What is *The Procrastination Cure* by Jeffery Combs about?

*The Procrastination Cure* offers actionable strategies to overcome procrastination by addressing its root causes, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, and overwhelm. Jeffery Combs, a former chronic procrastinator, outlines a 7-step framework to break unproductive habits, balance productivity with relaxation, and achieve personal goals through techniques like task chunking and mindset shifts.

Who should read *The Procrastination Cure*?

This book is ideal for professionals, students, or anyone struggling with delayed action due to anxiety, perfectionism, or indecision. It’s particularly valuable for entrepreneurs, creatives, and individuals in high-pressure roles seeking pragmatic tools to manage time and emotions effectively.

Is *The Procrastination Cure* worth reading?

Yes—readers praise its blend of psychological insights and practical exercises, such as the “10-Minute Rule” and fear-confrontation strategies. Combs’ relatable anecdotes and structured approach make it a standout guide for long-term habit change, endorsed by those in productivity coaching and self-help niches.

What are the root causes of procrastination according to Jeffery Combs?

Combs identifies fear (of failure, success, or judgment), perfectionism, and emotional overwhelm as key drivers. He argues procrastination stems from avoiding discomfort rather than laziness, requiring emotional awareness to address.

How does Jeffery Combs categorize procrastinators?

He describes three types: - **Perfectionists**: Paralyzed by high standards. - **Avoiders**: Delay tasks due to anxiety. - **Dreamers**: Struggle to act on abstract goals. Each type requires tailored strategies, like reframing progress over perfection.

What are the 7 steps in *The Procrastination Cure*?

While not exhaustively detailed in summaries, key steps include: 1. Acknowledge procrastination patterns. 2. Identify emotional triggers (e.g., fear). 3. Break tasks into manageable steps. 4. Use timers for focused work bursts. 5. Celebrate incremental progress. 6. Balance productivity with self-care. 7. Regularly reassess habits.

What are the best quotes from *The Procrastination Cure*?

- **“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.”** Highlights the futility of delaying action. - **“Progress, not perfection, is the goal.”** Encourages embracing incremental gains. - **“Your ‘why’ must outweigh your ‘wait.’”** Stresses aligning tasks with deeper motivations.

How does the book address perfectionism?

Combs advises perfectionists to set “good enough” thresholds, prioritize task completion over flawless execution, and use rewards to reinforce progress. Techniques like the “80/20 Rule” help reduce overthinking.

The procrastination cure

7 steps to stop putting life off

Jeffery Combs

3.32(171 Reviews)

Overview of The procrastination cure

Procrastination isn't laziness - it's a complex pattern. Jeffery Combs reveals six distinct procrastinator types and offers REBT-based solutions that transformed productivity coaching. Which type are you? Discover why sales professionals particularly embrace this guide's unique mind-body approach to finally breaking the delay cycle.

Choose how it's told

One book. Many ways to hear it.

Same ideas from The procrastination cure. Pick the voice, depth, and pace that fits you. Switch anytime.

Chapter 1

Breaking the Chains of Delay: The Psychology Behind Procrastination

Ever found yourself frantically rushing to meet a deadline you've known about for weeks? You're not alone. Procrastination affects nearly 90% of us, costing Americans an estimated $473 million in tax overpayments alone in 2002. Jeffery Combs, who has coached over 6,000 clients and authored the bestselling audio series "Confessions of a Recovering Procrastinator," reveals that procrastination isn't just a bad habit-it's an emotional addiction with profound consequences for our health, wealth, and happiness. The book has become a staple among productivity experts, with celebrities like Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy recommending it for anyone seeking to break free from self-sabotaging behaviors. What makes this work particularly powerful is Combs' personal journey-from a struggling alcoholic who hadn't filed taxes in years to a renowned success coach who has shared stages with personal development legends like Jim Rohn.

