The Procrastinator's Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing It Now Reviews



Amazon.com Customer Reviews

Nice bathroom lecture - Review written on January 06, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 6 did not.

I enjoyed this book. Every time I had to go; I found in this book new reasons to start doing procrastinated tasks at home and in my job. Thank You Ritta !
It Hit the Nail on the Head - Review written on January 05, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
4 customers found this review helpful.

As a classic procrastinator and owner of my own business, I can say that Ms. Emmett's book was wonderfully accurate in assessing my weaknesses. Her methods for breaking the habit of procrastination are good ones which are easily applied. The fact that she offers several different methods make the trial and error process much less painful. I've applied her rules to my business and home life with success. I'm not cured altogether, but this book has me on the right track.
Part of the story - Review written on November 20, 2006
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5
11 customers found this review helpful.

I mainly listened to the audio tapes of this book, although I also own the paperback. Emmett's book is helpful in a number of ways. She shows you many aspects of the mindset you will need to overcome procrastination. However, there came a point where this book could take me no further in my battle against procrastination. That's when I turned to the Wikipedia article on procrastination, and perhaps more importantly, the Wikibook on Overcoming Procrastination. Starting with those resources, I launched into my own trip of self-discovery which has led to a breakthrough in my procrastination. Eventually, you need to deeply understand who you are, your life up to this point, and why it is in your best interest not to procrastinate. Anyway, this is my experience.
WOW! Finally I am saved! - Review written on September 22, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

Great production, easy to read, applications for "up to the second" thinking. Finally something easy to study, compact, and totally comprehendable. For anyone who wants to put wasted time in the past forever, and be good enough to teach from it, this book will be a perfect fit. Don't procrastinate any longer. Buy it now!
basic but good - Review written on August 13, 2006
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5

In a very simple but honest way the author help us be free of the bad habit of procrastination and show us how to master atitude to overcome this
Not procrastinating here ... - Review written on July 23, 2006
*
Rating: 1 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 21 did not.

On page 108, Ms. Emmett's son asks and is answered that when people are really too busy, they have a choice to say no to some activities. After another question, she says that yes she does tell them that at her seminars. He replies, "Well ... why does it take you eight hours to tell them that?"
Down to Earth Understanding - Review written on July 03, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful.

This is not your "bandaid" type self help book.
What it is: a collection of the reasons behind the habit of procrastination, and examples of ways to guide yourself out from it.
In a Nutshell: Reading through it will give you insights on the "why's" we act this way, and the "how's" to break it.

Highly regarded and recommended.
Easy to read - useful info. - Review written on May 10, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful.

I'd owned this book for a while and typically never got around to reading it (no joke). Finally, when I was called in for jury duty selection (an A.D.D. person's NIGHTMARE, I might add!), I brought the book along with a notebook and a pencil and I braced myself for a long day of sitting around. I was not selected for a trial, but I made good use of the time and I read book straight through, taking some good notes. The info has helped my very much and I re-read those notes from time to time for a "procrastination vaccination"!
I haven't got around to reading it yet. - Review written on April 11, 2006
* *
Rating: 2 out of 5
7 customers found this review helpful, 32 did not.

Yeah im pretty sure this book is great but I haven't got around to reading it yet... I think im going to start tomorrow... ah nah thats too soon.
Recovering procrastinator's professional speech - Review written on March 12, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful, 4 did not.

Rita Emmett's THE PROCRASTINATOR'S HANDBOOK: MASTERING THE ART OF DOING IT NOW (1593978472, $19.95) comes from a professional speaker on the topic whose clients include AT&T, Mercedes-Benz and more. Emmett is herself a recovering procrastinator: she provides insights on triggers, behavioral needs, and modification routines that work. An excellent pick for any who suffer from procrastination and wish routines to reform.
DON'T PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW....... - Review written on February 11, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
23 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.


Who would put off writing a review of this book? Not me - I don't procrastinate. If you believe that, there's a bridge I can let you have for next to nothing. Truth is, I'm the world's worst at putting things off, especially what I don't want to do. But, I'm getting better, much, much better. All thanks to the good natured, pragmatic advice from Rita Emmett.

