How to Beat Procrastination in the Digital Age (ePub)

Who Will Benefit from Reading this Book?
This book was written to help those whose life is one long disconnect between what they intend to do and what they actually get around to doing. The book is also valuable for those who are pleased with their accomplishments but know they'd do even better with a tailwind at their back.

Why is it so Hard to Beat Procrastination in the Digital Age?
Beepers beckon. Diversions call. Entertainment entices. Digital devices ding. Social networks seduce. Add up the hours people spend on stuff that has nothing to do with their personal or career goals. Now, is it any wonder that so many are teetering on the edge of the Boulevard of Broken Dreams?

What Exactly is Procrastination?
We bandy around the word 'procrastination' all the time. But what exactly is it? Some people believe it's nothing more than laziness. Sorry, not true. The crux of procrastination is that it's an unresolved "approach-avoidance" conflict.
A part of you knows you need (or even want) to do a task but another part of you resists doing it. Like a Hamlet in the world of action, you're torn between two impulses: "to do or not to do." Such ambivalence makes it tough for you to choose a clear commitment to action. So, you start doing the task but lingering resistance means you work at a snail's pace. Or, you never get beyond your crippling conflict. Your positive energy remains dammed, damning you to yet another setback.

But Doesn't Everybody Procrastinate?
People aren't perfect. Procrastination happens. A messy closet remains that way, even though you promised yourself you'd get to it. A tough talk is delayed until you have no choice. A response to a request falls through the cracks.
For many, however, procrastination is not something that happens on occasion; it's a chronic, pervasive and deeply rooted pattern. If you're one of these people, you know you have a built-in tendency to let things slide—not only with challenging tasks but even with simple ones. A quiz in the book helps readers discover how pervasive their procrastination problem is.

Why is Procrastination so Hard to Change?
Because procrastination is driven by strong emotions and tenacious personality traits, it's tough to change. If it were a simple matter, like "making resolutions" or "just doing it," surely mom's nagging or teacher's scolding would have cured you of it years go.
To change an embedded habit, you need to implement specific skills and strategies that are tailored to your personality style. This is essential, as the right advice for one style is the wrong advice for another. One change program does not fit all.

What are the Six Styles of Procrastination?
Here are the six styles along with their hallmark "BUT" excuse.
The Perfectionist: "...BUT it's not perfect!"
The Dreamer: "...BUT I hate dealing with those annoying details!"
The Worrier: "...BUT I'm afraid to make a change!"
The Crisis-Maker: "...BUT I work best under pressure!"
The Defier: "...BUT why should I do it?"
The Pleaser: "...BUT I have so much to do!"

How do the Change Programs Help Readers Reach Their Goals?
The book provides readers with:
An awareness of your personality's strengths and weaknesses
• Empowering thinking, speaking and acting skills
• Creative guided imagery exercises
• Innovative to-do assignments
• Appreciating the process of change
• Ways to use technology to boost productivity (rather than suck up your time)