Procrastination Is Not Laziness, New Book and NPR Quiz Argue
An NPR quiz highlights Itamar Shatz's new book, which argues procrastination is not laziness and can be overcome by changing one's approach.
In the interview and in his book "Solving Procrastination: The Science of Why We Put Things Off and How to (Finally!) Stop," Shatz says three common beliefs about procrastination are false: that it stems from laziness, that it is a modern phenomenon, and that it cannot be overcome. He notes that people have struggled with postponed tasks throughout history and cites Mozart as a serial procrastinator. Shatz also says procrastination has a variety of causes, including perfectionism.
Shatz argues that the solution is not working harder but changing one's approach. "The really important thing is to figure out what is going to motivate you," he told Life Kit.
The NPR quiz, based on Life Kit's interview with Shatz, asks readers how much they know about procrastination and may teach them practical tools for overcoming it. Life Kit has also published quizzes on digital habits, optimism and attachment style.