How to Beat Procrastination

Summary

In this insightful video, Tyler addresses the common struggle of procrastination, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort to foster productivity. He suggests that motivation stems from consistent action, not the other way around. Tyler also highlights the value of time management through time blocking and focus modes, the power of tackling the most challenging tasks first ('eating the frog'), and the significance of visualizing the post-completion feeling to overcome procrastination. He concludes with the notion that no one is coming to save you, and it's crucial to change one's identity to a proactive individual who respects time and gets things done, viewing procrastination as a luxury that should not be afforded.

Takeaways

• 😌 Procrastination is universal; everyone experiences it to some degree, but some manage it better than others.
• 🛑 The root of procrastination is the desire for comfort and fear of the discomfort that comes with taking action.
• 🏃‍♂️ To overcome procrastination, one must embrace discomfort and take the first step towards action.
• 🔁 Consistent action builds motivation; it's the repetition of tasks that makes us feel good and eager to continue.
• 🕰️ Time management is crucial for overcoming procrastination; setting up time blocks for different activities can help maintain focus and productivity.
• 📱 Utilizing focus modes on devices can minimize distractions and enhance productivity during designated time blocks.
• 🐸 'Eating the Frog' means tackling the most challenging task first to alleviate mental burden and boost confidence for the rest of the day.
• 🌅 Imagining the feeling of accomplishment after completing a task can be a powerful motivator against procrastination.
• 🚫 Recognizing that no one is coming to save you and that personal responsibility is key to overcoming procrastination.
• 🆕 Changing one's identity from a procrastinator to someone who respects time and gets things done is essential for lasting change.
• 🔑 Procrastination is often a luxury; filling up one's schedule and respecting time can naturally reduce the tendency to procrastinate.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video discussed in the transcript?

The main theme of the video is overcoming procrastination by changing one's identity and habits related to productivity.

Why does the speaker suggest that procrastination is linked to the desire for comfortability?

The speaker suggests that procrastination is linked to the desire for comfortability because the fear of taking action and moving out of one's comfort zone often holds people back from taking the first step towards productivity.

What is the significance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable in the context of overcoming procrastination?

Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is significant because it allows individuals to take the initial action towards their goals, despite the discomfort that comes with change, and ultimately leads to breaking the cycle of self-pity and inaction.

How does the speaker define motivation in the context of productivity?

The speaker defines motivation as a result of taking consistent action and showing up for oneself repeatedly. This consistent action and the positive feelings it generates perpetuate motivation and the desire to continue taking positive steps.

What role does time management play in combating procrastination according to the transcript?

Time management plays a crucial role in combating procrastination by helping individuals to set up specific blocks of time dedicated to certain tasks, which prevents them from wasting time and ensures that they complete their tasks in a timely manner.

What is the concept of 'eating the frog' as mentioned in the transcript?

The concept of 'eating the frog' refers to tackling the most challenging task first, which helps to alleviate mental burden early in the day and boosts confidence to take further positive actions throughout the day.

How does the speaker relate the post-completion feeling to overcoming procrastination?

The speaker suggests that imagining the sense of accomplishment and relief that comes after completing a challenging task can motivate individuals to take action and avoid the negative feelings associated with procrastination.

What personal experience does the speaker share to illustrate the importance of self-reliance in overcoming procrastination?

The speaker shares a personal experience of struggling with a severe illness during high school, which led to a backlog of work. They had to realize that no one was coming to save them and took responsibility for their education, completing three years of schoolwork in one year.

How does the speaker suggest changing one's identity to overcome procrastination?

The speaker suggests changing one's identity by envisioning oneself as someone who respects their time, is reliable, and gets things done efficiently. This new identity should reflect a person who is disciplined, respects their future, and understands the importance of timely action.

What does the speaker mean by stating that 'procrastination is a luxury'?

The speaker means that procrastination is a luxury in the sense that it is often a choice made by those who have the time or resources to delay tasks, unlike those who must complete tasks out of necessity, such as job security or survival.

What advice does the speaker give for filling up one's schedule to combat procrastination?

