Not getting things done: The art of stress-free procrastination
The book that postponed a revolution
The book Lifeguru calls “The Bhagavat Gita of Procrastination”
Winner of several awards including the Slacker Prize and Blissful Bumming
“Eh, I’ll do it tomorrow”
This single phrase kickstarted the era of blissful inaction. Published more than a decade ago, this book isn't just a read; it's a cultural phenomenon. The book’s manifesto has since become a civilizational bulwark. The fact that we say “he is an influencer on Instagram” as if that’s a real job can be wholly attributed to ideas in this book.
Before this book, there were proud CXOs and lifehack gurus touting productivity and efficiency. And then came Not Getting Things Done, like a smothering warm blanket. Initially, it was merely annoying, like ‘climate activists’ at the Louvre. But very soon the movement grew to destroy to-do lists and eventually turned procrastination into a superpower.
NGTD is now a shorthand for approaching life and has spawned entire websites, tools, and seminars. Millions now understand that being busy is a myth perpetrated by overachievers.
In this edition, contrary to the original plan, the author hasn’t rewritten any portions nor has added relevant new examples. And yet, this new edition will likely be welcomed by the army of fans from a generation that’s increasingly seeing the value of NTGD.
Top Highlights from the book
“Hard work is the key to success but procrastination is the backdoor to nirvana.”
“You’re not lazy, you’re just in energy-saving mode.”
“Having clear goals is essential. It’s the only way you know you are not achieving them.”
“Meetings were invented so you don’t feel lonely when procrastinating.”
“Procrastination is the vacation we never knew we needed.”
Key Ideas
While the book highly recommends that you do not complete reading it and put it off for another day, it does touch upon some key ideas on how to go about it.
The Procrastinator's Creed: Embracing the Joy of Delay
This is where the book introduces the idea of “Eh, I’ll do it tomorrow.” With mini exercises on how to repeat the phrase every day until it becomes a habit, the book teaches you the first essential step in your journey of not getting things done - guilt-free procrastination.
To-Don’t Lists: Mastering the Art of Not Doing
Not getting things done is hard work. It needs a plan and a list. The book encourages the readers to create a To-Don’t list and list all the items that they will not be doing that day. This way, you can really avoid the tasks and ensure you do not accidentally get seduced into productive completion. Remember, your systems are what will keep you on track. The book also introduces the idea of a pyramid of prioritization ranging from Never to Never Ever to Never Ever Ever. Tasks move from one to another with every passing day.
Last-Minute Magic: Turning Panic into Survival
In a rare deviation from the rest of the book, this section actually talks about getting things done occasionally. It delves into the thrill of letting basic life tasks fall by the wayside and the creativity that comes with having to find sustenance or safety at the eleventh hour. “Use your panic” repeats the book as the key mantra.
The Chaos Theory: Joy in Disorganization
Turning Marie Kondo’s ideas on its head, the book delves into the lives of three individuals who found a stress-free life in disorganization. Between missed appointments, messy living spaces, and broken relationships, the individuals find the truth that stress is just a symptom of having expectations from life.
The Zen of Incompletion: Finding Peace in Unfinished Business
“We’re all incomplete and must find peace in it” is the key message of this section. Why then look for completion in tasks? If your project is unfinished, ask your manager if he has finished working on it himself. Why should the bills be paid on time when we are all waiting to pay the piper?
Join hundreds of other readers who bought the book and never completed it. Find joy in uttering the phrase “Eh, I’ll do it tomorrow” and learn the art of not getting things done.
Could be Worse,
Tyag