Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

How to Stop the Monkey in Your Mind from Sabotaging Your Success

Do you ever find yourself putting off important tasks until the last minute, only to feel overwhelmed and stressed when the deadline approaches? 

You're not alone…

Tim Urban, founder of blog wait but why, is no stranger to procrastination — in fact, he’s become a MASTER of it.

In one of the most popular TED Talks, ever recorded, "Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator," Urban takes us on a journey through the mind of a procrastinator. 

As a chronic procrastinator himself, Urban shares his personal struggles and insights.

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The Monkey and the Rational Decision Maker

According to Urban, the procrastinator's mind can be divided into two parts: the Rational Decision Maker and the Instant Gratification Monkey. 

1. The Rational Decision Maker: is the part of our brain that makes logical, reasoned decisions based on our long-term goals and priorities. 

2. The Instant Gratification Monkey: on the other hand, is the part of our brain that seeks out pleasure and avoids pain in the present moment, often at the expense of our long-term goals.

Urban uses this relatable metaphor to describe the dynamic between these two parts of our brain. He likens the Rational Decision Maker to a responsible adult who knows what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.

The Instant Gratification Monkey, on the other hand, is like a playful child who just wants to have fun and avoid responsibility.

The Panic Monster

So… what happens when the Rational Decision Maker and the Instant Gratification Monkey clash? According to Urban, the Panic Monster enters the picture!

The Panic Monster is a powerful force that motivates us to take action when we are faced with a deadline or some other imminent threat. 

When the Panic Monster appears, the Instant Gratification Monkey loses its power, and the Rational Decision Maker takes control.

However, Urban warns that relying on the Panic Monster to motivate us is not a sustainable strategy. The Panic Monster is not always reliable, and it often leads to stress and poor decision-making.

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Tim warns, long-term procrastination (which often goes under the radar) is the more dangerous one. Those tasks WITHOUT a deadline, that we aren’t even aware we are delaying — often for years!

This silent and private struggle can result in a significant amount of long-term unhappiness.

How to Overcome Procrastination

So, how can we overcome procrastination and regain control over our Rational Decision Maker?

1. Understand Your Priorities

One of the keys to overcoming procrastination is to understand your priorities and align your actions with your values. By focusing on what is truly important to you, you can better manage your time and make more deliberate decisions.

2. Create a Structure 

Another strategy is to create a structure or routine that supports your goals. By establishing a consistent schedule and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, you can reduce the influence of the Instant Gratification Monkey and increase the control of the Rational Decision Maker.

3. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are a major source of procrastination, so it's important to eliminate as many distractions as possible. This may mean turning off your phone or closing your email for a period of time while you work.

4. Embrace the Discomfort

Finally, it's important to embrace the discomfort of starting a task and push past the initial resistance. This can be challenging, but by taking small steps and focusing on the long-term benefits, you can build momentum and overcome the Instant Gratification Monkey.

We talked about this concept here!…

Take a moment to reflect on the goals and dreams that you've been putting off, before it's too late. Give them the attention they deserve.

So… what are you waiting for? Don’t delay, claim today.