Over the past 32 years, I have read at least 159 books and articles on the subject of procrastination.

Unfortunately, most of them were a waste of time. They could have easily been blog posts or even newsletter emails.

Instead, I encourage you to give these 3 a read.

They're well worth the time.

Book #1: The Now Habit by Neil Fiore

I first read this book in 2004.

And here's why you'll love it:

Someone with authority wrote it - the author studied procrastination at the doctoral level (that's right, his PhD was on procrastinating!).

He suggests fear of being successful is often the cause of procrastination.

Give yourself permisssion and set a time to procrastinate on purpose. Observe what you are thinking while you procrastinate (let's face it, you were procrastinating anyway, so you might as well make use of it!)

Use 30 minute blocks to work on whatever you are struggling with, and work no more than 5 hours a day, 20 hours a week on that project you are procrastinating with.

Book #2: Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith

This book was recommended to me by one of my doctoral supervisors. She completed her PhD in record time and attributed it to following the ideas laid out in this book.

Here's why I think you'll love it:

The book is full of practical, actionable advice and much about the theory of procrastinating. For example:

Review everyday with these questions:

1. Did I do my best to be happy?

2. Did I do my best to provide meaning?

3. Did I do my best to provide progress towards my goals?

4. Did I do my best to build positive relationships?

Book #3: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Finally, I think everyone should read this book.

And here's why I think you'll love it:

It's a book full of tough love. Writers' block is a construct and an indulgence.

It talks about showing up, defeating resistance and finding success.

Instead of setting yourself the goal of writing 500 words, set yourself the goal of turning up at the computer screen for 30 minutes. Whether you wrote nothing, or 200 words that were so bad you deleted them straight away, or whether you wrote quality 750 words, the fact that you turned up is success!