2322 Navigating Procrastination and Time Discounting: A Reflection on Scotto Allan's "Built For Stealth"

 In my previous blog (No. 2320), I promised a series on Totalitarianism, but I've shifted focus to a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: improving our time discount rate, a key theme in this blog. I stumbled upon an intriguing book that aligns with this endeavor: "Built For Stealth: Key Principles for Building a Great Life" by Scotto Allan, discovered during my search for new Audible content.

Scotto Allan, a notable figure in life skills and empowerment, addresses a critical aspect of human behavior in this book: procrastination. He argues that this tendency disrupts our progress and leads to losses in time, money, and pride, likening its impact to compound interest. The book delves into common reasons for procrastination, such as fear of error, disinterest, lack of eagerness, and absence of confidence.

While Allan's insights are compelling, I hold a nuanced view. Procrastination, in my opinion, is a more complex issue, intertwined with decision-making processes that extend beyond the scope of his analysis. The book, however, offers pragmatic advice for those who acknowledge their procrastination habits and seek improvement:

Self-Analysis: List your pending tasks.

Decision-Making: Choose the easiest action from your list.

Execution: Implement your chosen action.

Despite my theoretical agreement, I find Allan's approach somewhat idealistic. It raises a question: How effectively can individuals prone to procrastination recognize and address their habits?

Personal Reflection

Given the book's status as a bestseller, it undoubtedly presents a viable solution for those aware of their time discounting issues. Personally, I can adopt about 20-30% of the recommended habits, depending on my mood. My confidence in fully embracing his advice wavers.

A motivational phrase that resonates with me is, “When are you going to do it? NOW is the time!” Popularized in Japan in 2013 by Osamu Hayashi, a renowned preparatory school teacher, this simple yet impactful statement helps realign my focus when I stray.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced View for Personal Growth

"Built For Stealth" by Scotto Allan stands as a beacon for those aspiring to enhance their lives, offering insights and strategies that can be profoundly transformative. Its principles, rooted in tackling procrastination and enhancing life skills, are universally applicable, providing a roadmap for personal growth and empowerment.

However, it's important to acknowledge that while the book presents a compelling framework, its application might be demanding for some. The strategies and habits Allan recommends, though beneficial, might appear somewhat ambitious for the average individual. This does not diminish the book's value but rather highlights the need for each reader to adapt its lessons to their own unique circumstances and capacities.

In essence, the book is an invitation to challenge oneself, to step beyond comfort zones, and to embrace personal development. Whether you find yourself seamlessly aligning with Allan's recommendations or adapting them to fit your pace and lifestyle, the core message remains the same: improvement and growth are continuous journeys, and every step, no matter how small, counts towards building a great life.

So, whether you are someone who readily embraces change or someone who takes gradual steps towards it, "Built For Stealth" offers a perspective worth considering. It's a guide that encourages, but does not demand, a reevaluation of one's approach to life and procrastination, making it a recommended read for anyone on the path of self-improvement.