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The Science of Getting Started: How to Beat Procrastination, Summon Productivity, and Stop Self-Sabotage

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Outsmart your lazy and undisciplined tendencies. Become a productivity machine and achieve your goals quickly.Procrastination is the monster that we are always running from. It lurks around every corner, and can completely sabotage your life. But you can learn to defeat it every time.A blueprint for getting into motion from a complete standstill. Understand and defeat your psychological blocks.The Science of Getting Started is a deep dive into our tendency to push things until the last minute possible. It uncovers the biological and evolutionary science behind procrastination, and how we can beat these instinctual drives to triumph in our career and personal life. A plethora of studies are analyzed and put into illuminating contexts.Best of all, it’s a book of scientific solutions boiled down to everyday usefulness. You’ll be able to apply insight from this book immediately to slay your procrastination monster and get ahead of the pack. Get started instantly; now; today. Stop saying “I’ll do it later…”Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author and entrepreneur. His writing draws of a variety of sources, from scientific research, academic experience, coaching, and real life experience. He has battled the procrastination monster his entire life and brings proven techniques to you. Discover discipline, willpower, and motivation that works for you. Defeat your inner sloth. Channel your inner beast.•A scientific and biological overview of your procrastination habit.•Warning signs to monitor your work ethic.•Psychological tactics to trigger your brain to productivity.•How to structure and schedule your life to safeguard against procrastination.•Simple yet effective tactics to get off your butt and into action.•How to beat analysis paralysis and other causes of mental freezing.Get more done in less time so you can enjoy your life instead of avoiding it.Become the most reliable person you know. Break your habit of missing goals and letting people down. The ability to defeat procrastination is the ability to accomplish exactly what you want and gain access to wherever you want to go. GET OFF YOUR BUTT and just get started by clicking the BUY NOW BUTTON at the top right of this page!This is the first book in the “Clear Thinking and Fast Action” series as listed The Science of Getting How to Beat Procrastination, Summon Productivity, and Stop Self-Sabotage2. The Art of Clear Mental Models for Better Reasoning, Judgment, Analysis, and Learning. Upgrade Your Intellectual Toolkit.3. 10-Minute From Buddhism to Stoicism, Confucius and Aristotle - Bite-Sized Wisdom From Some of History’s Greatest Thinkers4. Practical How to Think Critically, Deconstruct Situations, Analyze Deeply, and Never Be Fooled5. Learn To Think Using Thought How to Expand Your Mental Horizons, Understand Metacognition, Improve Your Curiosity, and Think Like a Philosopher6. Take Rapid Get Productive, Motivated, & Energized; Stop Overthinking & Procrastinating7. Relentless 27 Small Tweaks to Beat Procrastination, Skyrocket Productivity, Outsmart Distractions, & Do More in Less Time

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2019

451 people are currently reading
744 people want to read

About the author

Patrick King

187 books314 followers
Patrick King is a Social Interaction Specialist, in other words, a dating, online dating, image, and communication and social skills coach based in San Francisco, California, and has been featured on numerous national publications such as Inc.com. He’s also a #1 Amazon best-selling dating and relationships author with the most popular online dating book on the market, and writes frequently on dating, love, sex, and relationships.

He focuses on using his emotional intelligence and understanding of human interaction to break down emotional barriers, instill confidence, and equip people with the tools they need for success. No pickup artistry and no gimmicks, simply a thorough mastery of human psychology delivered with a dose of real talk, perfected and honed through three years of law school.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Henry.
185 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2019
WARNING This book ruined my morning commute! But not in a bad way. I listen to audiobooks on my daily commute and this book broke up my typically smooth drive. I had to keep pausing it and backing up so I could really listen to what the author was saying. This is no fault of the author or the narrator. There was a lot of very valuable information being presented. I started bookmarking sections so that I could go back and take notes when I got to work. I would then listen to the section again and research the topic to get a deeper understanding.

In The Science of Getting Started, Patrick King discusses the many reasons why we procrastinate and why we fail to start. He not only tells us why, but he covers several tools and methods to help combat procrastination. These strategies can be used at work and at home. I think many of us don't understand what makes goals so daunting, or what makes large projects seem too daunting to start. Patrick King takes several well-researched methods and breaks them down into simple, easy to understand and easy to implement tools.
Profile Image for Karolina Lason.
6 reviews
February 26, 2021
The author takes time in explaining why we tend to procrastinate and highlights the different styles of procrastination. He also provides plenty of methods and practical steps on how to overcome procrastination for anyone that is new to it.