A recovered procrastinator she knows of what she writes and speaks. She delves into the reasons why we procrastinate, and helps us change that behavior. We learn how to establish goals and more importantly how to attain them.

All of this is delivered with humor and understanding. We hear such nuggets as "God created company so that the hou
se gets cleaned." and "If certain things in your life are always hard to find, it's probably because they don't have their own special place to be put." Which naturally leads to a discussion of our spaces, both at work and at home. How can we arrange that space so it is most helpful to us?

Emmett doesn't claim to be clairvoyant but when she discussed a procrastinator's behavioral patterns it felt as if she had a direct line to me. There's a lot of good information in this three hour audio, so don't put off listening.

- Gail Cooke
Great insights!!! I love this book! - Review written on December 10, 2005
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
15 customers found this review helpful.

This book is easy reading, flows well, and is quite entertaining. The first time I read this book, I was amazed at the insight included as to reasons people procrastinate. They are not stereotypical reasons associated with procrastination such as being lazy. I related to several forms of procrastination that I never recognized until I read this book. I also picked out the forms that my family members use as well, which was helpful. It actually helps you have a little more compassion and patience for those around you. I have read this book over and over. It's good to have a reminder once in a while.
I don't know..... - Review written on September 08, 2005
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5
11 customers found this review helpful, 30 did not.

"The Procrastinator's Handbook" is exactly what I need. The outline and 1st Chapter caught my attention, and I'm sure the rest is excellent. I really should read the rest of it. Maybe tomorrow....
good advice from someone who has been there - Review written on August 30, 2005
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful, 5 did not.

I get a lot done, but there are a lot of things I don't do efficiently...and those are sometimes important things I tend to procrastinate about, all too often. I found Rita's book engaging and helpful. Yes it was a light read, which I found a plus -- I have too much to do to read something long or boring!

Rita's personal story is quite amazing, and the fact that she has accomplished so much with her life says a lot. I also interviewed Rita about her book on my radio show EverydayWealth Radio: Your Consumer Advocate (you can listen at wsradio.com) and found her to be just as delightful in person as she is in her writing. She gave me a tip that I am putting to use with much success. (As an author myself I'll encourage you to get the book to find out what works for you.)

Anyone looking for an easy way to change ingrained habits may not find any self-help book useful. But as they say, when the student is ready....
One of the Best - Review written on August 05, 2005
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
15 customers found this review helpful.

I work as a professional organizer and live with a procrastinator. Both professionally and personally I found this book enlightening. I read a lot of these type of books and this is one of the best.
What's the use? - Review written on November 30, 2004
* *
Rating: 2 out of 5
15 customers found this review helpful, 50 did not.

I got it way back in the beginning of high school. Now I'm in college and I still haven't read it. It's almost like a cruel, taunting joke.
utterly useless - Review written on October 27, 2004
*
Rating: 1 out of 5

I bought this book after reading the high acclaim that it received. The book turned out to be a waste of time and probably exacerbated my proscrastination problem by giving me an excuse to put off working. The book is at least two-thirds cliche quotes and "real-life" examples, but provides little concrete guidance on how to overcome your problems.
Don't waste your money or time - Review written on June 29, 2004
* *
Rating: 2 out of 5
32 customers found this review helpful, 15 did not.

This book is a waste of money. 5% advice, 95% fluff you've read in other help books. At least get this book from the library, but don't buy it. It isn't worth the money.
Getting Started - Review written on June 24, 2004
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
32 customers found this review helpful.

As other reviewers have pointed out, this book is more a pep talk than a program of action. Its proposals for action won't be any surprise (make a list, set a timer and commit to doing a specific thing for an hour) and the little quotes at the end of every chapter run the gamut from truly inspirational to trite. However, everyone knows what they should be doing; the book aims to make you feel that you can actually do it. To that extent, it's very successful. You finish it feeling energized and capable of doing anything. Time will tell whether the feeling lasts, but at the moment I feel empowered and ready to take on a host of new things. Thanks, Rita Emmett!
I'll never buy another e-book. - Review written on June 17, 2004
*
Rating: 1 out of 5
16 customers found this review helpful, 29 did not.

