How To Stop Procrastinating

HealthyGamerGG

21 Nov 201905:46

Summary

TLDRThe speaker emphasizes the importance of action over the concept of 'trying,' suggesting that trying is a middle ground that often prevents actual doing. They argue that confidence comes from overcoming failure, not success, and encourage embracing the present moment as the only true reality. The transcript critiques future-oriented thinking, which can lead to procrastination and anxiety, advocating instead for immediate action and control over one's mindset.

Takeaways

🚶 There is no 'first step' in the traditional sense; every step you take is the current step, emphasizing the importance of the present moment.
🏋️ Don't 'try' to do something; instead, either do it or fail, as both outcomes are preferable to inaction.
💡 Failure is not just acceptable but can also be a source of confidence, as it shows you can survive and learn from setbacks.
🤔 Success does not necessarily lead to confidence; it's the experience of failure and recovery that builds self-assurance.
🌳 The concept of 'future' is an illusion; actions that make a difference are those taken in the present.
🌱 Small, immediate actions, like planting a tree, are more effective in addressing issues like climate change than distant plans.
🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness and being in the present is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of overthinking and procrastination.
🤷‍♂️ The 'future thinking mind' should be controlled and not allowed to dictate actions or create anxiety.
🎯 Setting schedules and planning for the future can be helpful, but it should be balanced with present action.
🛑 Procrastination is often a result of an overactive 'future thinking mind' that postpones tasks to a non-existent future.
🔄 The problems of the mind, such as anxiety, stem from normal mental functions that have taken control away from us.

Q & A

What is the main point the speaker is trying to make about taking action?
-The speaker emphasizes that there is no such thing as a 'first step'; every step is the current step, and one should not delay action by thinking about the future. The focus should be on doing something in the present rather than planning for a future attempt.
Why does the speaker say 'trying is the problem'?
-The speaker argues that 'trying' is a middle ground that prevents people from actually doing or failing, which are the only two outcomes that lead to learning and growth. 'Trying' is seen as a form of procrastination and a barrier to taking real action.
How does the speaker define confidence and how is it gained?
-The speaker defines confidence as something one gains through failure, not success. It is the ability to survive setbacks, get back up, and continue moving forward that builds confidence.
What is the speaker's view on the relationship between wanting things and happiness?
-The speaker suggests that even if one accomplishes their desires, it does not guarantee happiness. The key is to be present and take action rather than being preoccupied with future wants.
What does the speaker mean by 'the future is an illusion of the mind'?
-The speaker means that focusing on the future can lead to inaction and anxiety. The future is not real and cannot be controlled; it's the present where actions and decisions are made and where problems are solved.
Why does the speaker say that every step is the first step?
-The speaker is advocating for the idea that there is no distinction between a 'first step' and any other step. Each step should be taken with the same level of commitment and urgency, emphasizing the importance of the present moment.
What is the speaker's advice on dealing with the future-oriented thinking?
-The speaker advises that future-oriented thinking should be under one's control. It should be used when necessary, like scheduling, but not allowed to dominate one's actions or cause procrastination.
How does the speaker relate the concept of 'trying' to procrastination?
-The speaker relates 'trying' to procrastination by suggesting that both involve deferring action to a non-existent future. They both prevent individuals from taking immediate action and experiencing the outcomes of doing or failing.
What does the speaker suggest is the root of anxiety?
-The speaker suggests that anxiety is a result of overblown future thinking, where potential consequences in the future are exaggerated, leading to stress and inaction.
How does the speaker view the role of discipline and willpower in achieving goals?
-The speaker implies that discipline and willpower are important but not the starting point. Instead, one should focus on taking action in the present and understanding the reasons behind failures to build discipline and willpower.
What is the speaker's perspective on the role of motivation in taking action?
-The speaker seems to suggest that motivation is not the primary driver for action. Instead, one should act regardless of motivation and reflect on failures to understand what truly hindered progress, such as lack of discipline or willpower.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Action Over Inaction

The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action rather than being stuck in the cycle of 'trying'. They argue that 'trying' is a state of inaction that prevents progress, and instead, one should either do or fail. The speaker encourages embracing failure as a way to build confidence, as it shows resilience and the ability to overcome setbacks. They also challenge the notion of a 'first step', suggesting that every step is equally important and should be taken in the present, not as a future-oriented plan.