For me personally it wasn't as helpful or encouraging. I personally don't see myself as a thrill-seeker (which is the closest type I could identify with). Whilst I work best under pressure, I'm not sure if I find it thrilling doing things last minute and I certainly don't find sleepless nights thrilling at all. Perhaps reading the book rather than listening to audiobook during my commute would have been better as I found the narrator slightly monotonous. So all in all I would probably give it 3.5 stars. The extra 0.5 star for my favourite part on when procrastination can in fact be useful in certain instances!
Profile Image for Carman Austino.
18 reviews
May 28, 2019
Great advice

I felt like this book was speaking to me. I kept messaging parts of it to a BFF, who was having motivation problems. It is laid out clearly and he explains things good and concisely. I would recommend this book to all who struggle with procastination!
Profile Image for Jane Freund.
Author 35 books19 followers
November 8, 2021
I was intrigued by the title of "The Science of Getting Started" as I tend to think more in science terms. Also, I expected that I would find practical strategies for dealing with my procrastination and self-sabotage and I most certainly did!

Some of the practical solutions included the Eisenhower Matrix, the 40-70 Rule and breaking projects into small and very manageable tasks. But strategy that jumped out at me and I immediately began applying is the STING method. In the two weeks since I began applying STING, I have jump-started some dormant projects and taken others across the finish line.

However, STING is just one of the many helpful tools that author Patrick King presents in this book. As a matter of fact, I found so much helpful information in this book that I actually outlined it as I did with college textbooks. I even review and study the outline as well as the book itself.

This concludes my STINGing endorsement of this very practical and helpful book!
Profile Image for Bonhi Shikha.
8 reviews
February 22, 2024
Patrick King's 'The Science of Getting Started' provides a compilation of multiple strategies to effectively deal with procrastination. It’s a super short book, size of a novella, perfect as an airport read.

What particularly drew my attention was the 5 types of procrastinators. I identified as a perfectionist, but there are four others – thrill-seekers, indecisive, avoiders, and busy types.
I actually knew someone from my college days who was a thrill-seeker. Yeah, because he loved preparing for exams last-minute just for the thrill of it.

I’ve read Atomic Habits by James Clear (love that book, btw), so I could see a lot of the strategies and concepts overlap.

The literature presented in this book isn’t ground-breaking. The narrative wasn’t as compelling as a TED talk. It felt like a long blog post offering multiple strategies, which btw, is backed by research.

If you’re looking for a motivational push, the writing won’t offer that. But if you’re already motivated to change, these strategies will definitely help.

The 2-minute rule, visualisation principle, STING method, and Eisenhower Matrix are my takeaways from this book, and I have actually started applying them in my life.
Profile Image for Penguin.
10 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2019
Has some great strategies and ways of identifying your own personal procrastination problems.
Loses steam in the last couple chapters; did not much care for Colin Powell's 40-70, regarding Intelligence Decisions, for obvious reasons. Energy Pyramid bit did nothing for me.
Profile Image for Ken Hamner.
370 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2019
This is a book everyone should read.
Profile Image for Jung.
1,843 reviews42 followers
July 13, 2024
"The Science of Getting Started: How to Beat Procrastination, Summon Productivity, and Stop Self-Sabotage" by Patrick King offers practical solutions for overcoming procrastination and enhancing productivity. Drawing from personal anecdotes and psychological insights, King provides actionable strategies to break the cycle of delay and achieve one's goals. This book delves into the reasons behind procrastination, the mental battle between impulses and rational thought, and the steps necessary to foster a proactive mindset.

Procrastination is a universal human behavior, rooted in our psychology. King illustrates this through the story of his father, who delayed building a shelf for nearly eight years. The key to overcoming such delays lies in breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Procrastination typically follows a five-stage cycle: unhelpful assumptions, increasing discomfort, making excuses, engaging in avoidance activities, and dealing with consequences. This cycle is driven by the conflict between the limbic system, which seeks immediate pleasure, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making. Understanding this internal struggle and recognizing impulsive behaviors can help in managing procrastination.

Indecision and inaction are significant barriers to productivity. Newton’s laws of motion provide a useful analogy for understanding human behavior. According to Newton's first law, starting a task is often the hardest part. Applying the two-minute rule—committing to start a task within two minutes of thinking about it—can break the inertia. Newton's second law emphasizes focusing efforts on one task at a time to maximize productivity. Finally, Newton's third law highlights the interaction between productive and unproductive forces. Reducing distractions and simplifying choices can mitigate the paradox of choice, which often paralyzes decision-making. Motivation often follows action, so taking small steps can build momentum and drive further effort.

