Don't put off going to the library to learn about procrastination

By Lynn Denison

Rowan Public Library

Someday I’m going to finish this book ... file these papers ... paint this room ... try this recipe ... balance my checkbook. If these or any other “some day” phrases are on your list of things to do that you never get done, then maybe “someday I’ll stop procrastinating” is also on that list.

Procrastination statistics show that procrastination is a large and seriously growing problem in the United States. Though millions of Americans add “stop procrastinating” to their annual list of New Year’s resolutions, it ends up becoming just one more thing to put off doing.

Fifty percent of college students report that they procrastinate consistently and consider it to be a problem; in the general population, chronic procrastination affects 25 percent of adults; and more than 95 percent of procrastinators would like to reduce their delaying ways. Nearly all of us fall into that category occasionally.

At Rowan Public Library you can find the fully revised and updated edition of the classic guide “PROCRASTINATION: Why You Do It, What to Do About It NOW,” by Jane B. Burka, Ph.D. and Lenora M. Yuen, Ph.D. Their research is based in part on the renowned procrastination workshops that they have presented through the years. Their book delves into the many and varied reasons why we procrastinate, some of which are feelings of doubt and pressure, a complex relationship with time, and neurological and interpersonal roots. The most important result of reading this easy-to-use and sometimes humorous book is to obtain resources on how to stop procrastinating and start getting things done.

Another new book on the subject is “The Procrastination Equation.” The author, Piers Steel, Ph.D., is one of the world’s foremost researchers and speakers on the science of motivation and procrastination. He is also an admitted practicing procrastinator from an early age.

In a recent article in the Canadian Press on the launching of his new book, Steel notes sardonically that the book is “just in time for last Christmas.” Steel tackles head-on the widely accepted perception that perfectionists are prone to putting things off. Instead, he writes that the personality trait that stands out among the rest in predicting procrastination is impulsiveness.

The book contains a questionnaire to help readers figure out where they fall in the ranks of procrastination. Techniques for dealing with the problem are given throughout the book. One coping mechanism that Steel points out that could be useful to anyone working often with a computer is to turn off any icon that indicates that new e-mail is coming in. Instead, only check e- mail at natural breaks in the work flow. He claims that an action as simple as that can add up to a 10 percent increase in productivity, equaling more than an extra month per year. The book is sprinkled throughout with interesting quotes from famous people, some of them humorous. My favorite is by Mark Twain, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”

Two older but still vital books in this area that are worth exploring are “It’s About Time: The Six Styles of Procrastination and How to Overcome Them,” by Dr. Linda Sapadin and Jack Maquire and “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Dr. Stephen Covey.

Covey’s book has sold more than 15 million copies in 38 languages. As an interesting aside, in 2003, Covey received the National Fatherhood Award, which, as the father of nine and the grandfather of 43, he says is the most meaningful award he has ever received.

Perhaps you’ll feel inspired one of these days to stop by Rowan Public Library for one of the above books or for some of the other informative, inspiring, and entertaining items we have awaiting you at one of our three branches.

Computer classes: No computer classes at any RPL locations in January. Classes will resume in February.

Book Bites Club: South only, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m., “Spell of the Highlander,” by Karen Marie Moning. Book discussion groups for both adults and children are held at South Rowan Regional Library and meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and free to join at any time. Discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.

Music and storytelling evening at East Branch only: Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m., Rhythm Nights. Mike and Gaynell Lambert will perform a musical program with storytelling from Robert Jones followed by open mic readings from the community. Everyone is welcome at these free programs.

Teen program: All 5:30-7 p.m. South, Tuesday, Anime/Manga event; East, Jan. 30, Anime/Manga event; Headquarters, Jan. 31, Teen Scavenger Hunt. Are you a teen who loves Anime and Manga or Japanese culture? Come dressed as your favorite character and make Japanese inspired crafts at the South and East Branch. At the Headquarters, test your sleuthing skills for a Teen Scavenger Hunt. For more information call 704-216-8234.

Library closings: Jan. 16, all locations closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Displays: Headquarters — art by West Rowan High School; South, SRHS art class; East, rubber stamping by Glenda Trexler.

Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.