Chapter 2

The Hidden Costs of Putting Things Off

Procrastination has plagued humanity since civilization began. Greek poet Hesiod equated it to sin around 800 BC, and early societies faced starvation if they delayed planting crops. While the industrial age made procrastination easier as machines reduced necessary work, today's technology era has created unprecedented opportunities to delay important tasks. Social media, computer games, and television-what Combs calls "the electronic income reducer"-seduce us away from productive activities, creating an endless stream of distractions that fragment our attention and drain our productivity. These modern diversions are particularly dangerous because they provide instant gratification while masking their long-term costs. The financial impact is staggering and multifaceted. Beyond tax penalties, which can amount to thousands of dollars annually, procrastination manifests in late fees on credit cards and utilities, missed investment opportunities that compound over decades, and career stagnation from delayed skill development and networking. One of Combs' clients hadn't filed taxes for 15 years-not from dishonesty but from chronic procrastination and fear of consequences-ultimately facing over $50,000 in penalties. The psychological toll compounds these financial losses, as procrastinators experience higher stress levels, increased rates of insomnia, compromised immune systems, and more acute health problems than those who complete tasks promptly. Studies show that chronic procrastinators visit healthcare providers significantly more often for stress-related complaints. What makes procrastination particularly insidious is that it's not just about poor time management - it's a complex emotional issue that begins in the left brain-the egotistical, controlling mind. Though its results manifest physically, procrastination begins emotionally with the release of dopamine as negative self-talk emerges: "I'll probably fail," "There's no way," "They probably won't." This creates a biochemical addiction to the adrenaline rush of last-minute completions, followed by the crash afterward-a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break. Research shows that this pattern actually rewires neural pathways, making it progressively harder to break free from procrastination habits over time. The temporal delay phenomenon explains why we're more likely to procrastinate when deadlines are distant. The farther we are from a reward or feeling of accomplishment, the less motivated we feel to take action. This is why immediate gratification proves far more motivating than future rewards-our brains simply aren't wired to prioritize distant outcomes over present comfort. Studies demonstrate that people will choose a smaller reward available immediately over a larger reward available later, even when the delayed reward is significantly greater. This effect is particularly pronounced in digital environments, where notifications and alerts create constant opportunities for immediate, though often hollow, satisfaction.

See every word as you hear it

Read along effortlessly as each word of The procrastination cure lights up in real time.

Chapter 3

Understanding Your Procrastination Type

Combs identifies five distinct procrastinator types, each with unique characteristics and recovery paths. Recognizing your type is the first step toward breaking free from procrastination's grip. The Neurotic Perfectionist is highly critical and judgmental-especially of themselves-and can't begin tasks until conditions are absolutely perfect. Their all-or-nothing personality and desire for flawlessness often leads to paralysis rather than progress. These meticulous, controlled individuals often wear dark colors and glasses. Despite their intelligence, they suffer from anxiety and depression due to their overwhelming need for control. Their fear of failure keeps them "perfect in their heads" by never attempting anything. The Big-Deal Chaser talks big without substance to back it up. These individuals possess great energy, wit, and intelligence, but beneath their charming exterior lies deep insecurity. They're the biggest dreamers among all procrastinator types, combining good people skills with low self-esteem masked by high confidence. As articulate promoters, they persuade others to buy into idealistic dreams so grand they create paralysis. They move from project to project, starting but rarely completing anything, often leaving devoted followers to clean up their messes. The Chronic Worrier lives in the "what ifs," craving predictability and security while fearing new challenges. Often fidgety with nervous energy, they struggle with decision-making and commitment. Despite high intelligence, their emotional intelligence is typically low due to poor self-esteem. They suffer from "paralysis of analysis," collecting information but failing to take action. Chronic worry functions as a control mechanism, an exhausting way to manage life's uncertainties. The Rebellious Procrastinator combines passive-aggressive behavior with an appearance of confidence that masks low self-esteem. These individuals say what others want to hear but only do what they want, creating conflict for attention rather than focusing on productivity. Their defiance becomes their procrastination. Though talented, they avoid the discipline and practice needed for mastery, wanting payoffs without process. The Drama Addict is the last-minute procrastinator who believes they work best under pressure. They create crises only to heroically overcome them, taking pride in their ability to rescue themselves from self-created disasters. They exhaust themselves in this cycle of drama, crisis, and last-minute salvation, deluding themselves about how much energy this requires.

