5.4: The Art of Purposeful Procrastination

When you're faced with a task that's just too dull, try this technique.

Step 1: Identify the Task's Boringness Quotient

Rate the task's boredom factor on a scale of 1 to 10.

Learn the Boredom Scale

Once you've calculated the task's BQ, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Apply the Power of Sudden Onset Distraction

Stare intensely at a nearby object for exactly 17 minutes and 32 seconds.

Read about the Science of Sudden Onset Distraction

By the time you're done, the task will have forgotten about itself.

Step 3: Employ the Technique of Intentional Misdirection

Do something completely unrelated to the task, like watching cat videos.

Discover the Joy of Cat Vlogging

The task will be so confused, it'll just go away.

Step 4: Utilize the Power of Creative Displacement

Write a short story about doing the task, but instead, do nothing.

Write a Novel about Procrastination

The task will be so busy being fictional, it'll never bother you again.

Step 5: Apply the Art of Strategic Aversion

Convince yourself that the task is, in fact, a terrible idea.

Learn about the Dangers of Taskception

By the power of negative thinking, the task will just disappear.

More Techniques for Doing Nothing

Join the Do-nothing Society