The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play

by Neil Fiore

Neil Fiore is a psychologist and coach who has been helping people work more productively and live more fulfilling lives for decades. In his book The Now Habit, he explains why we procrastinate – and, more importantly, how to stop.

At its core, the book emphasizes that procrastination is not laziness or a lack of discipline, but rather a defense mechanism against stress, fear of failure, overwhelm, or perfectionism.

The book offers numerous techniques and strategies to overcome procrastination in a lasting way:

• Self-observation: Keep a procrastination log where you record when you postpone tasks and what thoughts and feelings accompany it.
• The “Unschedule”: A calendar where you first schedule leisure and enjoyable activities. Work is then added into the open slots – not the other way around.
• Reverse Calendar: Break large tasks into manageable steps and plan backward from the deadline to define realistic milestones and clear next actions.
• Guilt-Free Play: Intentional leisure time without guilt, ensuring that not only performance but also rest and self-care have their place.
• Positive self-talk: Replace negative inner messages (“I have to be perfect,” “I’m not allowed to play”) with more constructive ones (“I choose…,” “When can I start?,” “It’s okay to be imperfect”).

Fiore writes clearly and accessibly, without unnecessary jargon. He combines scientific insights with practical advice. The many examples of people who rediscovered joy in their work through small, consistent changes also make the book engaging.

Compared to other self-help books, Fiore comes across as friendly and empathetic: he doesn’t demand “more discipline” or induce guilt. Instead, he encourages you to design your work in a way that reduces pressure and increases motivation.

This book is suitable for anyone who procrastinates regularly – whether in studies, at work, or with personal projects. Even experienced professionals looking to improve their organization will find fresh ideas here. A clear recommendation for anyone who wants to become more productive without burning out.

🎧 Suitable as an audiobook? Yes – the clear examples and practical strategies are easy to follow while listening.

Buy book at Amazon *

Genres

Productivity Habits Time Management Self-Discipline Psychology Self-Help Personal Development & Growth