innovation. Besides, precrastination can contribute to burnout, as individuals may feel overwhelmed by the constant need to “get things done” (Rosenbaum et al., 2014).

In personal life, procrastination can strain relationships, as individuals may delay important conversations or decisions. For example, a person might procrastinate on addressing issues in their personal relationships, leading to unresolved conflicts and feelings of resentment. Additionally, the stress associated with procrastination can spill over into other areas of life, affecting overall well-being and mental health (Sirois, 2014).

Precrastination, while often perceived as a positive trait, can also have drawbacks in personal life. The compulsion to act immediately can lead to rushed decisions, such as making hasty purchases or agreeing to commitments without sufficient consideration. This behavior can result in regrets and dissatisfaction, as individuals may not take the time to weigh the pros and cons of their choices. Additionally, precrastinators may struggle to relax and enjoy leisure time, as they constantly feel the need to be productive and busy (Rosenbaum et al., 2014).

Strategies for Managing Procrastination and Precrastination

Given the significant impact that both procrastination and precrastination can have on personal and professional life, it is essential to develop strategies to manage these behaviors effectively.

For procrastinators, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make them feel less overwhelming and easier to tackle. Research has shown that setting specific, achievable goals can help individuals overcome the inertia associated with procrastination and increase motivation (Locke & Latham, 2002). Additionally, practicing self-compassion can help procrastinators reduce self-criticism and approach tasks with a more positive mindset (Sirois, 2014).

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and journaling, can also help procrastinators become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to address the underlying causes of their procrastination (Eckert et al., 2016). Finally, seeking accountability from others, such as a mentor or peer, can provide external motivation to stay on track and complete tasks on time.

For precrastinators, learning the value of patience and deliberate action is crucial. Taking the time to reflect on tasks and prioritize them based on importance, rather than urgency, can lead to better outcomes (Rosenbaum et al., 2014). Precrastinators can benefit from adopting a “wait and see” approach for certain tasks, allowing them to gather more information and make more informed decisions. Additionally, setting realistic expectations for task completion and allowing for flexibility can reduce the compulsion to act immediately.

Mindfulness practices can also help precrastinators become more aware of their impulses and make more thoughtful decisions (Eckert et al., 2016). By practicing mindfulness, precrastinators can learn to tolerate the discomfort of leaving tasks unfinished and develop greater tolerance for uncertainty. Furthermore, delegating tasks to others or seeking input from colleagues can help precrastinators avoid the trap of trying to do everything themselves, reducing the risk of burnout.

Conclusion

Both procrastination and precrastination represent challenges in time management, each with its unique set of consequences. While procrastination is often viewed negatively due to its association with delay and avoidance, precrastination can be equally problematic if it leads to hasty decisions and burnout. Understanding the psychological factors that drive these behaviors is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage them.

By finding a balance between procrastination and precrastination, individuals can improve their productivity, enhance their mental health, and achieve greater fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives. Whether it involves breaking tasks into manageable parts, practicing mindfulness, or setting realistic expectations, the key to effective time management lies in understanding one’s tendencies and making conscious choices that align with long-term goals.

References

Ainslie, G., 2010. Procrastination: The basic impulse. In The thief of time: Philosophical essays on procrastination (pp. 11-27). Oxford University Press.

Eckert, M., Ebert, D.D., Lehr, D., Sieland, B., & Berking, M., 2016. Overcome procrastination: Enhancing emotion regulation skills reduce procrastination. Learning and Individual Differences, 52, pp. 10-18.

Ferrari, J.R., 2010. Still procrastinating? The no regrets guide to getting it done. Wiley.

Flett, G.L., Hewitt, P.L., & Martin, T.R., 1995. Dimensions of perfectionism and procrastination. In J.R. Ferrari, J.L. Johnson, & W.G. McCown (Eds.), Procrastination and task avoidance (pp. 113-136). Springer.

Kruglanski, A.W., & Webster, D.M., 1996. Motivated closing of the mind: “Seizing” and “freezing.” Psychological Review, 103(2), pp. 263-283.

Locke, E.A., & Latham, G.P., 2002. Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), pp. 705-717.

Pychyl, T.A., & Flett, G.L., 2012. Procrastination and self-regulation failure: An overview of the theoretical and practical issues. In H.C. Schouwenburg, C.H. Lay, T.A. Pychyl, & J.R. Ferrari (Eds.), Counseling the procrastinator in academic settings (pp. 19-31). American Psychological Association.

Rosenbaum, D.A., Gong, L., & Potts, C.A., 2014. Precrastination: Hastening subgoal completion at the expense of extra physical effort. Psychological Science, 25(7), pp. 1487-1496.

Sirois, F.M., 2014. Procrastination and stress: Exploring the role of self-compassion. Self and Identity, 13(2), pp. 128-145.

Steel, P., 2007. The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), pp. 65-94.

Van Eerde, W., 2003. Procrastination at work and time management training. The Journal of Psychology, 137(5), pp. 421-434.

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