Procrastination
Describes the main causes of procrastination, discusses fears of failure, separation, and attachment, and gives advice on time management, goal setting, and stress.
Stats for nerds
7recommend
12mentions
9people
2009–2024years
83% recommend17% neutral
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
- If you are into the psychological aspects of procrastination, I've found the book Procrastination by Burka and Yuen [1] an amazing read. Perfectionism is one of the themes but apparently there can be multiple, independent sources.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Why-You-What-About/dp...
- Much of the article (and Hosh's comments) resonated strongly with me. I fall into the category that had quite a bit of therapy before making real progress on my procrastination. In my case, the key to the puzzle has been cultivating compassion for myself and others--especially myself! :)
A great book if you want more exploration of the emotional roots of procrastination is Burka and Yuen's "Procrastination: Why You Do It, What to Do About It Now" https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738211702 ). It's not a 'quick fix' type book, but I found it helpful.
- I am loving this thread. There are so many wonderful suggestions.
My personal additions (though I know they are not obscure):
Down and Out in Disneyland - Cory Doctorow (This was gifted by a friend and really inspired me to make some significant changes in my life. That includes the decision to learn to code and escape the user end of the spectrum.)
Procrastination- Jane B. Burka , Lenora M. Yuen (This book has fundamentally altered my introspective conclusions. That is to say, I am now more aware of times when I am procrastinating and the impact it has on my life.)
This year was a great year for reading and I hope to read even more next year.
- There is not a singular cause for procrastination. I've mentioned it many times on HN, but I think it's again relevant to recommend "Procrastination" by Burka & Yuen.[1]
Half the book is spent helping you investigate the root cause or causes of your procrastination, which can include fear about control (losing OR gaining it), as well as fear of success, fear of failure, fear of separation, fear of attachment. They discuss the influence of family and culture, gender, and the role of ADD & executive dysfunction.
The second half of the book is a practical guide to coping with your procrastination and habitualizing better behaviors.
If you're serious about procrastination, my only advice is to listen to the experimentally & research-backed psychiatrists.
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Why-You-What-About/dp/...
- Willpower and the problem of the lack thereof are pretty hazily defined here. Poor personal performance is a complicated issue that "Get sleep and exercise" is a poor prescription to. Poor organization, personality conflicts, attitude issues, perfectionism, and poor self image will make even the most well-rested and healthy person underperform at work.
I highly recommend "Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It" by Jane B. Burka and Lenora M. Yuen and "Getting Things Done" by David Allen for a deeper examination of these issues and some solutions.
- While I do think "stop making excuses and just ship" is correct advice, I'm not sure how useful it is to you.
You sound like you have a procrastination and/or executive function problem. I highly recommend reading a book called Procrastination [1]. The first step in changing your behavior is understanding why your behavior is the way it is. This is not a self-helpy book; it is written by two clinical psychologists relying on their lab work, patient work, and a wide breadth of historical research on the subject.
From the product page: "Based on their workshops and counseling experience, psychologists Jane B. Burka and Lenora M. Yuen offer a probing, sensitive, and at times humorous look at a problem that affects everyone: students and scientists, secretaries and executives, homemakers and salespeople. Procrastination identifies the reasons we put off tasks—fears of failure, success, control, separation, and attachment—and their roots in our childhood and adult experiences. The authors offer a practical, tested program to overcome procrastination by achieving set goals, managing time, enlisting support, and handling stress. Burka and Yuen even provide tips on living and working with the procrastinators you may know. Wise, effective, and easy to use, this new edition shows why for 25 years Procrastination has been an immediate must-have for anyone who puts things off until tomorrow."
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Why-You-What-About/dp/...