Chapter 4

From Perfectionism to Progress

Neurotic perfectionists must learn that success requires embracing imperfection and vulnerability. People don't want perfection-they want authenticity, results, and emotional connection. They respond to your humanity, not flawlessness. Your tears of breakthrough and joy inspire others far more than polished perfection ever could. When leaders share their struggles and failures, team members feel more connected and motivated. Consider how Steve Jobs' Stanford speech resonated precisely because he spoke about his failures and uncertainties, not just his successes. Being "the best" is an unattainable state since there's always someone better. Rather than neurotic perfectionism, aim to be a practical or productive perfectionist who focuses on being your personal best without demanding 100% perfection. Adopting "relaxed intensity" rather than mere intensity can transform your approach. This means maintaining high standards while accepting that 85-90% completion is often sufficient. For instance, launching a "good enough" product that serves customers is better than endlessly tweaking features in pursuit of perfection. Overcoming perfectionism requires a systematic approach. Start small-tackle one corner with two bags and 15 minutes of decluttering. Like writing a book two pages per night, success comes through consistent daily actions over time, not overnight transformation. Neurotic perfectionists have abundant energy but need to learn containment-aiming for "low highs and high lows" rather than emotional extremes. This might mean celebrating small wins without becoming overly elated, and viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than catastrophes. For example, instead of expecting to transform your entire workspace in one weekend, commit to organizing one drawer per day. Replace perfectionism with excellence. Adopt words like "good," "great," "realistic," and "objective" to release self-imposed pressure. Success isn't about perfection but about being methodical and systematic. Rather than endlessly reading and taking notes, focus on practical application. This shift in perspective will transform how you feel about yourself, allowing you to become a practical perfectionist who actually produces results. Consider successful entrepreneurs who launch "minimum viable products" and improve them based on feedback, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Set specific, achievable goals with clear metrics, like "complete three major tasks per day" instead of "do everything perfectly." Remember that perfectionism often stems from fear of judgment or failure. By reframing mistakes as essential learning opportunities, you can maintain high standards while accepting that imperfection is part of growth. Successful people aren't those who never fail, but those who fail forward, learn quickly, and keep moving despite imperfect conditions.

Get more out of The procrastination cure

Get daily insights from 100K+ lessons
Words light up in sync with the audio
Your library saved on every device

Chapter 5

Turning Dreams into Reality

For big-deal chasers, transformation begins with recognizing that while dreaming big is important, actually achieving goals matters more. Anyone can potentially write a bestseller or climb Everest, but success requires starting with small, consistent disciplines. Writing just two pages daily for a hundred days would produce a book. Overcoming procrastination means addressing the underlying feelings that maintain your current patterns. Taking a moral inventory is essential. Identify people you've hurt and bridges you've burned, then seek forgiveness when possible. Rather than declaring bankruptcy or taking the easy way out of financial troubles, choose to produce your way out through disciplined work. The key lesson: don't just escape debt-internalize the lesson to avoid repeating the same patterns. The breakthrough begins with recognizing your procrastination issues and stopping the jokes about them. Become objective about your pain, as within that pain lies your passion and joy. Look into the "heart of darkness" to understand how past events created your current identity. No matter where you are, if you're living in denial, it's time to let go and create a practical plan forward, step by step, day by day. Success requires realism, not just positivity. Taking on multiple projects simultaneously is just another form of big-deal chasing. Success isn't about wishing and hoping-it's about daily commitment and discipline. It's not what you do occasionally, but what you do daily that matters, whether in business, exercise, or diet. Instead of swinging for home runs, focus on getting on base with smaller victories that compound over time. The key to success is emotional stability-avoiding the peak-and-crash cycle. Success isn't about what you do-it's about what you're becoming and feeling. You don't need money or success to feel good about yourself.