The speaker advises filling up one's schedule to the point of being busy, which can help cultivate a greater respect and appreciation for time, making individuals less likely to waste it on procrastination.

Outlines

00:00

🛑 Overcoming Procrastination Through Identity Change

The video script discusses the issue of procrastination and suggests that it stems from a desire for comfort, which often leads to inaction due to fear of discomfort. The speaker, Tyler, emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort to initiate action and break the cycle of self-sabotage. He explains that motivation arises from consistent action, which in turn creates a positive feedback loop of productivity. Tyler also introduces the concept of time management through time blocking and the necessity of discipline in scheduling tasks effectively. He argues that procrastinators lack discipline and need to establish a better system for managing their time.

05:02

📅 Time Management Techniques and Mindset Shifts

Tyler continues by advocating for the use of focus modes on smartphones to minimize distractions during dedicated time blocks. He suggests creating different modes for various activities to maintain focus and productivity. The script introduces the 'Eat the Frog' concept, which encourages tackling the most challenging task first to alleviate mental burden and build momentum for the rest of the day. Tyler also talks about the importance of visualizing the post-completion feeling to motivate action and contrasts it with the negative emotions associated with procrastination. He shares a personal story of overcoming illness and the realization that no one is coming to save us, highlighting the need for self-reliance and hard work.

10:03

🚀 Cultivating a Productive Identity and Embracing Necessity

In the final paragraph, Tyler discusses the importance of changing one's identity from a procrastinator to a productive individual who respects their time and commitments. He advises viewers to envision their future life if they continue on their current path and to alter their self-perception if it's not desirable. Tyler stresses the need to identify as someone who is reliable, disciplined, and capable of timely action. He concludes by pointing out that procrastination is a luxury that some cannot afford due to necessity, and he encourages viewers to fill their schedules and respect their time, thereby reducing the likelihood of wasting it through procrastination. The video ends with a call to action for viewers to subscribe and join a community of growth and evolution.

Keywords

💡Procrastination

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions, often due to a desire for comfort or fear of discomfort. In the video, it is identified as the central issue being discussed, with the speaker emphasizing that everyone experiences it to some degree. The script uses the example of choosing to watch a Netflix show over going for a run to illustrate the preference for immediate comfort over long-term benefits.

💡Comfortability

Comfortability refers to a state of physical or psychological ease. The video suggests that the desire for comfortability is a primary driver of procrastination, as individuals often avoid actions that may cause short-term discomfort. The script contrasts the comfort of staying on the couch with the discomfort of exercising to highlight this point.

💡Productivity

Productivity is the efficiency of an individual or system in producing desired outcomes. The video discusses how changing one's identity in relation to productivity can help combat procrastination. The speaker, Tyler, mentions that one must get comfortable with being uncomfortable to increase productivity and avoid the long-term discomfort of guilt and inaction.

💡Action

Action in this context refers to the act of taking steps towards completing a task or goal. The video emphasizes the importance of initiating action to overcome procrastination. The script suggests that the longer one procrastinates, the more they sit in self-pity and unproductivity, which can be mitigated by taking the first step towards action.

💡Momentum

Momentum is the impetus or driving force that helps maintain progress or motion. In the video, momentum is described as a positive outcome of taking action, which can lead to continued positive action and improved motivation. The script illustrates this by stating that taking action creates a momentum that encourages further action and productivity.

💡Motivation

Motivation is the internal state that drives individuals to take action. The video explains that motivation arises from consistent action rather than being an initial force. The speaker uses the example of working out and the release of endorphins to show how consistent action can lead to a desire for the positive feelings associated with that action, thus creating motivation.

💡Time Management

Time management involves the organization and planning of time to increase efficiency and effectiveness. The video suggests that poor time management is a characteristic of procrastinators and recommends time blocking as a solution. Time blocking is described as setting aside specific blocks of time for different activities, which helps to prevent procrastination by clarifying when tasks should be performed.

💡Focus Modes

Focus modes, as discussed in the video, refer to settings on devices like smartphones that allow users to limit notifications and distractions for certain activities. The script recommends creating different focus modes for various tasks, such as work or fitness, to minimize distractions and maintain concentration during dedicated time blocks.

