Work Archives

Debunking the Myth: Procrastination Is Not Laziness

Does procrastination result from laziness? What is the real reason we tend to procrastinate on important tasks? Traditionally, we tend to think that procrastination results from laziness. In this view, procrastination in itself is the fundamental problem: It results from a failure of motivation or willpower, and the solution is to try harder and be more disciplined. This is simply not true. Here’s why procrastination is not laziness, according to Neil Fiore.

Possibility Thinking: Using Thought Experiments to Make Decisions

What are thought experiments? How can you use them to make better decisions? It can be fun to imagine what’s possible. You can actually harness this imagining to assist in decision-making and problem-solving. In The Great Mental Models Volume 1, Shane Parrish and Rhiannon Beaubien discuss the mental model of possibility thinking. Continue reading to learn how to turn your imagination into productive thought experiments.

How Perfectionism Drives Procrastination

Do your perfectionist tendencies cause you to procrastinate? How does perfectionism prevent you from getting things done? Sometimes we procrastinate because we’re worried about what can go wrong with a task or project. This happens especially when we demand perfection from ourselves. But perfectionism only exacerbates procrastination by making you more stressed. Here’s how perfectionism drives procrastination and what to do about it.

How to Deal With Task Avoidance and Procrastination

Why do we avoid the things that matter most to us, even when we know that doing so makes us unhappy in the long run? What can you do to overcome procrastination? Sometimes, task avoidance and procrastination result from being overwhelmed with the work itself—especially when tackling a large or complex project. If that’s the case, try breaking down the project into manageable parts to avoid procrastination-spawning emotions like fear and anxiety. Here’s how “chunking” or breaking down projects can help break the habit of procrastination.

The 4 Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination

What causes procrastination? Why do we put off things that matter to us the most? More importantly, how can you stop procrastinating once and for all? Contrary to a common misconception, procrastination doesn’t result from laziness or lack of motivation. Rather, procrastination stems from how you think about and approach work. Therefore, the key to overcoming procrastination is changing your relationship with work (and play). With this in mind, here are four strategies for overcoming procrastination.

How to Manage Your Career: Treat It Like a Business

Have changes in your industry impacted your career? Have your opportunities changed, even though you haven’t? In Only the Paranoid Survive, Andrew Grove discusses strategic inflection points—market disruptions that demand a response from your business. He also explains that your own career will face strategic inflection points, bringing major change down to a personal level. Read more for Grove’s advice on how to manage your career and ride the waves of change.

Share Your Work With Others & See Improvement

Why should you share your work with other people? Should you sell your work? Sharing your work can be scary, but Seth Godin believes it’s necessary if you want to be a better creative person. One of the benefits is receiving useful feedback that can improve your work. Read below why you should consider sharing your work with the world.

How to Schedule Your Week for Maximum Happiness

Do you plan your week in advance, or do you prefer to go with the flow? What’s the best way to schedule your week? When planning ahead, most people prioritize work, not play. If you want to make the most of your week, you should reverse this approach and plan your week around your leisure time, not your work. Here’s how to schedule your week for maximum happiness.

The Importance of Feedback in the Workplace: Heighten Your Awareness

Is debate encouraged in your company? Is everyone, regardless of position, listened to? Intel CEO Andrew Grove explains how debating and listening can help you become aware of blind spots, improve your decision-making, and recognize when you’re at a strategic inflection point. He offers two pieces of advice that will help you keep an eye on potential market disruptions so you can respond accordingly. Continue reading to learn the importance of feedback in the workplace in regard to strategic inflection points.

How to Prevent Procrastination: 2 Failproof Strategies

Do you tend to procrastinate until the last minute? How can you prevent procrastination before it takes hold of your mind? The longer you procrastinate on an unpleasant or difficult task, the harder it is to get yourself to do it. That’s why it’s important to counteract procrastination before it has a chance to get started. Here’s how to prevent procrastination before it’s too late.