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!

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Reason #5: Disorganization [00:43:00]

    • Tackle procrastination by addressing disorganization.

  7. Closing Thoughts and Takeaways [00:46:00]

    • Wrap up with key insights and actionable tips to transform your approach to tasks and productivity.

Get an extra 20% off a 30-day supply of Magic Mind productivity shots. Go to https://magicmind.com/8020productivity and use CODE: PRD20

My favourite digital productivity tool (get double the trial period for free! No credit card required: https://try.sunsama.com/anthony

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

Anthony Sanni

Anthony lives to help organizations and individual thrive! He is an author, speaker, consultant and coach specializing in personal effectiveness and productivity,

He used to be an engineer making use of tools, now he helps professionals use the right tools to make the most of themselves.

Follow Anthony on LinkedIn and subscribe to the blog to keep in touch.

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Ep-022: Are you in sync? Aligning to your Natural Biological Rhythms for Effortless Efficiency

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Ep-020: These gaps are frustrating your goals—common mistakes in goal-setting that hinder goal attainment