Procrastinate on Purpose Book Summary - Procrastinate on Purpose Book explained in key points
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Procrastinate on Purpose summary

Rory Vaden

5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time

4.3 (400 ratings)
19 mins

Brief summary

Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden suggests that time management is not about doing more in less time.
It's about understanding, identifying and eliminating things which stand in the way of true productivity.

Table of Contents

    Procrastinate on Purpose
    Summary of 7 key ideas

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    The most successful people never complain about being busy.

    Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the demands on your time? If you do, you’re not alone. Research shows that the time we spend on routine tasks like getting dressed, household chores and eating can take 5 hours! According to a Newsweek report, simply trying to find our belongings takes sixty minutes of the day. Add in a full-time job, and it’s a wonder we get it all done. So, how can we manage our time better? 

    Surprisingly, the first step is to quit complaining about how much you have to do.

    For many of us, this is difficult. Rory Vaden, for example, used to take pride in telling people how busy his life was. When they asked, he would sigh and explain how much he had to do. Of course, he was busy. Research finds that the average executive now receives a staggering 116 emails a day. As the cofounder of a global consulting practice, Vaden’s inbox was always brimming with demands on his time. 

    Nonetheless, looking back, he believes he crafted this image of being busy because it made him feel important. After talking to highly successful people who maximize their productive hours, known as multipliers, he realized that these high achievers never complain about how packed their schedules are.

    Vaden asked one of these multipliers why they weren’t as busy as he was. She replied that it wasn’t that she didn’t have a lot to do. She just felt there was no point complaining about the demands on her time – that would be a waste of valuable mental energy. Instead of worrying about her to-do list, she gets on with it.

    After spending some time with these prolific multipliers, Vaden noticed that accepting their packed agendas gave them a more peaceful frame of mind. They might have been busy, but they didn’t seem stressed. Instead, the multipliers took responsibility for their own lives and steered clear of a victim mentality.

    You can follow suit by remembering that you made the commitments that make demands on your time. By taking ownership of these commitments, you’ll empower yourself to find a solution to your overloaded schedule. You are not a victim of your responsibilities – and you are not too busy to take care of them.

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    What is Procrastinate on Purpose about?

    Procrastinate on Purpose (2019) provides powerful yet simple techniques for saving time and money. Packed with straight-forward advice, these blinks shed light on how to escape constant busyness. They reveal how to boost productivity by lightening your schedule and focusing solely on your priorities.

    Procrastinate on Purpose Review

    Procrastinate on Purpose (2015) by Rory Vaden is an insightful book that explores the art of productive procrastination. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It presents a unique perspective on time management, encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters and strategically delay tasks for greater efficiency.
    • With practical strategies and actionable tips, it equips readers with the tools to prioritize effectively and eliminate unnecessary tasks.
    • The book challenges traditional ideas about productivity, stimulating critical thinking and inspiring readers to question their approach to time management.

    Best quote from Procrastinate on Purpose

    There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.

    —Rory Vaden
    example alt text

    Who should read Procrastinate on Purpose?

    • Anyone seeking time management tips
    • Workaholics feeling overburdened
    • Managers hoping to boost productivity

    About the Author

    Rory Vaden, MBA, is an author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. As the cofounder of Southwestern Consulting, he helps clients all over the world develop their business and improve their customer experience. Vaden’s first book, Take the Stairs was a Wall Street Journal bestseller. His productivity insights have been featured on CNN and Oprah Radio.

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    Procrastinate on Purpose FAQs 

    What is the main message of Procrastinate on Purpose?

    The main message of Procrastinate on Purpose is how to manage your time effectively and prioritize your tasks.

    How long does it take to read Procrastinate on Purpose?

    The reading time for Procrastinate on Purpose varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Procrastinate on Purpose a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Procrastinate on Purpose is worth reading for its practical strategies on overcoming procrastination and achieving productivity.

    Who is the author of Procrastinate on Purpose?

    Rory Vaden is the author of Procrastinate on Purpose.

    What to read after Procrastinate on Purpose?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Procrastinate on Purpose, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
    • The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo
    • Procrastination by Jane B. Burka & Lenora M. Yuen
    • How to Change by Katy Milkman
    • The Procrastination Cure by Damon Zahariades
    • Indistractable by Nir Eyal
    • Who Not How by Dan Sullivan with Benjamin Hardy
    • The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile
    • Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
    • The Art of Laziness by Library Mindset