Developing Up

Procrastination vs. Precrastination

Episode Summary

When it comes to getting tasks completed there are two types of developers. In this episode we are discussing the differences between procrastinators and precrastinators. Sharing tips to improve your abilities to get things done, not matter which type of developer you are. Show notes for this episode can be found at http://www.developingup.com/20

Episode Notes

When it comes to getting tasks completed there are two types of developers. Those who get things done as soon as possible and those who wait until the last minute. Being one is not better than being the other as long as you are able to deliver your best work. In this episode we are discussing the differences between procrastinators and precrastinators. We talk about the pro’s and con’s of each approach and how they affect your development work. Sharing tips to improve your abilities to get things done, not matter which type of developer you are.

Procrastination vs. Precrastination

• Procrastination: Waiting until the last minute to complete tasks.
• Precrastination: Completing a task as soon as it is assigned.

Pros of Procrastination

• Creates a sense of urgency that forces you to focus on getting a task completed.
• Helps you to not stress about a task, until you absolutely have to focus on it.
• Prevents over-engineering by focusing on completing only the work you need to.

Pros of Precrastination

• Creates a sense of urgency to get a task done as soon as possible.
• Allows for plenty of time to get a task completed.
• Provides opportunities to revise you approach to a task.

Cons of Procrastination

• Prevents the opportunity to explore different approaches.
• Provides risk of running out of time to complete a task.
• Potentially to compromise the quality of work in order to get it done in time.

Cons of Precrastination

• Increases chances of over-engineering a solution.
• Potentially increased stress over completing a task when it is on your todo list.
• May be easier to be distracted from what you focus should be on.

Tips for Improving as a Procrastinator or Precrastinator

• Plan out the timeline you have to get work done.
• Spread out your workload to give yourself plenty of time to think.
• Focus on creating sustainable habits of your development approach.

Listener Challenges

• Let us know, are you a Precrastinator or a Procrastinator?