Procrastination and Overcoming It - Tim Urban's Lecture

Introduction

• Tim Urban: writer-blogger, creator of Wait But Why
• Former government major in college
• Experienced chronic procrastination throughout academic career

Personal Story: Procrastinating on Papers

• Normal student work pattern: starts early, spreads work
• Tim's pattern: crams work at the last moment
• Dramatic example: 90-page senior thesis written in 72 hours
• Recognition of procrastination issue: led to interest in the topic

Hypothesis on Procrastinators' Brains

• Theory: brains of procrastinators differ from non-procrastinators
• MRI scans comparison
  • Brain of non-procrastinator
  • Procrastinator's brain features an "Instant Gratification Monkey"

Procrastination Dynamics

• Rational Decision-Maker vs. Instant Gratification Monkey
• Instant Gratification Monkey
  • Lives in the present
  • Seeks only easy and fun activities
  • Hinders productive tasks
• Dark Playground: easy and fun activities when they should be working
  • Filled with guilt, anxiety, dread, self-hatred
• Panic Monster
  • Activates near deadlines
  • Terrifies the Instant Gratification Monkey
  • Forces the procrastinator to start working

Example: TED Talk Preparation

• Accepted TED Talk invitation
• Procrastinated despite the Rational Decision-Maker's efforts
• Panic Monster activated as the deadline neared

Procrastination's Broader Impact

• Recognized by the blog's readers globally
• Realized procrastination affects many profoundly
• Two types of procrastination:
  • Deadline-based procrastination: short-term panic-driven
  • Without deadlines: long-term, often invisible, leads to unhappiness and regrets

Life Calendar Visualization

• Life calendar: one box per week for a 90-year life
• Encourages reflection on long-term procrastination
• Everyone procrastinates on some level
• Importance of addressing procrastination now

Conclusion

• Be conscious of the Instant Gratification Monkey
• Beware of the limited time represented by life calendar
• Call to action: Start addressing procrastination today (or soon)