Originally Posted by HowlerKarma
The thing is, the "punishment" for non-compliance has to reach a point where it becomes > the 'reward' for not risking failure/taking action... and that can cause delays in "processing" directions/tasks or starting them.

You really hit on a big point there. Also, since perfectionism type anxiety often has some self-loathing mixed in, punishment can also be a relief because it reinforces self-concept. Doing things at the last minute also means you can blame failure on the procrastination.