Blog Contribution by NIHD President Kristina Krail, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, PMP, EDAC
I read all sorts of things and still very much enjoy reading from hand-held print rather than my phone or computer. My preference is for non-fiction and most of my literary consumption is professional journals and a few popular magazines. No matter the source, over the years I have learned to always start with reading the editor’s message. I know it’s a feature many skip over but I have discovered it gives great insight into the publication’s literary personality, as well as often providing a preview of what to expect in the pages that follow. This habit has taken on addition personal utility as an ongoing supply of writing examples now that I am responsible for authoring a similar piece each month for the NIHD newsletter.
Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) has always been one of my favorites – lots of pretty pictures, realistic design ideas and good recipes. So, I was somewhat surprised when the first sentence in the “editor’s letter” was I am a procrastinator. I found that to be a rather provocative opening line and my first reactive thought was well, I am a procrastinator too!
I often put things off when I can, especially if it is a difficult or unenjoyable task, but I don’t think any more so than the next person. I have matured enough in my work and life to not be the person who always leaves everything to the very last minute. And, probably due in part to my training and experience as a project manager, in some instances I am considered a role model in ways to get things done on-time as scheduled.
The BHG editor went on to give a few examples to reinforce his self-assessment (including always leaving his editor’s letter to the day before it is due) but he was also quick to provide the excuse that procrastination is an understandable part of the creative process. I don’t buy into that explanation, so I was pleased to read on that he suggested understanding better the emotions at the root of the behavior is helpful in managing one’s deadlines.
He cited this list of procrastinator types from Procrastination: Causes, Types, and How to Overcome It (verywellhealth.com) which you may find informative too:
Perfectionist: Has high standards and fear of not meeting expectations and puts off work because they fear they won't do it correctly.
Dreamer: Has big goals but no plan for success.
Worrier: Fears change, has worst-case scenario thinking, and resists risk-taking.
Defier: Promise-maker with poor follow-through and many excuses or reasonings for not doing the task.
Crisis-maker: May unintentionally or intentionally create chaos at the last minute to delay work.
Over-doer: Has unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved and lacks priority-setting.
So what kind of procrastinator are you?
Kristina Krail, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, PMP, EDAC
2024 NIHD President