Procrastination affects many of us, and no one is really “immune” from its grip. It’s just that some of us are stronger at keeping it under control and have fewer issues focusing and feeling motivated.
However, others are consumed by agonizing guilt and regret as it can literally take over their lives. More often than not it comes down to a few things – feeling overwhelmed, lacking motivation, fearing failure & doubting yourself.
The key thing here which affects people so painfully is the negative consequences that follow NOT doing a task (or tasks). It’s actually a trigger that impacts self-esteem, too.
If this sounds at all like you – struggle to get started on a task – be it homework, tasks around the home, exam study, or work, one of the first things you might do is turn on your computer in search of answers. This is often met by things like self-help videos or books on helping alleviate this dangerously common problem.
Speaking of books, here are our top 5 few hand-picked titles that might help you get started…
“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
1. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
Okay, so in summary…your ‘frog’ is your biggest, most important task – the one you’re most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it.
Now, the first “rule” of frog eating is this: If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first – sounds gross, but it’s really that simple.
The second “rule” of frog eating is this: If you have to eat a live frog at all, don’t sit there staring at it. The key to improving your performance and productivity is to develop the daily habit of tackling your major, needle-moving task first thing each morning!
2. Getting Things Done by David Allen
Here Allen describes how mastering your workflow involves capturing what has your attention, clarifying what it means, putting it where it belongs, reviewing it frequently, and engaging with it. Getting things done requires two basic components: The OUTCOME – you define what “done” means (without it, you’re overwhelmed); and The ACTION – you define what “doing” looks like (without this, you have no purpose to the task(s))
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
So what are atomic habits? In his best-selling book, James defines them “An atomic habit is a regular practice or routine that is not only small and easy to do but is also the source of incredible power; a component of the system of compound growth.”
The key here is the system of compound growth – small, easy wins that “compound” and add up to something FAR greater. “If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead!”
4. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Deep work is like a “superpower” in our increasingly competitive 21st-century economy. It means being able to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task…though any task worth doing could arguably qualify for deep work.
Therefore the idea is that “to produce the absolute best stuff you’re capable of, you need to commit to deep work.” So to develop this sense of performing deep work is to go beyond what you’d consider good intentions…and enter routines and rituals. The desired outcome is that you rely far LESS on willpower, yet accomplish your goals.
5. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven
Deep work is like a “superpower” in our increasingly competitive 21st-century economy. It means being able to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task…though any task worth doing could arguably qualify for deep work. Therefore the idea is that “to produce the absolute best stuff you’re capable of, you need to commit to deep work.” So to develop this sense of performing deep work is to go beyond what you’d consider good intentions…and enter routines and rituals. The desired outcome is that you rely far LESS on willpower, yet accomplish your goals.There’s SO MUCH VALUE in these books, it’s overwhelming in itself
So let’s be honest for a moment, some of these books will be perfect for you… Maybe one of them has the potential to change your life forever? However, no doubt you realize that picking up a book and reading it to the end – while absorbing the wisdom being shared – is a “task” in itself. Then after you’ve read the book, you need to take inspired action. Which, of course, can feel overwhelming…almost frustrating… Especially since you want to get the most ROI for your time and really benefit from the wisdom! Reading books by some of the BEST gurus in the space can help you achieve monumental shifts in your life…but only if you’re dedicated to the process. The journey of commitment to reading, learning, and of course… taking action! Procrastinating reading self-help books is truly an chicken-and-egg situation…Virtue Map’s personalized plan will help you end procrastination
Have you ever wished that you could get to the bottom of your procrastination? Because it’s only when you understand WHY you procrastinate on tasks, that you can uncover the root cause, and finally turn things around to liberate yourself from the shackles of shame. Virtue Map is a personalized anti-procrastination plan, delivered right to your inbox. It’s a step-by-step journey to overcome procrastination, strengthen willpower and become the best version of yourself! Since the root cause of procrastination is rooted DEEPLY in our personalities, the program is designed by using real behavioral science. It eliminates procrastination by changing your brain’s neurological pathways and provides daily guidance from success coaches that’ll make your journey easy and keep you accountable.