Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Situations
When You Keep Putting Something Off
Procrastination often stems from viewing a task as a large, daunting whole. Stoic practice encourages us to break down such tasks into their smallest, most immediate components. By focusing on the very next action, we can overcome the inertia of avoidance and begin to engage with what needs to be done. This approach helps us to understand the true nature of the task and our role in it.
On this page you will get a clear explanation, a way to examine the idea, exact evidence from public-domain Stoic texts, and links for continuing the study.
The Habit of Action and Inaction
Every habit, whether good or bad, is strengthened by repeated actions. If you consistently put something off, you are reinforcing the habit of avoidance, making it harder to start next time.
Conversely, engaging in the desired action, even in a small way, builds the habit of doing. "If you would be a good reader, read; if a writer, write." This applies to any task you face. If you would make anything a habit, do it; if you would not make it a habit, do not do it, but accustom yourself to do something else in place of it.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.18
Weakening Through Avoidance
Just as physical abilities diminish with disuse, so too does our capacity for certain actions. If you avoid a task for an extended period, your ability to tackle it may feel weakened.
Consider the example of physical exercise: If you shall have lain down ten days, get up and attempt to make a long walk, and you will see how your legs are weakened. The same principle applies to mental and practical tasks.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.18
Focusing on the Immediate Step
Instead of contemplating the entire, overwhelming task, identify the very first, smallest step you can take. This reduces the perceived difficulty and makes starting more accessible.
The Stoic approach is not about grand, difficult feats for their own sake. It is about what conduces to the working out of that which is proposed to us, which often means breaking down a task.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 3.12
The Nature of What is Proposed
Our goal is to live with desire and aversion free from restraint, meaning we should not be hindered by fear or reluctance. Procrastination often indicates a restraint on our desire to act.
By understanding what is truly proposed to us, we can align our actions with our rational nature, rather than being swayed by the difficulty or discomfort of a task.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 3.12
Remembering Your Noble Descent
You are a rational being, a portion separated from the deity, possessing an inherent capacity for action and reason. Do not forget this inherent strength when facing a task.
Why be ignorant of your own noble descent? Remembering who you are can empower you to overcome the inertia of procrastination and engage with your responsibilities.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.8
Practice, Not Admiration
The purpose of practice is not to achieve something difficult for admiration, but to work towards what is truly beneficial and natural. Avoidance is not beneficial.
"Everything which is difficult and dangerous is not suitable for practice; but that is suitable which conduces to the working out of that which is proposed to us." Focus on what serves your purpose.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 3.12
What the primary texts say
These excerpts keep their work and exact locator so you can check the claim in context rather than accepting a detached quotation.
“If you would be a good reader, read; if a writer, write. But when you shall not have read for thirty days in succession, but have done something else, you will know the consequence.”
“Generally then if you would make anything a habit, do it; if you would not make it a habit, do not do it, but accustom yourself to do something else in place of it.”
“Everything which is difficult and dangerous is not suitable for practice; but that is suitable which conduces to the working out of that which is proposed to us.”
Frequently asked questions
How does Stoicism view procrastination?
Stoicism suggests that procrastination is a habit strengthened by inaction. It encourages breaking down tasks into smaller, immediate actions to build the habit of doing, rather than avoiding. This aligns with the idea that habits are maintained by corresponding actions.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.18
What is the Stoic advice for starting a difficult task?
Focus on the very first, smallest step. The Stoics emphasize that practice should conduce to what is proposed to us, not merely be difficult. By reducing the task to its immediate component, you can overcome initial resistance and begin.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 3.12
Why is it important to remember my 'noble descent' when procrastinating?
Remembering your 'noble descent' means recognizing your inherent rational nature and capacity for action. This awareness can empower you to overcome inertia, reminding you that you are a superior being capable of engaging with your responsibilities.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 2.8
Does Stoicism suggest avoiding difficult tasks?
No, Stoicism does not suggest avoiding difficult tasks. It distinguishes between tasks that are merely difficult for admiration and those that are suitable for practice because they lead to our proposed goals. The aim is to live with desire and aversion free from restraint.
Sources: Epictetus, Discourses 3.12
Continue with Ask Stoics
Bring one of these source-grounded questions into the app:
- What is the very next action I can take on this task?
- How does my current avoidance strengthen a habit I don't want?
- What is the true nature of this task, stripped of my assumptions?
- How can I remember my rational capacity when I feel overwhelmed?