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Start for freeThe Procrastinator's Journey from College Papers to TED Talks
In college, I was a government major, which meant I had to write numerous papers. My initial plan for each assignment was always structured and timely. However, reality painted a different picture — my efforts typically consisted of last-minute scrambles rather than spread-out, organized work. This pattern reached its peak during my 90-page senior thesis, which I ended up writing in a 72-hour marathon session.
The Science Behind Procrastination
Years later, as a writer and blogger for 'Wait But Why', my fascination with procrastination led me to explore it further. I hypothesized that procrastinators' brains functioned differently from non-procrastinators'. To test this theory, I compared MRI scans of my brain with those of a non-procrastinator. The results were telling; while both brains possessed a 'Rational Decision-Maker', mine also housed an 'Instant Gratification Monkey'. This Monkey is fixated on immediate pleasure and fun, often hijacking control from the Rational Decision-Maker.
The Battle in the Brain
For procrastinators, life is a constant tug-of-war between the Rational Decision-Maker aiming for long-term benefits and the Instant Gratification Monkey seeking immediate joy. This conflict often results in what I call the 'Dark Playground,' where procrastinators spend time on leisure activities when they should be working. This time is neither relaxing nor productive; it's filled with guilt and anxiety over not doing what we ought to be doing.
How Deadlines Shape Our Productivity
Deadlines play a crucial role in this dynamic. They awaken the 'Panic Monster', the only creature the Monkey fears. As deadlines approach, panic sets in, forcing procrastinators to take action, often leading to bursts of intense productivity — like my thesis completion saga or preparing for a TED Talk after months of avoidance.
Long-Term Procrastination Without Deadlines
However, not all tasks come with deadlines. Long-term goals like starting a business or maintaining personal relationships need self-motivation — something procrastinators struggle with due to their reliance on imminent deadlines to trigger action. This type of procrastination can lead to significant life regrets as individuals feel they've watched their lives pass by without achieving their true desires.
Confronting Procrastination Head-On
The realization that we all might be procrastinators in some aspects suggests that it's crucial for everyone to understand and manage their own tendencies toward instant gratification. It’s important for us not just to react out of fear of immediate consequences (the Panic Monster) but also to learn how to act without external pressures pushing us.
Life's Limited Time Offer
I often use what I call a 'Life Calendar'—a visual representation showing every week of a 90-year life—to remind myself not many weeks are available for us to waste. It serves as a poignant reminder that we should start managing our priorities sooner rather than later.
In conclusion, whether you're writing your college thesis or planning your life goals, understanding and managing your procrastination habits can lead not only to better productivity but also greater fulfillment in life.
Article created from: https://youtu.be/arj7oStGLkU?si=9C8oe_F7hFI62QO8
