Living Without Procrastination

In this book M. Susan Roberts tackles the procrastination phenomenon from a rational, task-oriented approach to solving a problem that is mutidimensional, i.e., cognitive, emotional, pragmatic. She admits as much before getting down to the nitty-gritty grunt work of helping people change a behavior that in her view is learned--not inherited--and, therefore, changeable. Whereas the tone used by the writer can come across as "detached", it's also part of the no-nosense, matter-of-fact syle that jolts certain readers to do something about their habit. It is true, however, that the book reads like a methods text in parts, and that it might turn off certain readers who would prefer a more emotionally-sensitive approach. After all emotional intelligence (or a lack thereof) is a quintessential aspect of procrastination! This issue should be addressed more in-depth in a future edition of the book. Personally, I also enjoy knowing where she takes all of her information, what research has been conducted on the subject and what further reading I can do. It is true that there are certain sections that could be better developed and more rigorously presented, such as the section on perfectionism. (What, for instance, would she do with an INFP personality type who procrastinates?) To Dr. Roberts credit, however, I must say that the interactive style of the workbook was quite helpful, especially the section on "Distorted thinking and Replacement Thought". I applied several of these exercises in my effort to finish my undergraduate degree--two degrees ago-- and it worked!

This book addresses procrastination with an honesty and directness I have never seen. The exercises in the book, that I followed completely, really shifted my focus to the work at hand. Dr. Roberts has really done her research and details her statistical findings compassionately. I have so much respect for her and for this book. Procrastination is a much bigger issue for everyone than just the work at hand, and she shows you how to navigate through those bigger issues head-on, yet gently. I read the book in January and now, in June, I am still grateful for the huge weight being released as I continue to work with the principles in this book.