💡Eating the Frog

Eating the Frog is a metaphor for tackling the most challenging task first. The video uses this concept to suggest that completing the most difficult task early in the day can provide a sense of accomplishment and ease the心理压力 of other tasks. The script illustrates this by stating that doing the hardest task first makes everything else seem easier in comparison.

💡Post-Completion Feeling

Post-completion feeling refers to the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that follows the completion of a task. The video encourages viewers to imagine this feeling to motivate themselves to take action and avoid the negative feelings associated with procrastination. The script asks viewers to pause and reflect on how they would feel after completing the task they have been putting off.

💡Identity Change

Identity change involves altering one's self-perception and self-identify to align with desired behaviors or outcomes. In the video, identity change is presented as a strategy to overcome procrastination by shifting from identifying as a procrastinator to identifying as someone who takes timely action and respects their time. The script emphasizes that changing one's identity can lead to changes in behavior, actions, and ultimately, life outcomes.

💡Necessity

Necessity implies a lack of alternatives or a compulsion to act due to circumstances. The video mentions that some people do not procrastinate because they have no other choice; they must complete tasks to avoid negative consequences. The script suggests that recognizing the necessity of completing tasks can help individuals develop a greater respect for their time and reduce procrastination.

Highlights

To overcome procrastination, one must embrace discomfort and change their identity regarding productivity.

Procrastination is a universal struggle, with varying degrees of effectiveness in managing it.

The root of procrastination lies in the preference for comfort and fear of the discomfort of taking action.

Long-term procrastination leads to more discomfort through guilt and self-pity.

Motivation arises from consistent action and the positive feelings it generates.

Consistency in action leads to a habit that becomes part of one's identity, fostering productivity.

Time management is crucial for overcoming procrastination, especially for those lacking discipline.

Time blocking is recommended for organizing one's schedule into dedicated blocks for different activities.

Creating focus modes on devices can help minimize distractions during designated time blocks.

Treating time as a valuable resource is essential for avoiding procrastination and increasing productivity.

The concept of 'eating the frog' suggests tackling the most challenging task first to build momentum.

Imagining the post-completion feeling can be a powerful motivator to overcome procrastination.

The realization that no one is coming to save you can be a turning point in taking personal responsibility.

Changing one's identity to a proactive, reliable individual is key to breaking the procrastination cycle.

Procrastination is often a luxury; necessity can be a powerful driver for timely task completion.

Filling up one's schedule and respecting time can reduce the likelihood of procrastination.

The video aims to provide value and encourages viewers to subscribe for continued personal growth.

