7 Best-Selling Procrastination Books Millions Love
Expert picks from Raul Pachecovega, professor and Tanya Harrison, geoscientist, highlight best-selling Procrastination Books with proven approaches


There's something special about books that both critics and millions of readers embrace, especially in tackling procrastination—a challenge that affects countless lives and careers. These best-selling Procrastination books have earned their place by offering practical, validated strategies that resonate deeply with those seeking to regain control and boost productivity.
Among the experts endorsing these works are Raul Pachecovega, a professor at CIDE specializing in public policy, who relates his own experience with Brian Tracy's Eat That Frog!, finding value in its disciplined approach to task prioritization. Similarly, Tanya Harrison, a science consultant and geoscientist at Planet Labs, recommends Daniel Walter's How to Stop Procrastinating for its fresh, scientific perspective on mindset shifts.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks and widely-appreciated methods, readers looking for solutions tailored to their unique procrastination challenges might consider creating a personalized Procrastination book that blends these validated approaches with individual needs and goals.
Recommended by Raul Pachecovega
Professor at CIDE, water governance expert
“I recently finished reading @BrianTracy's "Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time". It took me FOREVER to finish his book (hard to eat THAT frog, I'm sorry Brian!) but if there's ONE frog I always eat is: MAKING MY BED IN THE MORNING.” (from X)
by Brian Tracy··You?
When Brian Tracy first realized how much time people waste on low-impact tasks, he crafted this book to help you focus on what really moves the needle. You’ll learn practical methods to identify and tackle your most demanding and important tasks first—what he calls "eating your frog." The book breaks down 21 distinct approaches to overcome procrastination, including how to leverage technology to stay focused and minimize distractions, as detailed in the new chapters. If you want to sharpen your time management skills and boost your daily productivity by prioritizing effectively, this book offers straightforward techniques without fluff.
by Jane B. Burka Ph.D., Lenora M. Yuen Ph.D.·You?
by Jane B. Burka Ph.D., Lenora M. Yuen Ph.D.·You?
Unlike most books on procrastination that emphasize quick fixes, Jane B. Burka and Lenora M. Yuen draw on decades of counseling and workshop experience to explore the deep-rooted emotional reasons behind why you delay tasks. You'll get a nuanced understanding of fears related to failure, success, control, and attachment that often originate in childhood, along with practical strategies to manage time, stress, and enlist support. Specific chapters dissect these psychological barriers and offer ways to live and work alongside procrastinators, making it relevant whether you struggle personally or deal with procrastination in others. This approach benefits anyone seeking more than surface-level advice, especially those ready to confront the underlying causes and develop lasting change.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores procrastination through a unique lens, combining widely validated insights with your individual behavioral patterns. It covers how procrastination manifests differently for each person, focusing on your specific tendencies and triggers to develop a deep understanding of your style. The book examines time management techniques, motivational factors, and cognitive patterns that influence delay, all aligned with your background and goals. By personalizing content, it reveals ways to work with your habits rather than against them, helping you unlock practical methods to reduce procrastination effectively. This personalized exploration not only matches your interests but also guides you toward mastering procrastination in a way that resonates with your experience.
by Albert Ellis·You?
What if everything you knew about procrastination was wrong? Albert Ellis, a pioneering psychologist, developed this book to challenge the common belief that procrastination is purely about laziness or poor time management. Instead, he explores how irrational thinking traps you in delays and avoidance, offering practical ways to reframe your mindset and make rational decisions despite life's inevitable hassles. You’ll learn how to identify self-defeating thoughts and replace them with constructive action plans, with chapters that dissect emotional barriers and cognitive biases. This book suits anyone struggling to break free from procrastination’s grip through a thoughtful psychological approach rather than quick-fix tricks.
by William J. Knaus, John W Edgerly·You?
by William J. Knaus, John W Edgerly·You?
Dr. William J. Knaus's extensive work in psychology shines through in this updated edition, where he distills decades of research into a practical framework for overcoming procrastination. You’ll find tools like the Procrastination Inventory, a self-assessment that pinpoints your unique procrastination style, and detailed exercises tailored to address six distinct behavioral patterns. The book’s approachable style makes it clear who benefits most: anyone struggling to regain control over their time and commitments through self-awareness and actionable strategies. Chapters dive into identifying root causes and developing personalized action plans, making it a useful guide for those wanting to understand and change their procrastination habits methodically.