Chapter 6

Releasing Worry and Embracing Action

Chronic worriers need to understand that worry functions as a control mechanism-an exhausting and ultimately futile way to manage life's uncertainties. This pattern often develops early in life as a coping strategy, but becomes increasingly destructive over time. Transformation begins with awareness of why you worry, identifying specific trigger points, and recognizing the false sense of security that worry provides. Several evidence-based healing approaches can help break the worry cycle: physical interventions like regular chiropractic care or massage therapy to address the muscle tension chronic worriers typically carry in their shoulders, neck, and jaw; mindful movement practices like yoga, tai chi, or martial arts to develop emotional discipline and body awareness; breaking isolation through simple social activities like joining clubs or regular coffee dates with friends; developing new self-perceptions by letting go of perfectionism and embracing "good enough"; creating detailed dream boards to reconnect with desires and visualize positive futures; and most importantly, releasing excessive intellectualization to live more from the heart than the head. Practicing appropriate vulnerability allows authentic connection with others, making it your "greatest asset, not your greatest weakness." This means sharing struggles selectively with trusted confidants, admitting when you need help, and allowing others to see your authentic self. Chronic worriers need to ask quality questions instead of obsessive ones - replacing "What if everything goes wrong?" with "What's the next small step I can take?" When wondering if you can succeed, remember you can't succeed without starting-focus on daily actions rather than distant outcomes. If you fear failure, understand that challenges develop character and personality, and that most successful people have failed numerous times on their path to achievement. The path to releasing worry involves addressing both past and future concerns. Despite carrying resentment from past hurts and shame from failures, learning to forgive yourself is essential for moving forward. This means acknowledging mistakes without dwelling on them, learning from experiences without being defined by them, and practicing self-compassion daily. Let go of chronic worrying to receive the rewards your brilliance can attract-whether that's a soul mate, business success, or living your dreams. Remember that worry is not preparation - it's just a way of experiencing failure in advance. No matter what patterns you've established or situations you've created, you can change and undo them through consistent, intentional action. If what you're getting disappoints you, change your philosophy and approach rather than amplifying worry. By releasing chronic worry through these practical steps, you transform from an anxious person into someone of influence and affluence, capable of taking measured risks and embracing life's natural uncertainty with greater ease.

See every word as you hear it

Read along effortlessly as each word of The procrastination cure lights up in real time.

Chapter 7

Channeling Rebellion into Production

Rebellious procrastinators must recognize that despite their toxic tendencies, they possess tremendous passion and energy that can be redirected productively. When properly channeled, their anger and resistance can become a powerful force-moving mountains, leading teams to victory, or creating revolutionary changes. Many successful athletes, entertainers, and artists have overcome rebellious procrastination through this transformation. Robert Downey Jr.'s journey from addiction and career destruction to becoming one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors exemplifies this evolution. Similarly, Steve Jobs channeled his rebellious nature into innovative thinking that revolutionized multiple industries. Forgiveness serves as the critical starting point-particularly forgiving those who abandoned, rejected, or traumatized you in the past. This includes parents, former partners, teachers, or anyone whose actions contributed to developing rebellious patterns. By identifying the root cause of your rebellion, whether it stems from childhood experiences, institutional trauma, or personal relationships, you can begin bridging the gap between procrastination and productive action. The process requires honest self-reflection and often benefits from professional guidance or supportive peer groups. When you finally let go of past grievances, something transformative occurs-you begin attracting different people and circumstances that mirror your personal growth. This "creation on demand" phenomenon brings unexpected synchronicity into your life, where opportunities and supportive individuals appear naturally. Former adversaries might become allies, and new doors open without forced effort. Many successful entrepreneurs report that their biggest breakthroughs came after releasing old resentments and redirecting their rebellious energy. As a rebellious procrastinator, the key transition involves choosing collaboration over conflict in both professional and personal spheres. Developing "conflict consciousness" becomes essential-learning to recognize when others attempt to draw you into unnecessary arguments or power struggles. This awareness helps you step back from confrontations that drain your creative energy. Letting go of being right in favor of being effective creates space for genuine success and wealth creation. The transformation from rebellion to production often occurs in stages: first acknowledging the pattern, then understanding its origins, and finally channeling that intense energy into meaningful projects and relationships. This shift turns former rebels into natural leaders who inspire others through example rather than opposition. You can evolve from feeling like a victim to becoming a producer, from someone people instinctively avoid to someone they actively seek out-becoming not just a success story but a role model for others struggling with similar patterns.

