Notes on Procrastination Lecture

Introduction

• Speaker: Tim Urban (writer-blogger at Wait But Why)
• Topic: Procrastination and its psychological underpinnings

Procrastination Experience

• Normal Paper Writing Process:
  • Initial slow start, with a gradual ramp-up leading to completion.
  • Plan -> Reality often diverges into panic before deadlines.
• Major Project:
  • Senior thesis (90 pages) requires a different approach due to size.
  • Planned a stair-step increase in workload through the year.
  • Reality: Delay led to writing 90 pages in 72 hours.
• Outcome:
  • Thesis ended up being poor despite the frantic effort.

Understanding Procrastination

• Hypothesis:
  • The brains of procrastinators differ from non-procrastinators.
• MRI Findings:
  • Visual comparison of brain scans:
    • Non-Procrastinator: Rational Decision-Maker.
    • Procrastinator: Rational Decision-Maker + Instant Gratification Monkey.

Brain Functionality

• Rational Decision-Maker:
  • Makes logical plans, visualizes the future, and encourages productivity.
• Instant Gratification Monkey:
  • Operates in the present, prioritizes fun & easy tasks.
  • Examples of distractions: Wikipedia spirals, YouTube, etc.
• Conflict:
  • When pressures arise, the Rational Decision-Maker is often overridden by the Monkey, leading to procrastinating behaviors.

The Dark Playground

• Definition:
  • Leisure activities during times when productivity is expected, leading to guilt and anxiety.
• How to Transition:
  • The Panic Monster becomes the motivator when deadlines approach, causing action when procrastination is otherwise prevalent.

Personal Anecdote: TED Talk Invitation

• Preparation:
  • Excitement about TED Talk invitation juxtaposed with procrastination behaviors.
  • The Panic Monster awakened as deadlines approached.

Types of Procrastination

1. Deadline-Driven Procrastination:
   • Short-term effects; Panic Monster usually intervenes.
2. Non-Deadline Procrastination:
   • Deals with longer-term goals and tasks; lacks urgency leading to extended procrastination and regret.
   • Themes include self-starter projects and personal life aspects (health, family).

Reflection on Procrastination

• Insight:
  • Many people suffer from long-term procrastination, leading to feeling like mere spectators in their lives.
• Conclusion:
  • Everyone experiences procrastination to varying degrees; awareness is crucial.

Life Calendar

• Visual Representation:
  • A box for every week of a 90-year life.
  • Emphasizes the importance of addressing procrastination early and thoughtfully.

Closing Thoughts

• We need to reflect on our procrastination habits and the impact on our lives.
• Suggests being conscious of the Instant Gratification Monkey's influence.