Procrastination and Blocking [Hardcover]

Robert Boice (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0275956571 | ISBN-13: 978-0275956578

Procrastination means putting off a difficult, delayable, important task in favor of something easier, quicker, and less anxiety-provoking. It also means delaying vital actions until the performance and result are less than they would have been if done in a timely manner. Similarly, blocking means that we stumble, delay, and panic in response to a demanding responsibility. Blocking typically occurs when we face public scrutiny (as in writing). In this revisionist and sometimes irreverent book, the author takes academic and professional psychologists to task for neglecting a pair of related problems that are often derided but that can be profoundly debilitating for individuals and economically devastating for schools, businesses, and communities.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ROBERT BOICE is Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York, Stony Brook.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275956571
• ISBN-13: 978-0275956578
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,601,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Read other Boice Works, October 18, 2003

By 

Mary McKinney "Ph.D. Psychologist and Coach" (www.successfulacademic.com) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Procrastination and Blocking (Hardcover)

I'm a huge fan of Robert Boice and believe that his thoughts about how to overcome procrastination and writer's block are seminal. He is one of the few people who has done research on how to help people overcome procrastination and increase their scholarly productivity.
However, unless you are (like me) a Boice addict, I would suggest starting with his other works -- especially "Professors as Writers" and "Advice to New Faculty Members". Most of his books are quite repetitive and rather plodding -- but his ideas are life-changing.
I'm a clinical psychologist and professional coach and I use his theories and interventions all the time when I counsel students, faculty and fiction writers.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars comprehensive and insightful, February 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Procrastination and Blocking (Hardcover)

I wasn't aware so much was known about procrastination (and blocking) until reading this book. The author points out that although procrastination often goes unnoticed, and has costs, it can be addressed with careful attention and patience. One caveat is that this is intended to address subtle questions carefully and precisely. Thus, if someone is looking for a breazy read, this book would be disappointing. But if someone is looking for a useful explanation and practical insights, this book is appropriate.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Definitely not a book for procrastinators., November 6, 2007

By 

What's Really Going On Here? (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Procrastination and Blocking (Hardcover)

A difficult and plodding book, full of graphs, study references, and dry collegiate-style writing. The theories presented here are helpful for very high-end professor types who want to study procrastination rather than conquer it within themselves.

For the average Joe wanting to get over his procrastination habit, better to search the term "procrastination" on Amazon and find an easy-to-read popular self-help book that's down to earth and fun to read. Think short sentences, short paragraphs, humorous stories, and maybe a few cartoons thrown in for good measure.

You know, a book people actually *want* to read.

Face it, if you're a chronic procrastinator, taking initiative and doing the required study to get a handle on your habit is a study in paradoxes and frustration. A fun and easy book on the subject is your only hope for getting started.

I'm not even going to make a joke here about how much resolve and consistency is required to finish Boice's book from beginning to end.