I purchased my first e-book from Amazon and will never do so again. First, the e-book will not upload to my Palm device. Two emails to Amazon's tech support explaining the problem resulted in indentical, vapid responses which were no help.
Second, the book contains pages in which to write your own thoughts, but due to encryption, the purchaser of the book is not allowed to print any of the pages. In short, Amazon has lost my business in the e-book arena.
Easy reading, shallow content - Review written on April 03, 2004
*
Rating: 1 out of 5
54 customers found this review helpful, 5 did not.

If you are serious about ending your procrastination then do not waste MORE of your time reading this book. The author gives plenty of tips, common sense advice, and even famous quotes but in a very disorganized and unstructured manner. The whole book is like a long pep talk, full of good intentions but failing to solve the problem: your procrastination. I'm sure that you've tried most of the tips in this book (writing a To Do List, planning your work, scheduling, etc.) so it does not make sense to buy a book that basically tells you to try them again. Oh, you'll try them for a week or two (again, for the n'th time), and then go back to procrastinating, because that's what we procrastinators do! We start something and then never finish it! In the back cover, Frank McCourt (author of Angela's Ashes) calls it a "light-hearted book", proving that even the editor knows this is not a serious book on procrastination, and uses McCourt's comment to sell the book as easy reading, but definitely not serious content. I recommend Neil Fiore's NOW HABIT. It's deeper, structured and a serious read. Not a "light-hearted handbook".
This stuff works! - Review written on March 30, 2004
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
7 customers found this review helpful, 14 did not.

Here is my review: "This neat little book helped me overcome my procrastination to write my book."

Is there anything greater that the fact that it works?

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

Awakener. Humiliater. Lifesaver. - Review written on March 23, 2004
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
18 customers found this review helpful, 8 did not.

I've pored over Lord-knows-how-many self-help tomes in my time, furrowed brow, best-intentioned, sincerity blazing.
Ms Emmett's is the first that made me go "Ouch!".
By the Nine Gods of Clusium, she has my number. 'Hypocritical Procrastination'? Bullseye. That chapter alone does it.
Even mid-reading, I was reaching for the phone to call my honey on some daft pretext; rising from my desk to go chatter with colleagues; re-shuffle papers ....
I actually slammed the phone down, stayed put, killed the CNN link ... told a colleague "Actually, I *am* busy right now. One hour from now?"
This is working for me. Ain't easy - a lifetime of indulgence and the most appalling self-delusion - but I need to folow its lessons and Emmett has the spot-on tone that gets to me.
Don't buy it: I have a lot of catching up to do and it might work for you, too, in which case that's one more rival I won't be overtaking. Bless you, Rita E. Right! Enuff of this time-wasting composing of a review; I have filing and ironing and writing to me mum to do, not to mention cold calling that swine of a landlord to fix my fridge. I'm a busy man and there's no perfect time to act; there's only now. Yoda had it right: Do or do not. There is no try.
A real eye-opener. - Review written on February 12, 2004
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

WOW! Rita Emmett provides a critical and often humerous look at the the actions (or inactions) of procrastinators in a non-threatenting manner. I've put off reading this book for about four months (go figure) and I simply can't put it down. If you've ever wondered if why you procrastinate and the reasons behind your actions, Rita has some answers for you. Also, as a person struggling with adult-ADHD, this book was extremly helpful in curbing a few of my ADHD tendencies.
Excellent for procrastinators - Review written on December 26, 2003
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 4 did not.

Really good info on how to avoid waiting until tomorow to get your tasks done.
worth your time - Review written on December 12, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
8 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

as a life long member of procrastination, i was amazed as to find someone who really understood all the reasons and rationalizations that went thru my mind. it's an insightful look at why one procrastinates and the steps to get out of it. the only thing more i would like to have seen from it is more motivation and steps from slipping back into old habits
How did she know I do that? - Review written on December 01, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
14 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

This is not what I expected. When I picked up this book, I was prepared for some generic time management principles surrounded by some motivational hype that would pump me up and then leave me flat a short while later. I'm not quite sure why...I suppose I just thought that procrastination was more of a built-in character flaw than a lifestyle choice.

