Books › The procrastination equation
The procrastination equation
352 pages
A witty, science-backed mirror held up to our worst habits, offering a guilt-free roadmap to finally getting things done.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a brilliant, deeply empathetic psychologist who already knows all your worst habits and finds them perfectly normal. The pace is brisk and engaging, moving swiftly from the comforting realization that procrastination is a biological glitch rather than a moral failing, straight into the fascinating science of why we self-sabotage. The mood is illuminating and pragmatic, stripping away the heavy guilt usually associated with putting things off. The prose is witty and accessible, translating decades of behavioral research into relatable anecdotes and actionable advice. It is a deeply hopeful read, perfect for anyone tired of relying on sheer willpower who wants a practical, science-backed toolkit to finally bridge the gap between intention and action.
- Mood
- illuminating
- hopeful
- pragmatic
- confronting
- Tone
- humorous
- empathetic
- scientific
- practical
- encouraging
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- human fallibility · science of motivation · overcoming self-sabotage · behavioral change
- The writing
- Accessible, witty, and research-backed, blending relatable anecdotes with clear scientific explanations.
- The arc
- Moves from the comforting realization that you aren't alone in your flaws to a sense of empowered, actionable clarity.
- Who it's for
- Anyone who struggles with putting things off and wants a science-based, guilt-free approach to getting things done.
Content notes
- discussions of anxiety
- workplace stress
About the book
If you think you are not one of the 95% of us who procrastinates, take Dr. Steel's test. Based on more than a decade of research, and written with humor, humanity, and solid science, this book offers answers to such questions as: Are we biologically hardwired to procrastinate. If so, why? Is there a difference between procrastination and prudence? What tricks do we play on ourselves when we procrastinate at work, school, and home? If visualizing our dreams isn't enough to make them real, then what steps do we need to take? Along the way, Dr. Steel dispels the myths and misunderstandings of motivation and procrastination, replacing them with a clear explanation of why we put off until tomorrow exactly what we should be doing today. He then offers specific techniques we can use to tame the bad habits that adversely affect our health, happiness, and careers.--From publisher description.
Description from Open Library.
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