Waiting for the right moment to start a task can lead to perpetual procrastination. Successful people start working first, allowing motivation to follow. Setting low thresholds for starting tasks and focusing on the process rather than the end product can make daunting projects more manageable. Forgiving oneself for past procrastination and visualizing the negative consequences of inaction are effective techniques for building motivation. Using if-then statements to create specific action plans ties goals to concrete moments in the day, reducing the reliance on willpower.

A structured schedule is crucial for combating procrastination. Committing to avoiding "zero days"—days where no progress is made toward goals—ensures consistent effort. Self-interrogation techniques, such as asking specific questions about how to get started and prioritizing tasks, can break tasks into manageable steps and create a sense of urgency. Writing down a detailed schedule helps visualize the day and transition smoothly between tasks. Living by a calendar and accounting for all hours in a week enhances efficiency and reduces distractions. Limiting information consumption, particularly unnecessary media, prevents subtle forms of procrastination and keeps focus on what truly matters.

"The Science of Getting Started" equips readers with the tools to overcome procrastination and boost productivity. By understanding the psychological roots of delaying tasks, applying practical strategies to initiate action, and structuring one's day effectively, individuals can transform their habits and achieve their goals. The key takeaway is that action precedes motivation; starting small and building momentum is essential. Implement these techniques today to take control of your time and watch your productivity soar. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now and harness the power of an unstoppable mindset.
Profile Image for Sarah Cupitt.
800 reviews41 followers
July 13, 2024
I had a bit of a rant over this books approach (and not specifically this book but I suppose the usual approach to similar topics that also sub categorise as psychology but only approach it from a NT perspective. Anyway I still took some notes in case this can help any of my friends that lack discipline and why they procrastinate on a psychology level.

For once (and it's not against this specific book just a general ick with self help and productivity books) I'd like to see an action plan FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT NEUROTYPICAL (I can't always force myself to do shit so strategies like the ones in this book, that aren't unique to the book anyway, are essentially pointless because the REASON for procrastinating is a CHOICE and not a BARRIER). I am also on my period so I may amend this later but for now - I wanted to rant.

Notes:
- Procrastination has been a part of human behavior for centuries. The word derives from the Latin word procrastinare – the prefix meaning “forward” and the suffix meaning “till next day.” And we get in the habit of putting things off till the next day at an early age, like when you chose to build a Lego castle instead of doing your homework. It becomes a persistent shadow, always lurking and encouraging you to delay important tasks in favor of immediate pleasure. (Implying NT people avoid work to something they enjoy instead, where as I simply can not do either right now and am instead reading this god forsaken book and making myself angry)
- The procrastination cycle consists of five stages: unhelpful assumptions, increasing discomfort, making excuses, engaging in avoidance activities, and dealing with consequences.
- To combat procrastination, consider the HALT method: check if you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
- Picture yourself as an object at rest; you tend to stay at rest unless an external force moves you. This is Newton’s first law. The hardest part is often taking that first step.
- Another factor that hampers productivity is the paradox of choice. Having too many options can overwhelm you, making it harder to make decisions and leading to procrastination.
- motivation often follows action, not the other way around (wouldn't know what motivation is)
- When you need to tackle a task, set a low threshold to get started. Instead of committing to a massive goal, break it down into something so simple that it feels effortless. For example, if you need to create a presentation, start by just writing the titles of each slide.
31 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2019
If I have any complaints about this book it's that it's so jam-packed with information and ideas that you simply shouldn't sit down and read it in one or even 5 sittings. I highly recommend going through one chapter a day at most. Or just read a few pages whenever you're feeling discouraged of find yourself procrastinating. Each chapter has 3 main lessons, and they're way bigger than you can implement in a day. I've read a ton of books about mindset and motivation, yet this one seems to sum up all those books, and more. It's the ultimate overview of mindset tricks and hacks, but also practical advice and motivation. I love that everything is science-based and the author tells you where he gets his information. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get more out of their time and live a bigger life.
Profile Image for Mir Shahzad.
Author 1 book8 followers
July 13, 2024
Summary:

The procrastination is a common challenge that can be overcome by breaking tasks into manageable pieces, understanding the psychological cycles behind delaying tasks, and implementing effective strategies to initiate action. You now know the importance of setting small, achievable goals, focusing on the process rather than the outcome, and creating a structured schedule to avoid zero days. By visualizing the consequences of inaction and using techniques like the two-minute rule and if-then planning, you can develop a mindset that promotes productivity. Remember, the first step is often the hardest. But once you start, momentum will follow. Apply these strategies today and take control of your time and goals. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Start now and watch your productivity soar.
222 reviews
July 13, 2024
The Science of Getting Started by Patrick King, you've learned that procrastination is a common challenge that can be overcome by breaking tasks into manageable pieces, understanding the psychological cycles behind delaying tasks, and implementing effective strategies to initiate action. You now know the importance of setting small, achievable goals, focusing on the process rather than the outcome, and creating a structured schedule to avoid zero days. By visualizing the consequences of inaction and using techniques like the two-minute rule and if-then planning, you can develop a mindset that promotes productivity. Remember, the first step is often the hardest.