Am I glad that I was wrong! In the introduction, Rita Emmett explains that procrastination is not part of your character. Rather, it is a habit that can be changed. Using plenty of real-life examples, Emmett helps us identify areas of procrastination in our lives, discover their source, and apply proven strategies to overcome them.

This book helps you get right down to business. The format is very friendly, with quick tips, top ten lists, quotes and illustrations scattered throughout. It even has a few "extra credit" questions and activities to help you start applying what you have learned right away.

I opened this book as a skeptic. After reading it cover to cover, I'm a believer! My basement is the cleanest it has been in over ten years, my kitchen sink has a new fixture, and today I'm going to fix that annoying drip in the upstairs bathroom. What have you been putting off? Follow this handbook and get it done!

Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

great book - Review written on November 28, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
10 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.

This little book is beautifully designed, and the writing is intelligent and humorous. It is light, not ponderous, and is never redundant. Its suggestions are not trite. The tone is helpful and inspiring. Very tasteful in every way. Written for artistic types, and people who have a brain but are temporarily stuck.
awesome book - Review written on August 25, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful, 8 did not.

This book is amazingly helpful. Buy it Now!
If you start, you will go to the end and be sad about it - Review written on August 23, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
12 customers found this review helpful, 3 did not.

I have never managed to read a self-help book. Not more than 10 pages, although many of them are not bad at all. But this book is simply wonderful. Rita is a pleasure to read. And she goes deeper and deeper and conquers you all way through. You will be surprised at how you will find yourself so often and again in each and every page as you have never done before.

All the games, all the plays, all the issues, all the hopes, all the dreams. Be prepared to meet yourself in a unique way.

You will rarely find something so simple and so good, a book so outstanding that you will be sad that you have reached the last chapter, even though this very book is showing you how much you have lost in your life...

This talk to your inner Self will reach you deeply. Be prepared.

A good reference - Review written on July 22, 2003
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
11 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

I don't see this book as a step-by-step guide to helping eliminate procastination, but more as a collection of tips that you can use to help you to plan your tasks better and to organize your life. I think it is worth having on hand to remind yourself of different ways to approach whatever task you are putting off accomplishing. If you are looking for an in depth psychological explanation of why you procrastinate then this probably isn't your best bet.
Great book! - Review written on July 01, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

I really enjoyed this book. The author puts it all on the line for us folks who are experts at procrastination. If you want to understand why you do what you do and how to change your behavior to increase you ability to move forward in life, this book is an excellent choice. If I were you, I wouldn't wait another moment!

And if you are looking for a book to compliment this one, then get James Clark's WADING THROUGH THE CRAP; it addresses this issue well and provides step-by-step instruction.

Wonderful treasure trove of information! - Review written on May 28, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.

The Procrastinator's Handbook is a wonderful treasure trove of information. It is insightful, realistic, down-to-earth, and is conveyed with contagious enthusiasm.

Emmett's words of wisdom encouraged me personally when I was writing my first book. At one point I was stalling and floundering with the project, but after plowing through her book, I got myself back on track.

Highly recommended!

Reviewed by: (...)
One of the best how to change yourself books out there - Review written on March 27, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
7 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

Rita Emmett has done a great job of putting together a, I could say THE, book on how to stop procrastinating. As a therapist I recommend the best books I can find to clients and others and this book certainly fills the bill. If you procrastinate, don't put off buying this book to help you solve the problem. When you buy it, don't procrastinate or hesitate in reading it to help you solve the problem.
Great book! - Review written on February 04, 2003
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.

I have read this book in PalmReader format and think that it is absolutely wonderful. I must admit that I started reading from Part 3 first and then worked my way from the beginning again. I have found many of the stories to be quite useful in identifying the behaviors that I do to procrastinate. I have been successful in using the reward technique discussed in the book. I also enjoy the inspiring quotes that accompany the end of each chapter.

All in all, a great book and I'm glad to have it on my PDA wherever I go.