Ep-021: You Are NOT Lazy! 5 Unexpected Reasons You Procrastinate, and How to Stop
About 80-20 Productivity Deep Dives
80-20 productivity deep dives is a series on 80 20 Productivity where Anthony Sanni discusses concepts and phenomena related to the 80-20 principle and explores how these concepts can be used to help you do more by doing less.
Episode Summary
Listen to the episode for a comprehensive understanding of why you procrastinate and practical steps to overcome it, especially if you're striving for 80 20 productivity. Say goodbye to the guilt of "laziness" and hello to a more productive and fulfilling approach to your tasks!
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So, let's get into the details:
The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:
Introduction: Debunking the Laziness Myth [00:00:00]
Kick off with a fresh perspective on procrastination, challenging the common notion that it equates to laziness. Uncover the real reasons behind procrastination and how it ties into 80 20 living.
Understanding Procrastination: More Than Just Delay [00:01:00]
Delve into the essence of procrastination. Is it just about delaying tasks, or is there more to this behavior? A deeper look into how procrastination is wired into our nature.
Reason #1: Being Oversubscribed [00:15:00]
Discover how having too much on your plate leads to procrastination and the power of doing less to regain control and focus.
Reason #2: Low Energy Levels [00:20:00]
Explore the impact of physical and mental energy on your productivity. Learn about surprising energy boosters that can help you overcome procrastination.
Reason #3: Lack of Skill [00:29:00]
Unveil how the gap in skills can be a major driver for procrastination and the journey from incompetence to proficiency.
Reason #4: Unclarity of Tasks—and a framework for tackling it [00:35:00]
Understand how unclear tasks fuel procrastination and the framework to gain clarity, drive action, and reduce task aversiveness.
Reason #5: Disorganization [00:43:00]
Tackle procrastination by addressing disorganization.
Closing Thoughts and Takeaways [00:46:00]
Wrap up with key insights and actionable tips to transform your approach to tasks and productivity.
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Notes and References
Steel P. The nature of procrastination: a meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychol Bull. 2007 Jan;133(1):65-94. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65. PMID: 17201571.
Chen, B.-B., & Chang, L. (2016). Procrastination as a Fast Life History Strategy. Evolutionary Psychology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1474704916630314
van Eerde, W. (2015). Time management and procrastination. In M. D. Mumford, & M. Frese
(Eds.), The psychology of planning in organizations: research and applications (pp. 312-333). (Series in organization and management). Routledge
Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Nov 16. PMID: 24252493.
Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few