Transcripts

in order to stop the self- sabotaging

cycle of procrastination you need to get

uncomfortable and change your identity

when it comes to productivity but how do

you go about that hello my name is Tyler

and in this video we are going to be

discussing the age-old topic of

procrastination I did get a comment from

one of you guys asking about

procrastination so I thought I would

make a video dedicated to it the reality

is we all procrastinate bottom line no

one is immune or safe from

procrastination we all deal with it at

least a little bit some people are just

better at dealing with it than others

and we want to get you on the side of

the spectrum that is better at dealing

with it first we need to understand that

procrastination all comes down to the

desire for comfortability the thing that

keeps us stuck or holds us back from

taking action is the fear that

making the move is going to be more

uncomfortable than staying where we are

for example getting up and going for a

run is going to be less comfortable than

staying on the couch and watching your

favorite Netflix show however this

ideology is actually contradictory and

it will end up making you more

uncomfortable in the long run because

you'll have to live with what ifs and

uncomfortable guilt from not taking

action for longer in order to take your

first step in order to initiate your

action you need to get comfortable with

the idea of being uncomfortable whatever

you do is going to be uncomfortable but

you need to be okay with that because

the longer you procrastinate this first

step the longer you will sit in

self-pity and the uncomfortable feeling

that you are being un productive end the

cycle now and you will feel better

sooner which will create momentum for

you to continue taking positive action

and improve your motivation and

tolerance for uncomfortability

motivation doesn't just come out of thin

air motivation comes from taking

consistent action and showing up for

yourself time and time again and that

action that consistency makes you feel

good and makes you want to keep going

that that's what gives you the

motivation for example the action of

moving your body working out releases

endorphins that make you feel good

eventually you will start to Crave that

good feeling and the only way you can

get it is by going to the gym so the

consistency and knowing that you're

going to get those feel-good emotions

from working out keeps you taking the

positive action of working out and when

you just habitually do it working out

that positive habit or what whatever

you're trying to do will become part of

who you are and it will become easy

motivation is not going to make you

consistent it's actually the opposite

consistency is going to perpetuate your

motivation now let's talk about time

management I say this with the utmost

love if you are a procrastinator you do

not have discipline and proper systems

in place to get the things you need to

get done done in a timely manner

therefore you cannot rely on yourself to

in ly know and schedule in the moment

when you're supposed to be doing

different tasks when you're supposed to

be working and when you're not supposed

to be working therefore we need to

manage your time better so that you

actually get the stuff you need to get

done done without burning yourself out

this is where time blocking comes in I

highly recommend setting up different

blocks of time in your schedule for

different types of activities I am not

by any means saying that you should be

scheduling every minute task in your

schedule I actually think that's

counterintuitive and ends up wasting

time and energy because you're just in

your schedule all day and not actually

going doing the you need to do but what

I do recommend is establishing specific

blocks of time in your schedule that are

dedicated to certain tasks in a category

so for example you could have a focus

work block which is when you do your

work and when you're focused deep into

what you need to do to make your money

and provide for yourself then you could

have an admin block which is like

scheduling appointments answering emails

making calls stuff like that you could

have a self-care block you could have a

rest and recharge block a socializing

block a fitness block whatever it is you

need to do create blocks of time where

you know that you are supposed to be

doing this type of task in this time

zone and in doing that it will keep you

from procrastinating because you know

when you're supposed to be doing what I

also really recommend creating different

Focus modes if you have an iPhone it's

basically different do not disturb type

modes where you can allow certain apps

and certain people to notify you when

that mode is turned on so make a a work

mode make a fitness mode make a

mindfulness a self-care mode whatever

feels right and aligned to you and allow

only things that are going to benefit

you in that certain time block to be

enabled during that time and turn on

that mode when you're in that zone so

when you're in your work block turn on

your work Focus mode so you're not

distracted at the end of the day you

need to start treating your time in your

calendar like a business you need to run

it like a system anytime that you waste

on procrastinating and scrolling for

five more minutes and it turns into an

hour your business just made a loss you

wasted your resource being your time do

not do that next I want to talk about

the concept of eating the Frog I'm not

sure who coined this term but I mean

it's definitely not an original thought

I'm not claiming it but eating the Frog

basically means doing the most

challenging task first this gets it out

of the way and takes the burden off your

mind early on in your day it also gives

you confidence to keep taking positive

action throughout the day because you

already did the hardest task so

everything else you still have to do

today even though it might be a ton is

going to be so much easier and a piece

of cake compared to the first thing you

did so why not just do it for me a frog

is definitely going to the gym and

working out it's not that I don't like

it it just takes a lot for me to get

there but I find that when I go early in

the day I feel great but when I put it

off I grow more and more disappointed in

myself for not having yet gone and I

feel more and more Dreadful of going

whereas if I just went in the morning I

feel so good about myself and I show up

10 times better throughout the rest of

