The Law School Playbook

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The Beliefs Underlying Procrastination

I’ve started my deep dive into the topic of procrastination. I found this gem from Procrastination: Why You Do It, What You Can Do About It NOW by Jane B. Burka, PhD & Lenora M. Yuen, PhD at p. 16:

The Procrastinator’s Code

I must be perfect.

Everything I do should go easily and without effort.

It’s safer to do nothing than take a risk and fail.

I should have no limitations.

If it’s not done right, it’s not worth doing at all.

I must avoid being challenged.

If I succeed, someone will get hurt.

If I do well this time, I must always do well.

Following someone else’s rules means that I’m giving in and I’m not in control.

I can’t afford to let go of anything or anyone.

If I show my real self, people won’t like me.

There is a right answer, and I’ll wait until I find it.