Page 22 - End Procrastination Now Get it Done with a Proven Psychological Approach

xx Introduction

The father of American psychology, William James, got an im-
portant insight into the importance of choice. You see, James suf-
fered from recurring depression. After trying the behavioral
methods of his day, James found no relief. He needed a new op-
tion. He found it in the free-will philosophy of the nineteenth-
century French philosopher Charles Renouvier: this is the idea that
you can choose one way when you could have chosen another.
James decided that he could try other ways. For example, he be-
lieved that by changing his thinking, he could change his life.
Another view of freedom of choice is that of doing as you
please. But might this be the path to self-indulgence? Consider an
alternative view. Some of our most impressive accomplishments
involve hardships. Have you ever done something of significance
that did not have a cost?
What can be said about following the path on which procras-
tination casts its shadow? The experiences will be different from
those found on a path of productive accomplishments. The pro-
crastination path is often worn, and the one of purposeful, produc-
tive, and creative efforts and products covers exciting new ground.
On this path, commitment and persistence count more than un-
disciplined ability. However, those with high ability who impose
restrictions on themselves to support persistence with productive
actions can justifiably be counted among the top performers.

Lose the “I’m a Procrastinator” Label

Before we move ahead to discuss the cognitive, emotive, and be-
havioral approach to kicking the procrastination habit, there are a
few additional foundation concepts to cover. As a practical matter,
people may loosely say, “I’m a procrastinator.” Upon reflection,
few of them could legitimately say that they were only one way or
another; thus, negative generalizations about yourself are false
depictions. If you are only a procrastinator, how do you change
who you are?