Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden

Last updated: Jul 13, 2023

Summary of Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden

Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden is a book that explores the concept of time management and productivity in a unique way. Vaden introduces the idea of "multipliers," which are strategies that can help individuals multiply their time and achieve more in less time.

The book begins by challenging the traditional notion of time management, which focuses on efficiency and doing things faster. Vaden argues that this approach is limited because there are only so many hours in a day, and trying to cram more tasks into those hours is not sustainable in the long run.

Instead, Vaden proposes a new approach called "procrastinating on purpose." This involves deliberately delaying tasks that are not a priority in order to focus on the ones that truly matter. By doing so, individuals can allocate their time and energy more effectively and achieve greater results.

Vaden introduces five key strategies or "focus funnels" that can help individuals prioritize their tasks and make the most of their time:

Eliminate: This involves identifying and eliminating tasks that are not essential or do not contribute to one's goals. By saying no to these tasks, individuals can free up time for more important activities.
Automate: Vaden emphasizes the importance of automating repetitive tasks whenever possible. By using technology and systems to streamline these tasks, individuals can save time and focus on more meaningful work.
Delegate: This strategy involves assigning tasks to others who are better suited to handle them. By delegating tasks, individuals can free up their own time and leverage the skills and expertise of others.
Procrastinate: Vaden encourages individuals to intentionally delay tasks that are not urgent or important. By procrastinating on these tasks, individuals can focus on more pressing matters and avoid wasting time on low-value activities.
Consolidate: This strategy involves combining similar tasks or activities to maximize efficiency. By grouping related tasks together, individuals can save time and energy by avoiding unnecessary context switching.

Vaden also emphasizes the importance of adopting a "significance mindset" and aligning one's actions with their long-term goals and values. He encourages individuals to focus on the impact and significance of their work rather than getting caught up in the busyness of day-to-day tasks.

Overall, Procrastinate on Purpose offers a fresh perspective on time management and productivity. By embracing the concept of "multipliers" and implementing the five focus funnels, individuals can make the most of their time and achieve greater results in both their personal and professional lives.

1. The Multiplier Mindset

In "Procrastinate on Purpose," Rory Vaden introduces the concept of the Multiplier Mindset, which is a shift in perspective that allows us to see time as a resource that can be multiplied rather than managed. Instead of trying to do more with less time, Vaden suggests that we should focus on doing less but achieving more by leveraging the power of multiplication. This involves identifying tasks that have a long-term impact and investing time in them, even if they don't provide immediate results.

By adopting the Multiplier Mindset, we can prioritize activities that create exponential results over time. This means saying no to tasks that don't align with our long-term goals and learning to delegate or eliminate non-essential activities. By doing so, we can free up time to focus on high-impact tasks that have the potential to multiply our results and create lasting success.

2. The Focus Funnel

Vaden introduces the concept of the Focus Funnel, which is a framework for prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency. The Focus Funnel consists of three levels: eliminate, automate, and delegate. The first step is to identify tasks that can be eliminated altogether, as they don't contribute to our goals or provide any value. By eliminating these tasks, we can free up time and mental energy.

The next step is to automate tasks that are repetitive and can be done more efficiently using technology or systems. By automating these tasks, we can save time and reduce the risk of errors. Finally, Vaden suggests delegating tasks that can be done by someone else, allowing us to focus on higher-level activities that require our unique skills and expertise. By following the Focus Funnel, we can ensure that our time and energy are directed towards tasks that truly matter and contribute to our long-term success.

3. The Permission Paradox

The Permission Paradox is the idea that we often wait for permission from others or external circumstances before taking action. Vaden argues that this mindset holds us back from achieving our goals and living a fulfilling life. Instead of waiting for permission, he encourages readers to give themselves permission to take action and pursue their dreams.

By giving ourselves permission, we take ownership of our lives and become proactive in creating the future we desire. This mindset shift empowers us to overcome fear and self-doubt, as we no longer rely on external validation to pursue our goals. The Permission Paradox teaches us that we have the power to give ourselves permission to take action and make a difference in our own lives.

4. The Significance Calculation

In "Procrastinate on Purpose," Vaden introduces the Significance Calculation, a framework for evaluating tasks based on their long-term impact. The Significance Calculation involves asking three questions: Does this task create a result that lasts? Does it multiply my time? Is it aligned with my goals?

By using the Significance Calculation, we can prioritize tasks that have a lasting impact and contribute to our long-term success. This helps us avoid getting caught up in busywork or tasks that provide short-term gratification but don't move us closer to our goals. By focusing on tasks that pass the Significance Calculation, we can make intentional choices about how we spend our time and ensure that we are investing it in activities that truly matter.

5. The Procrastination Priority

Vaden challenges the traditional notion of procrastination and suggests that it can be a strategic tool for prioritizing tasks. He introduces the concept of the Procrastination Priority, which involves intentionally delaying tasks that are not urgent or important in order to focus on tasks that have a higher priority.

By procrastinating on non-essential tasks, we create space to focus on high-impact activities that require our immediate attention. This allows us to allocate our time and energy more effectively and achieve better results. The Procrastination Priority teaches us that procrastination can be a deliberate choice that helps us prioritize our tasks and maximize our productivity.

6. The Time Investment Portfolio

Vaden introduces the concept of the Time Investment Portfolio, which is a framework for allocating our time and energy across different areas of our lives. Similar to a financial investment portfolio, the Time Investment Portfolio involves diversifying our time and energy across various categories, such as work, relationships, health, and personal growth.

By consciously investing our time in different areas, we can ensure that we have a balanced and fulfilling life. This means not neglecting any aspect of our lives and making intentional choices about how we allocate our time. The Time Investment Portfolio helps us prioritize our time and energy based on our values and goals, leading to a more meaningful and well-rounded life.

7. The Focus Firework

The Focus Firework is a technique introduced by Vaden to help us maximize our focus and productivity. It involves setting a specific time period, typically 30 minutes, and dedicating it to a single task without any distractions or interruptions.

By immersing ourselves in a task for a focused period of time, we can achieve a state of flow and make significant progress. The Focus Firework helps us overcome procrastination and resistance by breaking tasks into manageable chunks and providing a sense of urgency. By consistently using this technique, we can train our brains to focus deeply and accomplish more in less time.

8. The Permission to Ignore

Vaden emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves permission to ignore certain tasks or distractions that don't align with our goals or values. He argues that we often feel obligated to respond to every request or distraction, which can drain our time and energy.

By giving ourselves permission to ignore non-essential tasks or distractions, we can protect our focus and prioritize what truly matters. This requires setting boundaries and being selective about how we spend our time and attention. The Permission to Ignore empowers us to make intentional choices about where we invest our energy, leading to greater productivity and fulfillment.