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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Art of Procrastination summary
John Perry
Brief summary
The Art of Procrastination by John Perry is a humorous and insightful book that explores the psychology behind procrastination and offers practical strategies for harnessing the power of productive procrastination.
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Table of Contents
The Art of Procrastination
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Procrastination
In The Art of Procrastination by John Perry, we delve into the world of procrastination. Perry, a self-proclaimed 'structured procrastinator,' argues that procrastination is not always a bad thing. He suggests that it can be a tool for achieving productivity, as long as it is managed effectively. He introduces the concept of 'task triage,' where we prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and 'horizontal organization,' where we work on tasks that are not at the top of our to-do list.
Perry also discusses the paradox of procrastination, where people who procrastinate are often high achievers. He attributes this to the fact that procrastinators are more likely to work on tasks that are not at the top of their to-do list, which can lead to unexpected productivity. He also introduces the concept of 'akrasia,' the state of acting against one's better judgment, to explain why we procrastinate even when we know it's not in our best interest.
Perfectionism and Procrastination
Next, Perry explores the relationship between procrastination and perfectionism. He argues that perfectionists are more likely to procrastinate because they fear not being able to complete a task perfectly. This fear of failure leads them to put off tasks, which in turn, leads to more stress and a decreased ability to perform well. Perry suggests that accepting imperfection and embracing 'good enough' can help perfectionists overcome their procrastination tendencies.
He also introduces the concept of 'right-parenthesis deficit disorder,' a term he coined to describe the tendency to focus on the future at the expense of the present. People with this disorder are always looking ahead to the next task or goal, which can lead to procrastination. Perry suggests that by focusing on the present and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, we can overcome this tendency.
Embracing Procrastination
In the latter part of The Art of Procrastination, Perry encourages readers to embrace their procrastination tendencies. He argues that procrastination can be a source of creativity and insight, as it allows our minds to wander and make unexpected connections. He suggests that instead of fighting against our procrastination, we should learn to work with it and use it to our advantage.
Perry also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and allowing ourselves to 'waste time.' He argues that these periods of relaxation and idleness are essential for our mental well-being and can actually lead to increased productivity in the long run. By accepting our procrastination tendencies and learning to manage them effectively, Perry suggests that we can lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Art of Procrastination by John Perry offers a refreshing perspective on procrastination. Instead of viewing it as a negative trait, Perry encourages us to embrace our procrastination tendencies and use them to our advantage. By understanding the underlying causes of procrastination, such as perfectionism and akrasia, and learning to manage them effectively, we can harness the power of procrastination to achieve greater productivity and well-being.
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What is The Art of Procrastination about?
The Art of Procrastination by John Perry explores the concept of structured procrastination and how it can be a productive strategy. Perry delves into the reasons behind our tendency to procrastinate and offers practical tips for harnessing this habit to our advantage. With humor and insight, the book challenges our preconceived notions about procrastination and encourages us to embrace it in a new light.
The Art of Procrastination Review
The Art of Procrastination (2012) explores the art form of delaying tasks and offers a fresh perspective on productivity. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By embracing the idea of structured procrastination, it suggests that we can actually be productive by working on tasks other than the ones we should be doing.
- Featuring a humorous and relatable tone, it provides insights into the psychology behind procrastination, helping readers understand and navigate their own tendencies.
- The book presents a refreshing take on productivity by highlighting the potential benefits of procrastination, such as allowing creative ideas to flourish and sparking motivation.
Who should read The Art of Procrastination?
- Individuals who struggle with procrastination and want to understand the psychology behind it
- People looking for practical strategies to overcome procrastination and improve their productivity
- Readers who enjoy a humorous and relatable approach to self-improvement
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The Art of Procrastination FAQs
What is the main message of The Art of Procrastination?
The main message of The Art of Procrastination is to embrace procrastination as an effective strategy for productivity and creativity.
How long does it take to read The Art of Procrastination?
The reading time for The Art of Procrastination varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Procrastination a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Procrastination is worth reading for its fresh perspective on productivity and its helpful strategies for managing procrastination.
Who is the author of The Art of Procrastination?
The author of The Art of Procrastination is John Perry.
What to read after The Art of Procrastination?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Procrastination, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau