Chances are, if you're watching this video, you're dealing with the perennial problem of procrastination in your life. In my case, most of my troubles stemmed from procrastination. When you put off what you ought to do and continually delay tasks, all sorts of issues start cropping up. Your productivity takes a nosedive, anxiety creeps into your life, and you begin to sidestep responsibilities. The worst part? The constant gnawing feeling that you're not living up to your potential.

The Stoics were deeply concerned with procrastination. We can draw inspiration from Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, both of whom shouldered heavy responsibilities and couldn't afford the luxury of procrastination. It's no cakewalk because, quite often, we prefer immediate gratification over putting in the effort. While I delve into this extensively in my video on discipline, I recommend watching it after this one since discipline and conquering procrastination go hand in hand.

If you're here, you're seeking change - the desire to become more productive, to master your mind and actions. Overcoming procrastination will not only make you more effective but also happier, as you'll find inner peace in taking responsibility. It's astounding that Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, had the same 24 hours in a day as you and me to perform his duties and fulfill responsibilities. Remarkably, he managed to be an emperor, ruling the most extensive and powerful ancient empire, a philosopher, a writer, a devoted husband, a lawmaker, a courtroom attendee, a military leader, and a guide through a devastating plague. He achieved all this while adhering to virtue, avoiding vices and temptations that ensnared other emperors. His key to success? A disciplined routine, cultivating habits that countered lethargy and sidestepped procrastination.

In essence, that's the secret to sidestepping procrastination: establish a routine. Marcus Aurelius converted his responsibilities into an integral part of his life, akin to eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene. For Marcus, these responsibilities were non-negotiable, and they became so essential that he couldn't envision life without fulfilling them. All Stoics understood, just like Aristotle did, that we are what we repeatedly do. Thus, excellence isn't merely an act; it's a habit. Marcus Aurelius, for instance, began his day early. In his own words, "At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: 'I have to go to work - as a human being. What do I have to complain of if I'm going to do what I was born for, the things I was brought into this world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?'" There was no time for him to linger in bed. He commenced his day by journaling, dedicating a few minutes to record his thoughts and organize his mind, reminding himself of his priorities.

Following this, he'd prepare to confront his responsibilities and the individuals around him. He'd tell himself, "The people you will meet today, this particular people, troublemakers every one of them. Ignorant of what's truly good or bad. But I know the nature of the good and the bad, and the nature of a man who's good or bad. And what is capable of such a man. So none of them can hurt me. No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative, or hate him. We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone, to turn your back on him: these are unnatural."

He recognized that he couldn't allow these individuals to affect his judgment or happiness. He understood he had to act according to his convictions. Following this, Marcus Aurelius would initiate his most critical responsibilities. He preferred commencing with these while he was fresh and motivated. He'd concentrate on the task at hand, regarding it as the most significant, declaring, "Concentrate every minute like a Roman—like a man—on doing what's in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice." As evident in his routine, there was no room for procrastination.

By now, you must be wondering how you can emulate Marcus Aurelius and beat procrastination. How can you prepare your mind, and what habits should you adopt? Don't fret; I'll elucidate seven tricks that have personally aided me in overcoming procrastination. I'll split them into two parts: the first part will cover mental preparation, and the second part will detail actions to vanquish procrastination.

- First, Change Your Focus
- Second, Avoid Low-Level Distractions
- Third, Rearrange Your Responsibilities
- Fourth, Take the First Step
- Fifth, the 5-Second Rule
- Sixth, the Pomodoro Technique
- Seventh, Eliminate Distractions

In the video, you will see details of each of them.

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