But once you start, momentum will follow. Apply these strategies today and take control of your time and goals. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Start now and watch your productivity soar.
Profile Image for Niels Philbert.
137 reviews8 followers
May 19, 2020
The ideas here are solid. Every reader will find something to implement and benefit from right away.

That's also my main critique of the book. It's a lot of ideas, tools and approaches, and reading it as a book in a couple of sittings makes it daunting, as it - ironically - can make it harder to choose what to try. I think the book would have benefitted from a kind of "listicle" layout, where you could read about different tools for a concrete challenge and then pick one to try.

The book is good. Maybe a bit hastely put together structure wise, but that doesn't change the value of the content. Read it in small chunks - or multiple times - to maximize value.
Profile Image for Sandy Flores.
34 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2025
Honestamente es un libro muy bueno, te ayuda a entender la manera en la que pierdes el tiempo y lo disfrazas de diferentes formas. Te explica las razones para luego darte metodologías para trabajar y dejar de tener tareas pausadas en el tiempo.
Me quedo con la parte en donde dice que solo necesitas un 40% de la información para comenzar una tarea que tenías pendientes y no más del 70% como sientes que necesitas para cumplir la actividad. Además, te explica de forma sencilla lo que debes evitar y como mejorar tu productividad con organización y detectando los momentos en que tu cerebro te puede llevar a procrastinar.

¡Muy bueno!
Profile Image for Drew Fridley.
60 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2021
2021 book challenge completed. Nailed it. Thanks a heap, Patrick. Feel free to read this book or Atomic Habits or The Compound Effect - you'll be well on your way to knowing how to make new habits and lifestyle changes, but still frustrated about how you cannot just Nike it.

"And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good"

Here are inspirational words from the great Travis Tritt that do not appear in any of these books.
Profile Image for Srinivas.
14 reviews
May 6, 2020
Great practical book

This book is awesome. At one time I felt as if it's written specially for me. I can relate to most pitfalls discussed.

I've read several books on procrastination; however the coverage of this book has been comprehensive.

I recommend this book to everyone struggling with the problem of procrastination.

Good Luck !!!
1 review
December 17, 2020
Great

Really identifies reasons for procrastination and then gives ways to resolve them. The work expands to the time allotted is a very good statement. I tried over the years to explain this to bosses wanting to implement overtime.
1 review
February 3, 2021
It is a good book for specific people that are struggling with procrastination. Mainly because explains a bit of how we sabotage ourselfs and very clear ways to solve it. But is not for somebody that is looking for a trascendent lifestyle change, more for some practical advice
6 reviews
December 1, 2021
True guide to getting started

The author didn't went outside the context and covered the very reason of writing the book in a precise manner. A must read and must re-read. Thanks Patrick!
Profile Image for Piet van den Berg.
103 reviews
July 29, 2022
Some decent ideas especially at the start but no radically new insights. Second half of the book is an unnecessary grabbag of techniques with little coherence. Don't take the 'science' in the title too literally, there's little of that.
7 reviews
January 14, 2023
This book was a great lens to look at my daily activities through. It was also a good reminder that procrastination doesn't always look how we think it may look; sometimes it looks like you are being productive rather than counterproductive. This would be one I would reread on a regular basis.
Profile Image for Stefan.
32 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2023
Full of useless explanations and lousy anecdotes.
The author doesn't bring anything new to this book (at least a new way of structuring the information).
It feels like a bunch of summaries of other books.
Profile Image for Vale.
3 reviews
April 18, 2023
I think this is one of the best books about productivity and procrastination. The advice given in this book are not overcomplicated, it helps you understand the mechanisms of procrastination in a simple and immediate way. I found the section about psychological tactics particularly illuminating.
194 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2020
Lots of good suggestions to overcome procrastination. The booked appeared kind of chintzy to me, and I think it's a self-published work, but as such, the quality is still pretty good overall.
6 reviews
August 4, 2020
Provides food for though

Good book where challenges of procrastination are well explained. Takes a complex subject and breaks it down with well researched strategies.
39 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
Very helpful

Practical and applicable to the average person. Im filled with ideas and plans to implement that seem doable and removes excuses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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