Reading Time: 4 minutes
This book came out last month, but I convinced myself I was too busy to buy it. I guess that proves I needed it!
I’ve enjoyed several of Jon Acuff’s books over the years, especially Soundtracks, which explored how our thoughts shape our actions. Procrastination Proof feels like a natural companion volume. If Soundtracks was about changing the conversations in your head, Procrastination Proof is about finally taking action on the things that matter most.
Procrastination Isn’t the Problem
Acuff argues that procrastination isn’t really a character flaw or a sign of laziness. It’s a coping mechanism. We put off difficult, scary, overwhelming, or uncertain tasks because procrastination feels safer than action. The solution, he says, is learning to give ourselves four permissions: Dream, Plan, Do, and Review.
Four Permissions for Getting Unstuck
The framework is simple. First, Dream by deciding what you actually want. Then Plan by figuring out how you’ll get there and making tomorrow easier today. Next, Do by taking action, even when conditions aren’t perfect. Finally, Review by asking what worked, what didn’t, and what you can learn for next time. Acuff’s point is that many of us get stuck in one of these stages—dreaming without acting, planning without starting, doing without reflecting, or endlessly reviewing without moving forward.
When Actions Match Intentions
One of my favorite ideas in the book is Acuff’s definition of being “remarkable.” He says, “Remarkable is when your actions match your intentions” (page 52). That’s a helpful way to think about procrastination because it moves the conversation away from productivity hacks and toward alignment. Are we actually becoming the people we intend to be?
Why This Book Works
As always, Acuff writes with humor, self-deprecation, and plenty of memorable stories. The book is practical without feeling overwhelming, which is fitting for a book about overcoming procrastination. I found myself highlighting dozens of passages and repeatedly recognizing my own tendencies in the examples.
One of the things I appreciate about Acuff’s writing is that he practices what he preaches. The chapters are short (my Kindle said most of them would take a minute to read). You could knock this one out in an afternoon. This is intentional. He understands that many readers already feel overwhelmed, and he doesn’t want the book itself to become another intimidating project. Finishing a chapter gives you a small sense of accomplishment and momentum, which reinforces the very ideas he’s teaching.
Helpful Resources from Jon Acuff
One reason Procrastination Proof is so useful is that Acuff has created several companion resources that help readers put the book into practice.
- Procrastination Profile Assessment — A short test on Jon Acuff’s website to help you identify your procrastination pattern.
- Motivation Portfolio — A free download showing 50 ways Acuff stays motivated, designed to help you start building your own.
- All It Takes Is a Goal — Acuff’s podcast, with episodes that expand on the four permissions —Dream, Plan, Do, and Review—along with other ideas from the book.
These resources are worth exploring after reading the book because they help move the material from “interesting idea” to actual practice.
The Power of Easy
Acuff admits to a recurring criticism of his books over the years: they’re too easy. Personally, I think that’s one of his superpowers. Not every book needs to be dense, academic, or difficult to be valuable. Acuff has a gift for taking ideas that could easily become complicated and making them practical, memorable, and actionable. The challenge isn’t understanding what he’s saying—it’s actually doing it. That’s a strength, not a weakness.
Don’t Skip the Audiobook
One additional recommendation: consider getting the audiobook as well. Acuff narrates his own work, and Audible lets reading as you listen. I’ve found that combination improves retention and helps me engage more deeply with a book. As with several of Acuff’s previous audiobooks, this version includes bonus stories and material not found in the print or Kindle edition, making it worthwhile even if you’re already reading the book.
The Growing is in the Going
While some readers may find the language of “remarkable” a bit broad or success-oriented at times, the core message is solid: stop waiting for perfect conditions, take the next step, and learn as you go. As Acuff repeatedly reminds readers, “The growing is in the going” (page 104).
If you’ve been putting off a project, delaying a decision, or waiting until you feel ready, Procrastination Proof is worth your time. Just don’t put off reading it!