my day whereas if I didn't go I would

feel worse about myself but now I feel

10 times better if I just went eating

the Frog will give you confidence and it

will make you show up as the best

version of yourself throughout the rest

of your day and it will allow you to

complete things and to complete the rest

of your tasks with more efficiency and

better quality next I want to talk about

Imagining the post completion feeling

think about the feeling that you have

after you have completed a challenging

task specifically think about completing

the task that you have been putting off

specifically pause right now and just

think to yourself how would you feel you

probably would feel very accomplished

confident and good about yourself and

your abilities rightfully so now in

opposition I want you to assess how you

feel when you put something off and when

you haven't done something and are

dreading it you probably feel

disappointed in yourself sluggish weak

and frustrated with yourself the longer

you put off doing the thing the more

time you are going to suffer from those

negative feelings and from the

uncomfortability that is letting

yourself down and you're doing this

completely to yourself because if you

just go do it you're on a fast track to

feeling good take action now end those

negative feelings and feel proud of

yourself and good in yourself faster

what do you want to feel proud faster or

guilty longer let the fear of prolonged

self- disappointment motivate you to

make moves next I want to talk about the

fact that no one is coming to save you

you this is something I struggled with

throughout my high school experience I

came down with a severe life-threatening

illness that forced me to take a step

away from school and when I was finally

able to go back I found myself drowning

in so much work and I genuinely didn't

think it was possible for me to do it so

I just didn't do it and I just waited

and waited and waited until one day I

woke the up and I said said Tyler

if you want to continue life you have to

graduate high school that's not an

option you don't have to go to college

you don't have to go to grad school but

you have to graduate high school you

have to finish and no one's going to do

the work for you yes you are sick yes

you have a good excuse but guess what

you have to finish it and you're the

only one who can do it simply to respect

myself and to ensure a greater life in

the future I had to put my head down and

work three times harder than I would

have to normally in a regular school

year to get all my stuff done and I

literally kid you not I got three years

of school done in one year like I

grinded because I needed to because no

one was coming to save me I was the only

one who could do the work I was the only

one who could get myself out of that

situation and it's the same case for

everyone watching this video when you

realize that no one is coming to save

you you understand that you need need to

get to work purely for your own good and

for your own Survival it doesn't matter

your circumstance whether or not you're

you were like me and you have or had an

illness or you are extremely rich and

you just don't want to do the work at

all and you want to pay someone else to

do it there is certain things there are

certain things that only you and you

alone can do for yourself and if you

don't do them your future and livelihood

is at stake if you're in a bad situation

or you purely just want a better life

you owe it to yourself to do the work to

get you out of it or to get you there it

is simply a form of self-respect and

when you start viewing taking action

that way it makes it a hell of a lot

easier now we're going to move into

identity change think about and

visualize what your life is going to

look like 5 years from now 10 years from

now if you keep continuing on the

trajectory you're on as a procrastinator

if you don't like how that looks you

need to switch your identity to that of

someone who respects their time

themselves and gets sh done if you are

challenged with procrastination you

probably call yourself a procrastinator

and tell yourself that you are the type

of person who doesn't get stuff done on

time you're not reliable and you don't

have a hold of your schedule you need to

throw that out the window and stop using

those words to fix your chronic

procrastination you must change your

identity to someone who takes action in

a timely manner and gets things done

quickly someone who keeps a healthy

schedule that is pushing them to

constantly evolve and stay on Pace to

Simply respect themselves their time and

other people that rely on them someone

that others can count on someone who

respects their future and understands

that getting things done on time and as

soon as you can is simply a form of

respect for your current mental state

and your future life identify yourself

as someone who has their life together

and is on top of their schedule on top

of their tasks on top of their

commitments and deadlines when you

identify as this person it will change

the way you behave and when you change

your behavior you will change your

actions and when you change your actions

you will change the results that you get

and over time those results are going to

change your life lastly I want to touch

on the fact that

procrastination is a luxury some people

purely get things done on time because

of necessity they don't have another

option they're going to get fired their

child isn't going to eat they're not

going to eat who knows some people

cannot procrastinate and if you can you

have a luxury you also may have too much

time on your hands or too little on your

plate when you fill up your schedule and

you're booked and busy you grow more

respect and appreciation for your time

and you're less likely to take it for

granted and waste it on procrastinating

I find that typically busy people get

things done faster than non busy people

simply because they have trained

themselves to respect and use their time

wisely procrastination is an option do

not make procrastination an option for

yourself set yourself up for Success

anyways I hope this video provided value

to you guys if it did please leave a

like and comment down below feel free to

comment any topics that you guys want to

hear about from me and if you want to

continue growing feel free to stick

around and subscribe my channel is a

safe place where I want all of us to be

able to evolve together thank you guys