Lecture Notes: Understanding Procrastination

Introduction

• Personal anecdote about procrastination in college
  • Writing papers as a government major
  • Attempt to plan work but ending in last-minute efforts
  • Senior thesis procrastination experience
  • Resulting in a poor-quality thesis

Writing and Procrastination

• Currently a writer-blogger (Wait But Why)
• Interest in explaining procrastination
  • Difference between procrastinators and non-procrastinators
  • Hypothesized brain differences

The Procrastinator's Brain

• Brain comparison using MRI
  • Rational Decision-Maker vs. Instant Gratification Monkey
• Instant Gratification Monkey
  • Lives in the present, seeks easy and fun activities
  • Leads to procrastination
• Rational Decision-Maker
  • Visualizes the future, makes plans
  • Conflict arises between easy fun and essential tasks

The Dark Playground

• Where leisure activities happen at inappropriate times
• Activities are not truly enjoyable due to guilt and anxiety
• Transition to essential tasks is challenging

The Panic Monster

• Acts as a procrastinator's guardian angel
• Wakes up when deadlines approach
• Induces panic, motivates immediate action
• Only entity that scares the Instant Gratification Monkey

Procrastination and Deadlines

• Procrastination with deadlines is manageable
• Panic Monster ensures eventual completion

Long-term Procrastination

• Occurs without deadlines
  • Self-directed goals, personal growth, relationships
• Lack of deadlines leads to perpetual procrastination
• Results in long-term unhappiness and unfulfilled potential

Conclusion

• Everyone is a procrastinator to some extent
• Importance of recognizing the Instant Gratification Monkey
• Use of a Life Calendar to visualize weeks of life
  • Urges awareness and action against procrastination

Final Thoughts

• Reflection on time and priorities
• Encouragement to address procrastination soon
• Humorous note on procrastination ("maybe not today")

Audience Reaction

• Applause and laughter throughout the talk