Recommended by Tanya Harrison
Science consultant and geoscientist at Planet Labs
“Heads up Toronto: There are exactly 4 copies of mine and Danny Bednar’s book signed by both of us at Gorilla Store Toronto right now! Grab yours before they’re gone! (Also stop by in general if you’re looking for awesome science gifts for kids or adults! It’s a super cool shop!)” (from X)
by Daniel Walter··You?
What if everything you knew about procrastination was wrong? Daniel Walter, driven by a passion to help people break free from distraction, explores why procrastination happens and how subtle mindset shifts can multiply your productive hours. You’ll learn to identify triggers like social media traps, understand how nutrition impacts focus, and develop mental, physical, and emotional discipline to overcome fear and hesitation. This book is especially useful if you struggle with getting started or maintaining momentum on your goals, offering insights from neuroscience to practical time management tactics. It’s a straightforward guide that respects your time and ambition without leaning on clichés.
by TailoredRead AI·
This personalized book explores a focused 30-day plan designed to help you build momentum and cut delay in your daily tasks. It reveals how to rapidly reduce procrastination through daily actions tailored specifically to your interests and goals. By combining widely valued insights with your unique background, the book offers a step-by-step path that matches your pace and priorities. It examines key techniques to maintain motivation and sustain progress, ensuring the learning experience is both engaging and relevant. This tailored approach allows you to focus on what matters most to you, gaining practical knowledge that fits your individual journey toward improved productivity.
by Timothy A.Pychyl·You?
by Timothy A.Pychyl·You?
Timothy A. Pychyl's decades of psychological research shape this concise guide that cuts through the noise around procrastination. He zeroes in on one surprisingly effective strategy: starting immediately, explaining why the simple act of beginning can break the procrastination cycle. You’ll gain insight into the underlying mechanisms that derail your motivation and practical reasoning supported by evidence. Chapters detail how to shift your mindset and harness immediacy to pursue goals more effectively. If you want a focused, research-backed approach without fluff, this book fits, especially if you struggle to initiate tasks.
by Piers Steel PhD·You?
Drawing from over a decade of research blending psychology and evolutionary biology, Piers Steel PhD unpacks why you delay tasks and how to overcome this self-sabotage. You’ll explore the specific mental blocks and motivational patterns that keep you stuck, like how your brain weighs immediate rewards over future benefits, and how to recalibrate this balance. Chapters dissect the science behind procrastination triggers and offer insights on managing deadlines and self-discipline effectively. This book suits anyone wanting to understand the mechanics behind their delay tactics and learn how to reclaim productivity without relying on willpower alone.
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Conclusion
This collection reflects key themes that prove effective against procrastination: understanding emotional and psychological roots, adopting rational and scientific mindsets, and embracing actionable strategies like immediate task initiation and focused prioritization. If you prefer proven methods grounded in expert endorsement, start with Eat That Frog! or Procrastination by Burka and Yuen. For validated approaches combining mindset and science, The Procrastination Equation and How to Stop Procrastinating offer compelling insights.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Procrastination book to fuse these proven methods with your specific circumstances and learning goals. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in overcoming procrastination and achieving productivity breakthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with Eat That Frog! for straightforward, practical advice on prioritizing tasks. It's loved for its clear strategies that many find immediately useful.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to procrastination?
Not at all. Books like Do It Now! and Solving the Procrastnation Puzzle are accessible and offer foundational insights perfect for beginners looking to understand and tackle procrastination.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with Eat That Frog! to build prioritization skills, then explore Procrastination for emotional insights, and follow with The Procrastination Equation for scientific understanding.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can start with one book that matches your needs, but combining perspectives—say, a practical guide with a psychological one—often leads to better results.
Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?
Solving the Procrastnation Puzzle focuses on immediate task initiation, offering research-backed steps you can apply to break the procrastination cycle quickly.
Can I get a book tailored to my specific procrastination challenges?
Yes! While these expert books provide valuable frameworks, a personalized Procrastination book can combine proven methods with your unique goals and habits. Learn more here.
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