Page 59 - End Procrastination Now Get it Done with a Proven Psychological Approach

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Defeat Procrastination Thinking

n The Folly of Procrastination, first published in the 1800s, the
Iunnamed author tells of two young brothers, Edward and
Charles Martin. One procrastinated; the other didn’t. Edward
started his work early and finished early. Charles marched to a
different tune. After school, he put his books aside and told him-
self, “Oh, there is time enough; I’ll learn my lessons this evening.”
Then he started to play. When evening came, he felt sleepy and
told himself, “Oh, I can learn them before school time in the morn-
ing.” When morning came, Charles put it off again. As time ebbed,
Charles found that he didn’t know where to begin. Nevertheless,
he sketched out a few quick answers to his “hated” work and then
rushed to school.
The “I’ll get to it later” mindset is like a promissory note. It
amounts to paying later for the privilege of playing now. However,
you will normally find usurious interest charges before and when
the loan comes due.
We see this later illusion played out in many scenarios, like the
workplace, the home, at college—practically any place where you
will find procrastination. This thinking serves as a cognitive diver-
sion because it detours you away from the pressing activity, along
what seems like a safer path.