Chapter 8

Breaking the Drama Cycle

Drama addicts thrive on adrenaline rushes from crisis situations. They bounce between behavioral extremes, creating intense pressure by procrastinating until tasks require superhuman effort. Their conversations are self-centered and dramatic, using exhaustion as currency. Often wounded by past trauma, their feelings become their mood and identity. They're theatrical attention-seekers who create suspense and pull others into their dramas. For drama addicts, simple but powerful affirmations can help neutralize the chaos: "Struggle-aholic no more!" "I'm tired of the drama. I am dropping the drama." "I am a recovering drama addict. I'm a recovering chaos creator." The key is identifying which emotion fuels your drama-anger, hate, guilt, resentment-and recognizing how this leads to procrastination, disappointment, guilt, shame, and ultimately unrealized potential. Developing objective awareness means recognizing when you're creating unnecessary drama. True liberation comes from understanding that peace of mind and flow states offer more genuine energy than destructive adrenaline cycles. To overcome drama addiction, learn to catch yourself before going "over the edge" by taking deep breaths. First spot drama in yourself, then recognize it in others. Drama addicts must change their language patterns, particularly avoiding dramatic statements about being "exhausted" or "worn out," as the unconscious mind doesn't distinguish between fact and fiction. Accept that occasional procrastination is normal-being good is enough to become great, while perfectionism leads to disappointment and further procrastination. To release drama addiction, visualize life without chaos and imagine channeling that creative energy into production instead. Consider the physical and emotional toll drama takes on yourself and others. Reframe stress as energy that can be directed toward passion rather than drama. When you love what you do and find purpose bigger than your problems, procrastination diminishes. The same energy used for drama can transform you from victim to victor, from exhausted to liberated, from intoxicated to inspired.

Get more out of The procrastination cure

Get daily insights from 100K+ lessons
Words light up in sync with the audio
Your library saved on every device

Chapter 9

The Seven Habits of Recovering Procrastinators

Overcoming procrastination requires developing new habits that enable living in the present, being more productive, and eliminating behaviors that no longer serve you. These seven habits form the foundation for lasting change: 1. Manage Yourself in Time: Rather than "managing time," focus on managing yourself within time frames. Break time down into 15-minute increments to transform your perspective. What seems overwhelming becomes manageable when approached in small segments. Each day brings 86,400 seconds-a gift to be used wisely. 2. Set Small Goals; Take Small Steps One Day at a Time: Procrastinators typically set unrealistically huge goals, then implode emotionally when overwhelmed. Set small, realistic goals to build a solid foundation. When you reach a goal, reward yourself. Write goals down and create a vision of their outcome with passion and meaning. 3. Perform the Task Itself: Being organized is a skill, and lacking organization often indicates rebellion against your own success. Keep lists using whatever system works for you. Develop habits, routines, skills, and a mindset that align with success principles in your chosen vocation. 4. Write Things Down: Keeping organized lists helps develop clarity, especially if you're prone to procrastinate. Find a method that works for you-whether digital or analog-and stick with it. Create a system for daily lists and update them regularly. 5. Eliminate Distractions: Distractions keep us in procrastination mode and steal our most valuable commodity-time. Common distractions include processing mentally instead of being present, using hesitant language instead of saying "yes," and spending excessive time on social media. 6. Become Reward-Conscious: Practice "ABR: Always Be Receiving." Many people are conditioned to give but struggle with receiving. The reward is your payoff for taking risks-without risk, there's seldom reward. If the reward is significant enough and you're passionate about it, you'll likely overcome procrastination to receive it. 7. Learn the Skill of Self-Evaluation: Self-evaluation means becoming a lifelong learner who can look at situations objectively. It allows you to forgive yourself, ask forgiveness from others, and approach situations with humility and dignity. This skill gives you bounce-back ability to stay in the game, rather than blaming others when things go wrong.

