Lecture on Procrastination by Tim Urban

Introduction

• Tim Urban, a government major in college, experienced procrastination.
• Struggled with writing papers, often leaving them to the last minute.
• His senior thesis, a 90-page paper, was written in 72 hours with two all-nighters.

Blog and Procrastination

• Tim currently writes a blog called "Wait But Why."
• Decided to explore procrastination to explain it to non-procrastinators.

Procrastinator's Brain vs. Non-Procrastinator's Brain

• Hypothesis: Procrastinators' brains are different.
• Experiment with MRI scans of a procrastinator’s brain vs. a non-procrastinator’s brain.
• Both brains have a Rational Decision-Maker.
• Procrastinators also have an Instant Gratification Monkey.

The Instant Gratification Monkey

• Prefers easy and fun activities.
• Lives in the present, with no regard for past or future.
• Causes procrastinators to avoid productive tasks in favor of leisurely activities.

The Dark Playground

• Where procrastinators spend time doing leisure activities when they shouldn't.
• Filled with guilt, dread, anxiety, and self-hatred.

The Panic Monster

• Wakes up when deadlines approach or in the face of potential embarrassment.
• The only entity that scares the Instant Gratification Monkey.
• Pushes procrastinators to finally act and complete tasks.

Procrastination Without Deadlines

• Two types of procrastination: with and without deadlines.
• Panic Monster only activates with deadlines.
• Non-deadline procrastination is more insidious, often leading to long-term unhappiness and regret.

Impact on Life

• Many people experience long-term procrastination in areas without deadlines (e.g., pursuing dreams, maintaining relationships).
• Non-procrastinators might not exist; everyone procrastinates on some level.

Life Calendar

• Visual representation: each box is a week in a 90-year life.
• Important to recognize and address procrastination now.
• Encourages self-awareness of the Instant Gratification Monkey and proactive action.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding and combating procrastination.
• Start addressing procrastination today to live a fulfilled life.