Customer Reviews

Procrastination and Blocking

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I didn't realize how much knowledge there was out there about procrastination (and blocking) until I read this very rich book. The author goes to lengths as to why procrastination really can impact on ones life, even though we may be unaware of it, or not take it seriously. One caveat is that the book is written as a piece of scholarship. It is intended to be useful, and it is, but individuals interested in a breazy solution or quick fix might be disappointed. If one is patient and is interested in really understanding what procrastination is about will find this book important.

I didn't realize how much knowledge there was out there about procrastination (and blocking) until I read this very rich book. The author goes to lengths as to why procrastination really can impact on ones life, even though we may be unaware of it, or not take it seriously. One caveat is that the book is written as a piece of scholarship. It is intended to be useful, and it is, but individuals interested in a breazy solution or quick fix might be disappointed. If one is patient and is interested in really understanding what procrastination is about will find this book important.