Picture this: it’s currently 10 PM, and you have a six-page paper due at 11:59 PM. What would you do? Well, there are a few options. If you’re type A, you’re immediately stressed and anxious, rushing to write that essay and meet the deadline. But if you’re like me, Type B, you still show a sense of urgency by starting to work on the paper, however, without the stress and anxiety part. Why worry?
Well, this is a question that is simply not objective. We could list reasons to worry, and others could come up with a whole list of reasons not to worry. It’s up to how one chooses to handle the situation. However, one should still consider whether it’s worth losing sleep, missing meals, forgetting to shower and quite literally deteriorating just so you can meet a deadline. This is not to say you should never turn in an assignment again, but maybe consider how you handle your procrastination next time.
According to Medical News Today, a web-based outlet for medical information and news, a Type A person may attempt to complete multiple tasks at once and frequently take on extra responsibility to achieve or succeed.
Type A people are usually very goal-oriented; hence, if you ever encounter a type A person, or if you are one yourself, the 11:59 PM deadline is vital to you. Type A people are also very easily frustrated and angered and may be more vulnerable to stress. Having a personality like this can have its perks, such as being hardworking, multitasking, confident and energetic. It also comes with many disadvantages that, in many cases, override the perks. These disadvantaged characteristics include having an aggressive nature, being easily irritated or intolerant, hostility/unfriendliness, unnecessary competitiveness, stubbornness, being controlling and having low emotional intelligence. Doesn’t sound like they’d be fun at parties!
Although some may argue that type B individuals are too “relaxed” or “lack any drive,” the truth is that type B individuals have a better balance of stress and calmness, greater emotional intelligence, and can better handle stress. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the nation’s medical research agency, making important discoveries that improve health and save lives, “type B personality includes people who live at a lower stress level and typically work steadily, enjoying achievements but not becoming stressed when they are not achieved.” Not only is it healthier, but I also won’t have gray hair by 30 years old.
Why should you be type B, you may ask? Having a non-competitive, easygoing and calm nature will benefit your health and happiness in the long run. It may be difficult to convert right now if you have been type A for your whole life, but you can at least slowly start to weave in some better-coping mechanisms in your day-to-day life. For example, simply devoting time to doing something of your interest that eases your mind or devoting at least one day a week to de-stressing by doing some self-care. So, the next time you procrastinate and have a paper due in just a few hours, remember to approach it with an urgent but eased mindset. Your paper may turn out better in the end!
