Procrastination, Presidential Style

Picture this: It’s Sunday night of President’s Day weekend — or any weekend. Your to-do list is staring you down like a disappointed parent. You tell yourself, “I’ll start first thing Monday.” But Monday comes, and instead of making progress, you’re doom-scrolling social media and wondering how George Washington would have handled your inbox.

Good news—Presidents have also faced mountains of tasks, impossible deadlines, and the pressure to perform. The difference? They had to get things done. And lucky for us, they left behind some legendary productivity strategies that can help us break free from procrastination.

So, in honor of President’s Day, let’s take a few lessons from history’s most productive Commanders-in-Chief and apply them to our own lives.

1. The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize Like a Boss

Dwight D. Eisenhower, a five-star general and the 34th President, had a decision-making trick so effective it’s now called the Eisenhower Matrix. It’s simple: Sort your tasks into four categories:

✅ Urgent & Important (Do it now) – Deadline-driven tasks, like paying bills or finishing work projects.
📅 Important but Not Urgent (Schedule it) – Long-term goals, like exercise, career growth, or writing that novel.
🚫 Urgent but Not Important (Delegate it) – Tasks that demand attention but don’t require you, like email sorting or grocery shopping (thank you, Instacart).
💨 Neither Urgent Nor Important (Delete it) – Mindless scrolling, binge-watching, or perfecting your fantasy football lineup.

How to Use It:

• Each morning, categorize your tasks.
• Focus on what’s Important first.
• Stop mistaking urgency for importance (sorry, that “limited-time sale” is not a crisis).

Presidential takeaway: If it helped Eisenhower manage World War II and the presidency, it can definitely help you tackle your inbox.

2. The Roosevelt Hustle: Work With Intensity

Theodore Roosevelt was a human productivity machine. He tackled government affairs, read a book a day, ran cattle ranches, and still found time to write 35 books. His secret? The power of intense focus.

Roosevelt worked in high-energy bursts and fully committed to tasks. He also believed in hard stop times—so he always had time for hobbies and adventures.

How to Use It:

• Set “Roosevelt Work Sprints” – 30-45 minutes of focused work, then a break.
• Eliminate distractions – Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and pretend you’re signing an executive order.
• Commit, then stop – Give your work full effort, then detach guilt-free.

Presidential takeaway: Productivity isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working intensely for short bursts, then enjoying life.

3. Lincoln’s “Write & Reflect” Rule: Outsmart Decision Fatigue

Abraham Lincoln was known for his thoughtful approach to problems. One of his best tactics? Writing things down before making decisions.

When Lincoln was angry or overwhelmed, he’d draft a letter detailing exactly what he wanted to say—but never send it. This helped him process emotions, clarify thoughts, and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

How to Use It:

• Feeling overwhelmed? Write it out. Whether it’s a task list or a “burn letter” you’ll never send, get it on paper.
• Break decisions into steps. Big projects feel less daunting when you write down what needs to happen first.
• Use journaling for problem-solving. If it worked for Lincoln, it can work for us.

Presidential takeaway: Writing forces clarity. Before you act, draft your thoughts—it might save you from a mistake (or a passive-aggressive email).

4. The Washington “One Small Step” Approach: Just Start

George Washington didn’t build a nation in a day. He focused on one step at a time, tackling small, meaningful actions that led to larger success.

Procrastinators often struggle with getting started because the task feels overwhelming. Washington’s approach? Do something small to break the inertia.

How to Use It:

• Start with just 5 minutes. Whether it’s decluttering your desk or answering emails, commit to a tiny step.
• Break big tasks into micro-tasks. Instead of “Write a book,” start with “Outline Chapter 1.”
• Momentum beats motivation. Once you begin, it’s easier to keep going.

Presidential takeaway: Washington won battles by taking strategic small steps. You can too.

Making President’s Day Productive (Without Guilt)

Let’s be real—President’s Day often means sales, sleeping in, and maybe a half-hearted attempt at chores. Instead, use it as a “reset day” to get back on track:

📝 Write a quick task list (channel your inner Lincoln).
⏳ Set a 30-minute “Roosevelt Sprint” to knock something out.
🧠 Sort your to-do’s using Eisenhower’s Matrix.
🚶 Take one small step (even if it’s just folding the laundry).

Remember, President’s Day is a holiday—relax, but also set yourself up for success!

Your Productivity Executive Order

If U.S. Presidents could run a country while dealing with wars, economic crises, and the stress of wearing top hats, we can manage our calendars.

Your Game Plan:

• Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix
• Work in focused sprints like Roosevelt
• Write things down to clarify your thoughts
• Start small like Washington

What’s ONE presidential productivity tip you’ll try this President’s Day? Comment below or share with a fellow procrastinator! And if you want more no-BS strategies, check out my book: You Aren’t a Lazy Piece of Sh!t (or directly on Amazon.com)—because you’re not, and it’s time to prove it.

Let’s get stuff done—presidential style.