WASHINGTON, April 16: Scads of self-help books promise to free people from procrastination. Which one of these might fit your personality?[break]
The Revenge Bedtime Procrastination: Lethal Digital Entertainme...
"Getting Things Done," David Allen, 2001
The Idea: Allen doesn´t believe in multi-tasking; he believes in "rapid refocusing." His books teach disciples how to eliminate distractions to focus on the most important task, then the next one, then the next. An advanced "GTD" system involves multi-tiered flow charts and can take nearly two years to master.
The casual fan can cherry-pick Allen methods such as making detailed to-do lists and working to achieve that universal goal: an empty inbox every 24 to 48 hours.
Try It If: You love lists, charts and folders.
"The Now Habit," Neil Fiore, 1988
The Idea: Fiore, a psychologist, advocates self-awareness about the reasons for procrastination, such as perfectionism and fear of failure. Whether the delayed task is writing an essay or painting a room, he suggests breaking through the paralysis by accepting you won´t do it perfectly and committing to 15- or 30-minute stretches of work. The 2007 revised edition provides strategies for dealing with the "complex role technology plays in procrastination today."
Try It If: You´re willing to examine the emotions that lie beneath your self-defeating behavior.
"Time Power," Brian Tracy, 2004
The Idea: Tracy, a business consultant, suggests overcoming procrastination by creating a sense of urgency. His "positive affirmation" is a stern "Do it now!," which he recommends repeating at the beginning of every major task. The result (when used with Tracy´s whole self-management system) is two to four extra hours of time every day, he says.
Try It If: You need someone to crack the whip.
"The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen R. Covey, 1989
The Idea: Covey´s book teaches seven principles (including "Put First Things First," "Be Proactive" and "Think Win/Win") that people must integrate into their basic character. Only then can they "experience true success and enduring happiness." His "time management matrix" forces people to evaluate tasks as urgent or not urgent, important or not important.
Try It If: You need an overhaul of your spirit and your filing cabinet.
(The Washington Post)
_20191222200001.jpg)
