Though many month passed since you wrote it, I thank you very much for this review! I’m happy to find people who made the same experience as I hope to make: Getting things done and The now habit fit very well. It was not easy to find GTD in Switzerland some years ago. I’m applying it for about two years soon and am very happy with it. Some month ago I was looking for a book about overcoming procrastination and found The now habit could be best for me. Today I can get it in the bookshop (in fact, a big one if not the biggest) – they had to order it… Yesterday I thought that GTD and The now habit will probably be the only too books I need to become more productive.
I already know some things about myself and why in specific situation I am procrastinating and now – after reading your post – I am of good hope that my findings will account to overcome these very tiring states.
However, I also found out that I don’t really know little things that makes me happy or what “recreational” does mean to me. I used to smoke as a break – very bad. So, the unscheduling will probably be the biggest task for me when implementing the method. …but maybe with the nicest effects when done so! The second part of the subtitle could become crucial in my case, also without the “guilt-free”.

Thanks again and kind regards from Zurich!

What I find difficult with these kind of books is when you read it you really get into it, but after a while, you’re reading other books and you forget about the techniques that you learned.

I agree with you. We will get full benefits only if we implement the books. But, if we read many books, we won’t have the resources (energy, willpower) to implement them all. So I think we should prioritize the books. For me, Getting Things Done is a book that get priority. Looks like The Now Habit will be another.

Robert,
Thanks for the article! Busy Christian’s Guide to Busyness sounds like an interesting book. If only I can get it here :)

Jeredb,

I found that it meshed very well with David Allen’s philosophy and was a great addition to my productivity tool belt.

That’s also what I think about The Now Habit: it’s a good complement to Getting Things Done. GTD helps us manage the tasks in our workflow and The Now Habit helps us start working on the tasks. Integrating the two systems is something I’m looking forward to in my life.

Chester,

I find the best way to get myself to do something I want to do, but am too lazy or uncommitted to accomplish consistently is to put myself in a situation such that action is inevitable.

Interesting tip. For now I will concentrate on improving my self-talk, but this is something I should try later on.
By the way, keep up the good work on your blog!

Marianna,
Your point on using the power of the heart is especially interesting to me. I just knew from you that the heart has been scientifically linked to the “thinking brain”.

We may have developed a pattern that we automatically default to when we are challenged by a new, desired behaviour.

In order to change a habit it takes recognition, determination, practice and some trusted tools and techniques. A little bit of forgiveness (of self) is also necessary.

New habits take time to build and it helps to understand that our brains have adjusted to the old pattern or way of doing things.

Remember the first time you got behind the wheel of a car. You really had to concentrate, didn’t you? Now, you just jump in the car, without any thought. That’s a learned habit…even if we don’t think of it that way. Continuing on, how did you become so proficient behind the wheel? Attention and practice.

How do you facilitate that? By using the power of your heart which scientists now know have a direct link to the “thinking brain”. This is the one that allows you to reason and determine the best course of action for yourself.

Procrastination isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the task doesn’t need to be accomplished right away. If you’ve ever heard of Parkinson’s Law, then you may agree. When I’m working on a project with a short deadline, I tend to be much more efficient in getting the job done well.

I find the best way to get myself to do something I want to do, but am too lazy or uncommitted to accomplish consistently is to put myself in a situation such that action is inevitable. For example, it’s much easier to go to the gym when I have someone to keep me accountable. Since I hate letting people down, it’s easier to just go rather than get that awful feeling in my stomach !

I like the point about persistent starting. Second guessing and hesitation tends to encourage procrastination. Biting the bullet, for better or worse, always helps in moving from inaction to action.

Awesome post!
If you get a chance check out my blog; I haven’t written anything specifically about productivity, but it’s on the list!
Check out Chester’s Tips