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108 End Procrastination Now!
table 5.3

Von Clausewitz Principles Counter-Procrastination Applications

1. Principle of preparation. Awareness: Although emergency situations
A victory is not achieved mandate decisive actions, a well-articulated
blindly. A thorough un- and well-thought-through plan normally im-
derstanding and prepa- proves the ability to come to a solution.
ration prior to action
are important. Circum- Action: Put enough time into preparation to
ensure that you have covered as many bases
stances determine the
plan and its usefulness. as is reasonable before you start. Test and
Decisions are affected rate the plan, but not yourself.
by preparations that
were made prior to the
decision.

2. Principle of adaptability. Awareness: Procrastination has varied causes
Rules cannot be im- and different styles, but also consistent ele-
posed absolutely in ments, such as diversions into less produc-
every case; adaptations tive areas.
for special circum-
stances are necessary. Action: Separate similar features from special
However, similar ele- features and adjust your action to deal with
the familiar and special features. Relying on
ments reappear, and
this simplifies the heuristics may be a special feature of deci-
planning. sion-making procrastination. Adapt your ap-
proach to address these heuristics.
3. Principle of concentra- Awareness: Procrastination is a series of con-
tion. Focus your atten- centrated distraction actions. A radical shift
tion in the direction of is to concentrate your actions on productive
importance and avoid processes and outcomes.
dispersing your time
and energy. Concen- Action: Challenge yourself to identify an area
where you’d ordinarily delay and concentrate
trate your efforts for
maximum impact. your resources to get rolling on the project
while resisting unnecessary distractions.
4. Principle of balance and Awareness: You may view productive actions
momentum. Use only as onerous, laborious, high-intensity maxi-
as much time and re- mum-performance efforts that are worthy
sources as are needed of avoidance. Alternatively, what is the least
to bring about the effort you can make to produce the best
desired result. Unless outcome?
hesitation is a tactic, Action: Challenge yourself to time and pace
never waste time
taking follow-through yourself as you follow through on the activity
actions. you selected.