In his article on procrastination, James Clear explains that procrastination is not a sign of laziness, but rather a result of how our brains value immediate rewards over future ones. The Present Self seeks comfort, while the Future Self values long-term outcomes, creating internal conflict. Clear argues that overcoming procrastination requires shifting rewards to the present moment. He recommends strategies such as:

• Temptation bundling (pairing something you enjoy with a task you avoid),
• Using commitment devices (creating external accountability),
• Breaking tasks into very small, manageable steps. H
• The 2-Minute Rule — making a task so small that starting feels effortless
• Ivy Lee Method, which encourages listing and prioritising six tasks each day.
• Visual cues and habit tracking are emphasised as ways to keep motivation visible and progress tangible.

Procrastination: A Scientific Guide on How to Stop Procrastinating

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Reflecting on Clear’s ideas, I found the focus on immediate rewards especially relatable. I often think of procrastination as a failure of willpower, but this article reframes it as a mismatch between how the brain handles short- and long-term rewards. The strategies suggested feel practical and actionable. I’m particularly drawn to the idea of breaking tasks into tiny steps because large projects often feel overwhelming to me. I also like the emphasis on visual tracking; seeing evidence of progress could help maintain momentum. Overall, Clear’s approach feels realistic — it doesn’t expect a sudden personality change but instead offers tools to gently work with human nature rather than against it.

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