A Teen's Guide to Getting Stuff Done...

 

(we've all been there...)

A Teen's Guide to Getting Stuff Done: Discover Your Procrastination Type, Stop Putting Things Off, and Reach Your Goals by Jennifer Shannon (2017)

This quick (less than 200 pages!) self-help book focuses on how procrastination and teenage self-esteem are directly linked while suggesting ways to overcome the stigmas of laziness and ineptitude associated with “putting things off.” Shannon (2017) stresses often, “Procrastination is not a sign of weakness or moral failing” (pg. 2). She divides procrastinators into four types: the perfectionist, the warrior, the pleaser, and the rebel, describing the general characteristics of each and utilizing little anecdotes to contextualize. Shannon also explains the whys and hows of procrastination, and includes methods on how to cope and combat putting off tasks. The book also offers interactive opportunities in the form of worksheets and quizzes that can be downloaded online. There are illustrations, too!

Honestly, where was this book when I was a teenager?! I absolutely suffered from anxiety due to my own procrastination (and still do, sometimes). I think if I had been told as a high school or even college student that procrastination is not a character flaw, that it could even be useful sometimes…I might have slept better. Shannon uses appropriate language directed specifically for teenagers without coddling them. She demonstrates a profound understanding of the current teenage environment (especially the high impact and distractions brought on by technology.)

A Teen’s Guide to Getting Stuff Done… is absolutely for teens, rather than about them, but I believe parents/teachers/counselors would benefit from reading the text as well.

LOOKING FOR MORE? (OR SOMETHING ELSE?)
Why don't you...

- Play the lofi hip hop radio beats to relax/study to while you work (I use this all the time)

- Download the Habitica app to turn your to-do list into a game