Precrastination is the act of completing a task as soon as possible, often before it actually needs to be done, in order to avoid thinking about it anymore. It is considered the opposite of procrastination, with some psychologists believing that precrastination can have downsides such as using extra energy on a task or rushing just to feel the relief of having it done. Some people may precrastinate out of fear of not being able to finish something on time, which can lead to stress and burnout.
The concept of precrastination was first unintentionally observed in a 2014 study where participants were asked to choose between two buckets to carry to the end of an alley, with one bucket being closer to the endpoint. Surprisingly, participants chose the bucket closer to the starting position, carrying it farther than if they had chosen the other bucket, because they wanted to get it over with. This study highlighted the idea that the desire to relieve stress and lighten mental load can lead to over-exertion and taking extra risks.
Psychologists have connected precrastination to neuroticism, suggesting that individuals who feel anxious about having many tasks to do may rush to complete them just to alleviate that anxiety. While conscientious people may feel intrinsically rewarded by accomplishing goals, those high in neuroticism may feel a sense of anxiety and pressure to get things done quickly. This rush to complete tasks quickly can lead to the feeling of a weight being lifted off one’s shoulders by getting things done sooner rather than later.
While precrastination may seem like a productive approach to task completion, there is a risk of prioritizing tasks that aren’t of high importance and using unnecessary energy to complete them quickly. Psychologists suggest that finding a balance between precrastination and procrastination involves effectively planning and prioritizing tasks without feeling pressured to complete them immediately. Ultimately, it is important to be mindful of why one may gravitate towards precrastination and consider the potential negative impacts it may have on mental and physical wellbeing.
The inclination to complete tasks quickly for the sake of getting things done sooner rather than later is the essence of precrastination. This rush to complete tasks can sometimes lead to taking unnecessary risks or exerting extra physical effort in order to alleviate the mental load of having tasks to do. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to task completion, individuals who find themselves precrastinating may benefit from evaluating which tasks truly require immediate attention and which can be put off until later in order to avoid unnecessary stress and burnout.
Overall, precrastination can be a double-edged sword, with the potential benefits of getting tasks done quickly and feeling a sense of relief, but also the potential downsides of unnecessary rushing and over-exertion. Finding a healthy balance between precrastination and procrastination involves effective planning and task prioritization without feeling overwhelmed by the need to complete tasks immediately. By being mindful of one’s tendencies towards precrastination and taking proactive steps to manage workload and tasks, individuals can find a more sustainable approach to task completion that promotes productivity and overall wellbeing.
