The Science Behind Why You Procrastinate

Summary

This video explores the science behind procrastination, examining why even geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci struggled with it. It introduces Temporal Motivation Theory, which quantifies motivation through expectancy, value, impulsiveness, and delay. Critiques of oversimplification are discussed, highlighting the role of emotional regulation in procrastination. The video promises to delve into overcoming procrastination in subsequent episodes, emphasizing the complexity of human behavior beyond rational decision-making.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Procrastination is common among geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci, Margaret Atwood, and Frank Lloyd Wright, suggesting it's not a barrier to greatness.
• 🕒 Temporal Motivation Theory, by Dr. Piers Steel, proposes a formula to understand procrastination based on expectancy, value, impulsiveness, and delay.
• 🔍 Raising expectancy and value, and lowering impulsiveness and delay can potentially reduce procrastination.
• 🤔 Critics argue that Temporal Motivation Theory oversimplifies complex human behaviors and may make too many assumptions.
• 🧠 Procrastination is linked to emotional regulation difficulties, with studies showing a connection between mood, gratification seeking, and the tendency to delay tasks.
• 🧐 Procrastinators often rationalize their behavior, focusing on short-term mood improvement rather than long-term consequences.
• 🧠🔧 Executive functioning problems, such as self-monitoring and emotional control, are associated with procrastination.
• 🧬 Biological factors, like the volume of the amygdala, may influence the tendency to procrastinate, but the brain is adaptable and can change with training.
• 🚫 The advice to 'follow your passion' to overcome procrastination is flawed, as even passionate work has elements that can be procrastinated on.
• 📚 Learning from experts and exploring interests can help develop skills and potentially turn passions into careers, without abandoning rational decision-making.
• 🌟 Skillshare offers a wide range of classes that can accelerate skill development in various areas, including content creation for aspiring YouTubers.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the exploration of procrastination, its causes, and how it affects various individuals, including historical figures and modern-day students and professionals.

Why is the Temporal Motivation Theory mentioned in the script?

The Temporal Motivation Theory is mentioned as a popular theory that attempts to explain procrastination through a formula, taking into account factors like expectancy, value, impulsiveness, and delay.

What is the Temporal Motivation Theory's formula for calculating motivation?

The Temporal Motivation Theory's formula for motivation, or utility, is not explicitly stated in the script, but it is implied that it involves manipulating elements such as expectancy, value, impulsiveness, and delay.

What are some historical figures mentioned as procrastinators in the script?

Leonardo da Vinci, Margaret Atwood, and Frank Lloyd Wright are mentioned as historical figures who were known to procrastinate.

How does the script relate Leonardo da Vinci's procrastination to his work on the Mona Lisa?

The script mentions that Leonardo da Vinci took 16 years to finish the Mona Lisa, starting it and dying 16 years later, indicating his procrastination habits.

What is the criticism of the Temporal Motivation Theory presented by Dr. Timothy Pychyl?

Dr. Timothy Pychyl criticizes the Temporal Motivation Theory for making too many assumptions and oversimplifying complex human behaviors by trying to unify everything under a utility-based equation.

What role does the script suggest that emotions play in the act of procrastination?

The script suggests that emotions play a significant role in procrastination, as individuals tend to seek instant gratification or emotional relief rather than facing tasks that are boring, difficult, or cause anxiety.

What is the connection between procrastination and executive functioning according to the script?

The script mentions a study that found a significant link between procrastination problems and problems with executive functioning, which includes higher cognitive functions that control behavior.

What advice does the script provide against the common notion of 'following your passion' to overcome procrastination?

The script advises against the idea of simply following one's passion as a solution to procrastination, stating that even those who are 'following their passion' may procrastinate and that a more balanced approach is needed.

What is the alternative approach to overcoming procrastination suggested by the script?

The script suggests understanding and combating the triggers of procrastination, dedicating free time to explore interests and passions, and learning from expert teachers to accelerate skill development.

How does the script address the idea of distractions and their impact on procrastination?

The script acknowledges that distractions are specifically engineered to keep us engaged and that our proximity to these distractions and our addiction to them can contribute to procrastination.