A Prescription for Procrastinators

Chapter 10 of Dr. David Burns' The Feeling Good Handbook is entitled "A Prescription for Procrastinators," and consists of a five-step program to deal with procrastination:

I asked ChatGPT to explain each of the five steps of the program.

Step 1: "Cost-Benefit Analysis"

ChatGPT,
Please explain the use of the technique of "cost-benefit analysis" in CBT.


"In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cost-benefit analysis is a technique used to help individuals weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a particular behavior or situation. It is a practical tool that can be used to challenge negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, and help clients make informed decisions.

"The cost-benefit analysis involves identifying the specific behavior or situation that is causing distress or difficulty and then analyzing its costs and benefits. The costs can refer to the negative consequences of the behavior or situation, while the benefits refer to the positive aspects of it.

"The therapist and client work together to identify and list the costs and benefits of the behavior or situation. This can help clients gain a clearer understanding of their situation and identify areas they may want to change. They can also weigh the costs and benefits to determine if the behavior or situation is worth continuing or if change is necessary.

"For example, a client who is struggling with social anxiety may have the belief that it is safer to avoid social situations altogether. Through cost-benefit analysis, they may realize that the cost of avoiding social situations is missing out on potential opportunities to connect with others, while the benefits are a temporary sense of relief from anxiety. The therapist and client can then work together to identify strategies to manage social anxiety and gradually increase the client's exposure to social situations.

"Overall, cost-benefit analysis is a useful tool in CBT for helping clients gain a clearer understanding of their situation, make informed decisions, and work towards behavior change."


Step 2: "Make a Plan"


ChatGPT,
Please explain the use of the technique of "Make a Plan" in CBT.

"Make a Plan" is a technique used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals cope with difficult or challenging situations. The technique involves breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable steps and creating a plan to address each step.

"The process typically involves the following steps:

• 'Identify the problem: The first step is to identify the problem or situation that is causing distress.

• 'Break down the problem: Next, the individual is encouraged to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help to reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

• 'Generate solutions: Once the problem has been broken down, the individual is encouraged to generate a list of possible solutions or actions that can be taken to address each step.

• 'Evaluate each solution: The individual then evaluates each solution, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

• 'Choose a solution: Based on the evaluation, the individual chooses the solution that is most likely to be effective.

• 'Make a plan: Once a solution has been chosen, the individual creates a plan of action that outlines the steps necessary to implement the solution.

• 'Implement the plan: Finally, the individual implements the plan, taking action to address each step of the problem.'

"The "Make a Plan" technique is often used in CBT to help individuals develop problem-solving skills and increase feelings of control over challenging situations. By breaking down a problem into smaller steps and creating a plan of action, individuals can feel more empowered and confident in their ability to cope with difficulties"


Step 3: "Make the Job easy"


ChatGPT,
Please explain the use of the technique of "Make the Job easy" in CBT.

"The "Make the Job Easy" technique is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique that helps individuals to break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This technique can be helpful for people who struggle with procrastination, avoidance, or feelings of overwhelm.

"The steps involved in using this technique are as follows:


• 'Identify the task or goal: First, identify the specific task or goal that you want to accomplish.

• 'Break it down into smaller steps: Next, break down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. Try to break it down into steps that can be completed in one sitting.

• 'Identify any obstacles: Consider any obstacles or challenges that might arise as you work on each step. This could include things like distractions, negative self-talk, or fear of failure.

• 'Brainstorm solutions: Brainstorm possible solutions for each obstacle or challenge. For example, if you get easily distracted while working on a task, you could try using a timer or setting specific work hours.

• 'Prioritize the steps: Once you have broken the task down into smaller steps and identified potential obstacles and solutions, prioritize the steps in the order in which you will complete them.

• 'Take action: Finally, begin working on the first step. As you work on each step, remind yourself that you are working toward a larger goal and that each step brings you closer to accomplishing that goal.'"

"By breaking down tasks into smaller steps and addressing potential obstacles, the "Make the Job Easy" technique can help individuals to feel more motivated and less overwhelmed by the task at hand. It can also help to reduce feelings of procrastination and increase productivity."




Step 4: "Think Positively"

ChatGPT,
Please explain the use of the technique of "Think Positively," especially as regarding "procrastination," in CBT.

"Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the context of procrastination, the technique of "think positively" can be used to help individuals overcome their tendency to delay or avoid tasks.

"When individuals procrastinate, they often engage in negative self-talk, such as "I'm not good enough" or "I can't do this." These thoughts can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and overwhelm, which in turn can make it even harder to get started on a task. By using the technique of "think positively," individuals can learn to reframe their negative self-talk into more positive, supportive thoughts.

"For example, instead of saying "I can't do this," individuals can say "I may not know how to do this yet, but I can learn." By reframing their negative self-talk in this way, individuals can start to feel more empowered and The technique of "think positively" is often used in conjunction with other CBT techniques, such as setting specific goals, breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, and using positive reinforcement to reward progress. Together, these techniques can help individuals overcome procrastination and achieve their goals.:



Step 5: "Give Yourself Credit"

ChatGPT,
Please explain the use of the technique "Give Yourself Credit" in CBT.

"Give Yourself Credit" is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique used to help individuals overcome negative self-talk and increase their self-esteem. The technique involves recognizing and acknowledging one's positive qualities and accomplishments, instead of focusing only on one's perceived failures or shortcomings.

Here are the steps involved in using the "Give Yourself Credit" technique:

• 'Identify negative self-talk: First, individuals must become aware of their negative self-talk, such as thoughts that say "I can't do anything right" or "I'm not good enough."

• 'Challenge negative self-talk: Next, individuals should challenge their negative self-talk by asking themselves if the thought is accurate and if there is evidence to support it. They should also ask themselves if the thought is helpful or harmful.

• "Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk: Individuals should replace their negative self-talk with positive self-talk by giving themselves credit for their positive qualities and accomplishments. For example, they may say to themselves, "I may have made a mistake, but I have many strengths and successes to be proud of."

• 'Practice regularly: Individuals should practice this technique regularly, ideally daily, to reinforce positive self-talk and build self-esteem over time.'

"Overall, the "Give Yourself Credit" technique can be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with negative self-talk and low self-esteem. By recognizing and acknowledging their positive qualities and accomplishments, individuals can improve their self-image
and become more resilient in the face of challenges."

Burns, David D. (1999). The feeling good handbook (Rev. ed.). Plume/Penguin Books.