Chapter 10

From Procrastinator to Producer: Your Recovery Journey

The transformation from procrastinator to producer begins with awareness. Procrastination is not your identity but a false label you've adopted that provides justification to stay stuck. The first step in recovery is admitting you have an issue with procrastination by declaring "I am a recovering procrastinator." The second step involves becoming aware of why you procrastinate by catching yourself in situations where you tend to delay action. A major factor in procrastination is feeling overwhelmed. To overcome this, move from denial to awareness by taking responsibility rather than blaming others. Start by cleaning out one corner of your life at a time-taking one bite, one breath at a time. Understanding why you do what you do creates opportunity to neutralize the feelings leading to denial, which triggers disappointment, guilt, and shame. Procrastination stems from attempting to control outcomes that are uncontrollable. While we can control avoiding disappointment or failure, this control always leads to regret. You can't create results without action, production, and being in the game-sitting on the bench only collects "splinters and disappointment." To overcome procrastination, develop reasons to change that are bigger than your problems. The greatest paralysis in overcoming procrastination is regret. Focusing on past relationships, jobs, and events wastes time and energy that could be spent living in the present. Regret becomes an easy, familiar identity that helps avoid changing habits. Don't let regrets become excuses to continue procrastinating. Instead of focusing on what happened to you, consider how past events can shape who you're destined to become. Create compelling reasons to succeed and let go of procrastination. These reasons must have clarity, passion, energy, and vigor-simply saying "I want freedom" isn't enough. People are attracted to those with influence, affluence, joy, peace, and integrity. Becoming such a person requires a daily method of operation, clearly defined goals, and a game plan. Begin seeing yourself as a producer, a highly productive entrepreneur, and a person who experiences peace and joy. You are becoming someone who completes what you set out to accomplish, someone others can count on without being used. Your living space has little clutter, your habits focus on solutions and production, and people see you as a transformational expert. You're less easily offended, less resentful, and you live in the present moment rather than dwelling on past hurts. The entrepreneurial spirit has no limits except those you place on yourself. When you let go of limiting thoughts, you enter the "no limitations zone" where procrastination disappears because you're living "The Four Ls": loving people, loving God, loving what you do, and loving yourself. With clear goals and objectives, you don't procrastinate because it costs too much money and time-resources you can't afford to waste.

★★★★★

You made it to the end of The procrastination cure

Loved by 1M+ learners

“23 days in and I have used it every single day. It is part of my daily habit now.”

jayallen

Key Themes in The procrastination cure

emotional addiction
procrastination archetypes
perfectionism paralysis
biochemical reward cycles
temporal delay phenomenon

Quotes from The procrastination cure

Procrastination isn't just a bad habit-it's an emotional addiction.
Social media seduces us away from productive activities.
Defiance becomes their procrastination.
People don't want perfection-they want authenticity.
Being 'the best' is an unattainable state.

Characters in The procrastination cure

Jeffery CombsAuthor, success coach, and recovering alcoholic
HesiodGreek poet who equated procrastination to sin

About the Author

Jeffery Combs, author of The Procrastination Cure, is a prolific self-help expert, prosperity coach, and internationally recognized authority on mindset transformation. Specializing in overcoming self-sabotage and unlocking personal potential, Combs draws on 25+ years of coaching experience to address procrastination through actionable strategies for productivity and purpose-driven habits.

As founder of Golden Mastermind, he has directly guided over 13,000 clients through 70,000+ coaching hours, helping individuals break free from limiting patterns to achieve professional and personal breakthroughs. His methodologies blend neuroscience principles with practical behavior modification, making complex psychological concepts accessible to mainstream audiences.

Combs’ work has been featured on major networks including CBS, ABC, and Fox, cementing his reputation as a trusted voice in personal development. A former network marketer who rebuilt his career after significant financial challenges, he brings real-world credibility to his advice on time management and goal achievement.

The Procrastination Cure expands on his signature frameworks for combating resistance, previously detailed in his speaking engagements and customized coaching programs. His insights have empowered entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and individuals seeking to align daily actions with long-term aspirations.

Download Summary of The procrastination cure

Get the The procrastination cure summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

Users also liked

The Procrastination Cure

Damon Zahariades

Procrastination

Jane B. Burka & Lenora M. Yuen

The Procrastination Equation

Piers Steel

Solving The Procrastination Puzzle A Concise Guide To Strategies For Change

Timothy A. Pychyl

How to Stop Procrastinating

Steve Scott

Get things done

Robert Kelsey

Procrastination: Emotion, Not Time Management book cover

16 sources

Procrastination: Emotion, Not Time Management

Productivity Hacks for Chronic Procrastinators book cover

3 sources

Productivity Hacks for Chronic Procrastinators

FAQs About This Book

Discover more

LEARNING PLAN

Beat procrastination

Procrastination affects nearly everyone, yet few understand the psychological mechanisms driving this behavior or how to effectively overcome it. This learning plan provides research-backed strategies for anyone who struggles with delay, teaching practical techniques to transform intention into action across work, studies, and personal projects.

