Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It [Paperback]

Jane B. Burka (Author), Lenora M. Yuen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 3, 2004

Based on years of counseling, psychologists Jane B. Burka and Lenora M. Yuen offer a probing, sensitive, and sometimes humorous look at the problem that troubles everyone. Revealing the reasons we put off tasks-fears of failure, success, control, separation, and attachment-the authors outline a practical, tested program to overcome procrastination. Candid and understanding, Procrastination is a must-have today for anyone who puts everything off until tomorrow.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Metapsychology Online Reviews, 3/24/09
“This book succeeds on many levels. It is a useful self-help guide for general readers and the lay public. Mental health professionals…will find innovative ideas and sage advice.”

Louisiana’s Acadiana Lifestyle, April 2010
“Read it. Now.”

 

Business Today (NC), July 2010

“[A] deeply perceptive book…Show[s] you how to fix this vexing, life-sapping problem.”

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Jane B. Burka Ph.D is a psychologist with a private practice in Berkeley, California. Along with Lenora M. Yuen, she has conducted workshops and seminars at the University of California at Berkeley and for corporate and public groups nationwide. Lenora M. Yuen, Ph.D. , is a practicing psychologist in California. Along with Jane B. Burka, she has conducted workshops and seminars at the University of California at Berkeley and for corporate and public groups nationwide.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738209562
• ISBN-13: 978-0738209562
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

147 of 151 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book Available for Overcoming Procrastination, May 8, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It (Paperback)

This is a great book with something for everyone.

I'm the founder of Successful Academic Coaching and when I work with graduate students struggling with their dissertations and faculty members trying to publish, I recommend this book frequently. Many of my clients have found this book useful; some swear by it.

The book contains two sections: understanding why we procrastinate, and outlining how to overcome it. It's a quick but useful read; the writing is clear, and the descriptions precise. You will definitely find yourself reflected in the array of problems, excuses, insecurities, stumbling blocks, and workable solutions. Whether you're a graduate student putting off your lit review, or a junior professor agonizing over a grant proposal, you'll discover WHY you procrastinate, and WHAT STEPS you can take to start moving forward.

Fear is the basis of all procrastination, say Burka and Yuen, including fear of failure, of success, and of "losing the battle" - some of us procrastinate to show that we're in control of the situation. "You can't MAKE me do this!" we say, silently, as we refuse to comply with a demanding advisor, a nagging spouse, or even (OK, some folks are REALLY stubborn) an empty gas tank!

The authors include a chapter on delving into your past - family attitudes, school patterns, etc. -- to learn why you've come to use procrastination as your chief coping mechanism. I'm a clinical psychologist, so I believe in understanding the past to understand current patterns -- as long as the insights are followed with action. Fortunately, Burka and Yuen promote action in the second half of their book.

The cures they suggest are realistic. You didn't start procrastinating overnight, and you're not going to quit like that either. Burka and Yuen explain how to develop better work habits methodically, one step at a time.

The authors recommend starting a 2-week program using many techniques. Among their recommendations:
- Make goals that are observable.
- Be specific.
- Take small steps.
- Reward yourself!
- Avoid Perfectionism

How do you stop procrastinating? You start one day at a time. Get this book to help you begin.


(This review was co-written with my colleague, Liz Brown, who helps edit the dissertations and book proposals of some of my grad student and faculty clients.)

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Star Book on Procrastination!, October 22, 2006

By 

Super Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It (Paperback)

I have read many, many time management and organization books. This book was the one that really made a difference. Until you know why you procrastinate and can't get things done, numbering your priorities will not help. Read this book first, then the time management books. The authors point out that not everyone drags their feet in the same areas, nor to the same extent. The book would probably be helpful to ANYONE, because everyone has things they'd like to get done, but can't seem to. The authors have you put together an "unschedule", a chart of your time that is already taken, as a way to see how much time you really have left for your goals. Just doing that was an eye opener. The book has many helpful suggestions and questions that I have not seen in other books. I wish I had known about it when it was first published in 1983 - I would have gotten more done!!

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, October 26, 2007

By 

Mark_a_reader (Berkeley, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It (Paperback)

I bought this in conjunction with "The Now Habit". This is quite a different book, much more verbose (but in a good way) and tends to get a bit deeped, in my view, into the psychology of procrastination. Which is useful.

If I absolutely had to choose, I would choose "The Now Habit". But I would strongly suggest that you read this book also. It does cover things that the Now Habit does not cover very well.

Our society tends to take a very simple view of procrastination, which can have fairly complex causes. This book helped me understand many of the roots of my behavior and, painfully, I recognized many of my behavior patterns. That alone is "worth the price of admission". This book will help you deal with your procrastination.