The Science of Getting Started by Patrick King Summary
Overview of The Science of Getting Started
Break the cycle of procrastination with Patrick King's million-copy bestseller. Discover your procrastinator type - thrill-seeker, avoider, perfectionist? - and harness Newton's laws of momentum to beat self-sabotage. Readers claim they stop mid-commute to take notes on its life-changing strategies.
Similar books to The Science of Getting Started
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Key takeaways
The Battle in Your Brain: Why We Procrastinate
Ever found yourself saying "I'll do it tomorrow" only to repeat the same phrase the next day? You're not alone. This isn't just a modern problem or character flaw-it's hardwired into our neural architecture. At its core lies a battle between two major portions of your brain: the limbic system (your "lizard brain") and the prefrontal cortex. The limbic system, one of our oldest brain structures, seeks immediate pleasure through dopamine release and avoids anything uncomfortable. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex handles rational planning and decision-making. When you procrastinate, your limbic system essentially overwhelms your rational brain. The anticipation of pleasure from checking social media triggers dopamine release, creating a powerful urge that your rational brain struggles to override. This manifests through impulsivity-acting on passing desires without considering long-term consequences. This impulsivity has four key characteristics: urgency (feeling compelled to act immediately), lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance (easily abandoning tasks requiring sustained effort), and sensation-seeking (craving novel activities). Before making decisions, try the HALT method-check if you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, as these states significantly weaken your resolve. Remember that your prefrontal cortex can be strengthened like a muscle through consistent practice, gradually improving your ability to resist impulsive procrastination.
Know Your Procrastination Type
The Physics of Getting Started
When Options Paralyze: The Choice Paradox
Action First, Motivation Later
Strategic Planning: Design Your Way Out of Procrastination
Break the Inertia: Start Now
Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to The Science of Getting Started Summary in 9 Minutes
Break down key ideas from The Science of Getting Started into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from The Science of Getting Started in a Nutshell
Distill The Science of Getting Started into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.
Fun Mode - The Science of Getting Started Lessons Told Through 19-Min Stories
Experience The Science of Getting Started through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Personalize Mode - Read or listen to The Science of Getting Started Summary in 0 Minutes
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Get the The Science of Getting Started summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.