Lecture Notes: Procrastination and Its Impact

Introduction

• Personal experience as a government major in college
• Typical paper writing process vs. actual procrastination
• The significance of a 90-page senior thesis

Procrastination Journey

• Initial planning and adjustments throughout the year
• Last-minute rush to complete the thesis (90 pages in 72 hours)
• Result was a poor-quality thesis

Transition to Writing

• Currently a writer and blogger (Wait, But Why?)
• Interest in exploring procrastination
• Hypothesis: Brains of procrastinators differ from non-procrastinators

Brain Scan Findings

• Two brains compared:
  • Non-procrastinator's brain: Rational decision-maker
  • Procrastinator's brain: Rational decision-maker + Instant gratification monkey

Instant Gratification Monkey

• Functions based on present moment, focused on easy and fun things
• Causes distractions, leading to avoidance of important tasks
• Conflicts with the rational decision-maker, resulting in procrastination

The Dark Playground

• Describes a place where procrastinators engage in leisure activities when they shouldn't
• Feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-hatred accompany these activities
• Contrast with productive activities that lead to personal growth

The Panic Monster

• Guardian angel of procrastinators
• Awakens when deadlines approach or public embarrassment looms
• Motivates procrastinators to finally take action

Personal Experience with TED Talk

• Excitement vs. procrastination leading up to a TED Talk
• Panic monster's role in helping to finally start working on the talk

Two Types of Procrastination

1. Deadline-based Procrastination:
   • Panic monster intervenes; effects are short term
2. Long-term Procrastination:
   • No deadlines lead to extended consequences
   • Can result in feeling like a spectator in one’s own life

Epiphany and Reflection

• Belief that everyone is a procrastinator to some extent
• Importance of awareness regarding procrastination and its effects
• Encouragement to evaluate what is being procrastinated

Life Calendar

• Visual representation of days in a 90-year life
• Urges reflection on procrastination and its impact on life decisions
• Call to action: Start addressing procrastination today

Conclusion

• Acknowledgment of the struggle with procrastination
• Encouragement to remain aware and proactive
• Ending with humor about starting procrastination efforts "soon"