3 h 32 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Understand the resistance before tasks

This plan is essential for professionals and students who struggle with chronic procrastination and the mental friction that precedes difficult work. It provides a deep dive into the psychological roots of avoidance, offering actionable CBT tools to help high-achievers reclaim their focus.

4 h 6 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Slight Edge Procrastination Antidote

This plan is essential for anyone struggling with consistency or waiting for a 'big break' that never comes. It benefits professionals and students who want to replace procrastination with a sustainable system of small, compounding daily wins.

1 h 36 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Break procrastination loop as college student

This plan is designed for college students who struggle with chronic delays and the stress of looming deadlines. It moves beyond generic time management by addressing the emotional roots of avoidance and providing practical systems for academic excellence.

4 h 15 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

The Science of Starting

This plan is essential for professionals and students who struggle with procrastination and the paralysis of starting new tasks. It provides a scientific approach to overcoming biological resistance and optimizing your digital environment for maximum output.

1 h 45 m•3 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Act on small things I keep avoiding

Many people struggle with procrastination not due to laziness, but because of how their brain processes perceived threats in small tasks. This plan is ideal for professionals and students who feel paralyzed by minor to-dos and want to transition from chronic avoidance to effortless action.

3 h 1 m•4 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Morning Momentum for Chronic Procrastinators

This plan is essential for professionals and students who struggle with morning inertia and the 'snooze' cycle. It combines biological insights with behavioral engineering to help chronic procrastinators build a reliable system for starting their day with purpose.

1 h 30 m•3 Sections

LEARNING PLAN

Stop Overthinking and Take Action

Overthinking traps millions in endless loops of analysis that prevent meaningful progress and cause unnecessary stress. This learning plan equips anyone struggling with decision paralysis or procrastination with practical tools to break free from mental gridlock and take consistent, purposeful action.

3 h 38 m•5 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

See more on how BeFreed is discussed

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

See more on how BeFreed is discussed

Start your learning journey, now

Chapter 2

The procrastination cure

OverviewOverview of The procrastination cure

One book. Many ways to hear it.

Breaking the Chains of Delay: The Psychology Behind Procrastination

The Hidden Costs of Putting Things Off

See every word as you hear it

Understanding Your Procrastination Type

From Perfectionism to Progress

Get more out of The procrastination cure

Turning Dreams into Reality

Releasing Worry and Embracing Action

See every word as you hear it

Channeling Rebellion into Production

Breaking the Drama Cycle

Get more out of The procrastination cure

The Seven Habits of Recovering Procrastinators

From Procrastinator to Producer: Your Recovery Journey

You made it to the end of The procrastination cure

Key Themes in The procrastination cure

Quotes from The procrastination cure

Characters in The procrastination cure

About the Author

Download Summary of The procrastination cure

Users also liked

FAQs About This Book

What is The Procrastination Cure by Jeffery Combs about?

Who should read The Procrastination Cure?

Is The Procrastination Cure worth reading?

What are the root causes of procrastination according to Jeffery Combs?

Discover more

1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

One book. Many ways to hear it.

Breaking the Chains of Delay: The Psychology Behind Procrastination

The Hidden Costs of Putting Things Off

See every word as you hear it

Understanding Your Procrastination Type

From Perfectionism to Progress

Get more out of The procrastination cure

Turning Dreams into Reality

Releasing Worry and Embracing Action

See every word as you hear it

Channeling Rebellion into Production

Breaking the Drama Cycle

Get more out of The procrastination cure

The Seven Habits of Recovering Procrastinators

From Procrastinator to Producer: Your Recovery Journey

You made it to the end of The procrastination cure

Users also liked

Discover more

Overview of The procrastination cure