The End of Procrastination: How to Stop Postponing and Live a Fulfilled Life

Ludwig’s deceptively simple debut provides marvelous tips for increasing productivity. Explaining that motivation, discipline, and objectivity form a recipe for success in setting and reaching goals, Ludwig demonstrates that there are multiple types of motivation, and the one that most people turn to—extrinsic motivation (rewards and punishments)—is far from the most effective. Instead, in Ludwig’s estimation, intrinsic motivation—motivation driven by a meaningful personal vision—provides the true key to success. To help readers redirect their efforts toward understanding and then pursuing their true passions, he provides a trove of practical techniques for pushing past procrastination, most notably the “habit-list,” a daily accounting of desired actions to build discipline. Ludwig instructs readers to lay out their tasks, give each task a concrete and pleasant name, take breaks to replenish cognitive resources, and make a habit of creating a “to-do today” list. Because many procrastinators are paralyzed by a fear of failure, Ludwig reminds readers that failure is positive, as it puts one’s mind in the “learning zone” where one can question previously held assumptions. He also includes a step-by-step guide (here dubbed the “hamster-restart”) to follow when one inevitably trips up. In a firm yet empathetic tone, Ludwig provides realistic, achievable steps to overcoming procrastination. (Dec.)