Have you ever put off a task until the last minute, even though you knew it would cause stress and anxiety? If so, you are not alone. Procrastination is a common problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The good news is that there is hope for those struggling with procrastination.

Dr. Piers Steel has devoted his career to studying procrastination, and in his book, "The Procrastination Equation," he shares the results of his research and offers practical advice on how to overcome this challenge. Using a combination of psychology, science, and self-help, Dr. Steel explains why we procrastinate and what we can do about it.

One of the key insights from Dr. Steel's research is that procrastination is not simply a matter of laziness or poor time management. Instead, it is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including our genes, our environment, and our own thoughts and feelings. Dr. Steel calls these factors the "Procrastination Equation," and he argues that understanding this equation is essential to overcoming procrastination.

One of the most important variables in the Procrastination Equation is time. The further away a deadline is, the more likely we are to procrastinate. This is because our brains are wired to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term goals. As a result, we often find ourselves putting off tasks that are important but not urgent, in favor of activities that are more enjoyable in the moment.

Another important variable in the Procrastination Equation is our level of impulsiveness. People who are impulsive are more likely to procrastinate because they have difficulty resisting temptation. For example, if you are trying to work on a report but your phone keeps buzzing with notifications, you are more likely to give in and check your phone if you are impulsive.

The good news is that there are a number of things we can do to overcome procrastination. One of the most effective strategies is to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the task seem less daunting and increases our sense of accomplishment as we make progress. Another helpful strategy is to create artificial deadlines for ourselves. This can help to motivate us to get started on a task sooner rather than later.

Dr. Steel also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for ourselves. This means surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us to achieve our goals and minimizing distractions that can tempt us to procrastinate.

Procrastination is a common problem, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding the Procrastination Equation and using the strategies outlined in Dr. Steel's book, we can all learn to overcome procrastination and achieve our goals.

Welcome to the show, everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's absolutely crucial for our well-being, yet often neglected in our fast-paced world: sleep. We're embarking on a journey to understand the profound impact of sleep on our physical and mental health, our performance, and ultimately, our overall quality of life. We'll be exploring the fascinating science behind sleep, debunking common myths, and uncovering the hidden costs of sleep deprivation.

From the alarming rise of sleep disorders to the seductive lure of the sleep industry, we'll expose the challenges that stand between us and a good night's rest. We'll also hear inspiring stories of individuals and organizations championing the sleep revolution, proving that prioritizing sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Get ready to transform your understanding of sleep and unlock its incredible power!

Now, let's get started.

Welcome to the show, everyone! Today we're diving into the fascinating world of influence. We'll be exploring the psychological tactics that professionals use to get us to say 'yes,' often without us even realizing it.

Drawing on Robert Cialdini's groundbreaking book, "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion," we'll uncover the six key principles of persuasion:

• Reciprocity: This age-old rule compels us to return favors, gifts, and even concessions. We'll examine how compliance professionals exploit this principle, from free samples to strategic concessions like the 'rejection-then-retreat' technique.
• Commitment and Consistency: Once we make a choice or take a stand, we're wired to behave consistently with that commitment. We'll see how small commitments can be leveraged into larger ones, and how public commitments can be particularly powerful.
• Social Proof: We look to others for guidance on how to behave, especially in uncertain situations. We'll discuss the power of 'canned laughter,' the dangers of blindly following the crowd, and the importance of recognizing false social evidence.
• Liking: We're more likely to say 'yes' to people we like. We'll explore the factors that influence liking, such as physical attractiveness, similarity, and compliments.
• Authority: We're trained to defer to authority figures. We'll see how titles, clothes, and even the appearance of expertise can trigger automatic compliance.
• Scarcity: We value things that are scarce, and we hate losing freedoms we already have. We'll examine how limited-time offers and exclusive information can drive us to action.

Prepare to be amazed by the subtle ways in which these principles operate in our daily lives, from simple interactions to major decisions.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of influence, defend yourself against manipulation, and become a more persuasive communicator yourself!