Darius Foroux, author of ‘Do It Today’, is a well-known blogger who often ventures into the realm of productivity. This book encapsulates his wisdom, previously shared on his website, presented in a more organized format. Despite the feeling of perusing a series of blog posts, this concise motivation-filled book energizes readers to concentrate on accomplishing their objectives and prioritizing their health.  In this comprehensive review of “Do It Today,” discover valuable insights from the ‘Just Keep Buying’ book in our in-depth review.

Noteworthy Quotes from ‘Do It Today’

Here are some of the most impactful quotes from ‘Do It Today’:

• “Life doesn’t stop. And every single second, we’re getting closer to death.”;
• “Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live properly.”;
• “For example, one of my personal rules is this: Never complain. Another one is: Read and exercise every day. And: Close the day every evening by setting your next day’s priorities.”

An Overview: What ‘Do It Today’ Teaches Us

‘Do It Today’ transcends a mere collection of blog posts repurposed into a book; it is a carefully curated repository of wisdom designed to resonate with the modern reader. The book stretches beyond the conventional boundaries of self-help by reinforcing the importance of seizing the day and truly living in the moment. It provides a candid examination of our digital addictions, particularly to smartphones, urging readers to reclaim their time and focus from the clutches of incessant notifications and digital distractions.

The text serves as a mirror, compelling us to confront and embrace our fallibilities. It navigates through the art of owning up to our errors, a refreshing departure from the all-too-common trend of blame-shifting in today’s society. In its chapters, one finds a persistent call to incorporate exercise into the rhythm of daily life, not just as a physical regimen, but as a cornerstone habit that can elevate overall well-being and mental clarity.

The narrative delves into the paradox of procrastination juxtaposed against the pursuit of one’s aspirations. It doesn’t just highlight the issue but unpacks the underlying psychological mechanisms, offering strategies to overcome the inertia that hinders progress toward our dreams. Moreover, the book casts a new light on leisure and rest, underscoring the transformative power of vacations not only as a respite but also as a period for reflection and growth.

In a world where the self-help genre is saturated with repetitive advice, ‘Do It Today’ acknowledges the phenomenon of the ‘self-help junkie’ — individuals who consume motivational content compulsively but without application. It cautions against the pitfalls of overconsumption of such material, advocating for a more discerning and pragmatic approach to personal development literature. The book argues for a balanced diet of self-improvement, where less is often more, and the true measure of value lies in implementation rather than accumulation of knowledge.

Befriending Procrastination and Realizing Your Dreams

The book advises acknowledging procrastination and focusing on one’s dreams. A remarkable book on procrastination is Brian Tracy’s ‘Eat That Frog’, offering a comprehensive approach to overcoming procrastination. ‘Do It Today’ emphasizes the habitual cycle of procrastination, where we tend to delay tasks and substitute them with more pleasurable activities that release dopamine. It recommends understanding the working of our minds and reshifting our focus to more essential activities like reading and exercising.

Smartphones: Essential or Detrimental?

In ‘Do It Today,’ the author navigates the nuanced discourse surrounding smartphones, positioning them as double-edged swords in our digital era. With a narrative rooted in personal experiences, the book promotes a mindful approach to smartphone use, emphasizing the devices’ role as facilitators of productivity rather than as vortexes of endless amusement. It acknowledges the integral role smartphones play in modern communication and information exchange while cautioning against their potential to disrupt attention and encroach upon valuable time.

The text delves into the psychological impact of social media and internet browsing, examining how these activities can transition from helpful to habitual, leading to a significant erosion of focus and presence in the real world. The author doesn’t just critique; he offers a blueprint for moderation. He suggests practical strategies such as designated tech-free hours, conscious app selection, and the use of productivity tools to transform the smartphone from a source of distraction to an ally in achieving personal and professional goals.

The book confronts the initial discomfort associated with digital restraint, recognizing it as a natural response to change. However, it encourages perseverance, proposing that the benefits of reduced smartphone engagement—increased concentration, better interpersonal relationships, and enhanced mental health—are well worth the effort. The journey to disciplined use is painted not as a sprint, but as a marathon, requiring consistent effort and the willingness to embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes intentional engagement with technology.

Decoding Self-help Books: The Essential Reads

The book implies that every self-help book essentially conveys the same message, albeit from different perspectives. However, it recommends a select list of five self-help books that encompass all necessary principles for a fulfilling life:

• ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear
• ‘The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck’ by Mark Manson
• ‘The Courage To Be Disliked’
• ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen R. Covey
• ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho

Giving a Critique: ‘Do It Today’ Book Review

‘Do It Today’ may not be a must-read, but if you appreciate Darius Foroux’s writing style, it might be worth a read. However, if you have savored ‘Atomic Habits’, you might want to steer clear of this book.

Author Darius Foroux and his Pedagogy

Darius Foroux’s approach, as evident in ‘Do It Today’, is crisp, pointed, and clear. He doesn’t meander around the concepts but lays them bare for the readers to absorb, reflect, and implement in their personal and professional lives.

Applying ‘Do It Today’ Principles in Everyday Life

The tenets presented in ‘Do It Today’ can revolutionize the way you lead your daily life. Be it setting aside quality time for reading, exercising, or actively engaging in reflection and priority setting, these could truly make your day more productive.

‘Do It Today’ is not just a book; it’s a compelling call to action that encourages readers to seize the day and focus on what truly matters. While it might not offer groundbreaking insights into productivity, it serves as a compact guide to living an enriched life by focusing on our dreams and reducing distractions. The power packed in this book encourages us to transform our mentality and habits, concentrating our energy towards realizing our aspirations.

Conclusion

Embracing the essence of ‘Do It Today’ implies welcoming productivity and control into one’s life. This book serves as a testament to the benefits of structured time management, prioritized health, and focused goals. Readers may find affirmation in the wisdom already prevalent in Darius Foroux’s blog but will also discover newfound insights to effectively combat procrastination, exercise control over smartphone usage, and carry forward the lessons from five fundamental self-help books. This book, although not revolutionary, remains a solid companion for those on a journey toward a more disciplined, structured, and fulfilling life.