Woe to the procrastinator. The wages of sin may be death, but the wages of procrastination are long lines. Procrastinators are maligned “ators.” We are not nearly as critical of profligators, proliferators, prognosticators or prevaricators. For adjusters, procrastination is a hazard.
There is a legal phrase seen in many contracts that says, “Time is of the essence.” What is an “essence”? It has many definitions, including a fragrance or odor. If something sits around long enough it will begin to stink! That was the case in recent AT&T litigation where 18 different attorneys from two law firms failed to file an appeal within 30 days after a jury verdict of $40 million against their client. Imagine the smell that caused!
But procrastination is a two-edged sword. If procrastination is “putting it off,” the opposite must be “concrastination,” which might be defined as acting too quickly. This too, can be hazardous. Psychologists suggest that chronic procrastinators are often perfectionists who fear doing something that isn't perfect, so they don't do anything.
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