05:00

🎯 Controlling Future Thinking

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the concept of future thinking and its impact on procrastination and anxiety. They suggest that while thinking about the future can be helpful, it should be controlled and not allowed to dominate one's actions. The speaker points out that the mind's tendency to overblow future consequences leads to inaction and stress. They advocate for a balanced approach where future planning is used purposefully and not as a means to avoid taking action in the present.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡First Step

The term 'First Step' is often used to denote the initial action or decision in a process or journey. In the context of the video, it is challenged as a concept, suggesting that there is no such thing as a 'first step' in the traditional sense. The speaker argues that every step is equally important and that the focus should be on the present action rather than on future-oriented thinking. An example from the script is the speaker stating, 'there is no such thing as a first step, there is only a step there's only the step that you can take.'

💡Philosophy

Philosophy here refers to a set of beliefs or ideas that guide one's actions and decisions. The speaker uses the term to contrast with 'actual reality,' implying that while philosophies can be helpful, they should not be mistaken for the concrete actions one must take. The script mentions, 'that is not a philosophy that is an actual reality,' emphasizing the importance of action over abstract thought.

💡Try

In the video, 'try' is presented as a concept that can be counterproductive. The speaker suggests that the act of trying implies an intention that is not fully committed to action, which can lead to inaction or procrastination. The term is used to illustrate the idea that one should either do or fail, rather than merely attempt. The speaker says, 'the problem is trying... try is the problem,' highlighting the preference for decisive action.

💡Failure

Failure, in this context, is not seen as a negative outcome but rather as a valuable learning experience. The speaker argues that failing can build confidence as it shows one's ability to overcome setbacks. The script includes the statement, 'failing is fine, failing is fantastic,' which emphasizes the positive aspects of failure in personal growth and development.

💡Confidence

Confidence is portrayed as a result of overcoming challenges and failures, rather than merely achieving success. The speaker suggests that surviving and learning from failures are what truly build one's self-assurance. An example from the script is, 'you don't get confident through success you get confident through failure,' illustrating the idea that resilience and recovery from setbacks are key to building confidence.

💡Present

The 'present' is a central theme in the video, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of focusing on the current moment and taking action now, rather than deferring to the future. The term is used to convey the idea that the present is the only time in which action can be taken. The script repeatedly asks, 'where are we now in the present,' underscoring the significance of immediate action.

💡Future

The 'future' is depicted as an illusion that can lead to inaction and overthinking. The speaker warns against letting the future dominate one's mindset, as it can result in procrastination and anxiety. The script mentions, 'the future is an illusion of the mind,' indicating that while future planning can be useful, it should be kept under control and not allowed to hinder present action.

💡Procrastination

Procrastination is described as an overuse of future-oriented thinking, where tasks are continually postponed with the intention of doing them 'later.' The speaker links procrastination to the overactive 'future thinking mind,' which can lead to inaction. The script states, 'procrastination is an overblown future thinking mind,' highlighting the connection between future focus and the delay of tasks.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety is presented as a consequence of overblown future thinking, where concerns about future outcomes become overwhelming. The speaker suggests that anxiety arises from an imbalance in the mind's functions, particularly when future-oriented thinking takes control. The script includes, 'consequences in the future being overblown does what we call anxiety,' illustrating the negative impact of excessive worry about the future.

💡Mind

The 'mind' is discussed as a complex entity with various functions, some of which can be beneficial and others that may lead to problems like anxiety and procrastination. The speaker emphasizes the need to control the mind's functions, particularly the future thinking aspect. The script mentions, 'all of the problems of the mind are normal functions of the mind that have taken control from you,' indicating the importance of mental self-regulation.

💡Control

Control, in this context, refers to the ability to manage and direct one's thoughts and actions. The speaker advocates for taking control of the mind's functions, especially the tendency to overthink or focus on the future. The script suggests that having control over these aspects can prevent issues like anxiety and procrastination, with the speaker stating, 'the future thinking mind is one function of the mind that needs to be under your control.'

Highlights

The concept that there is no 'first step', only the step you can take now, emphasizing the importance of present action over future-oriented thinking.

The idea that trying is not always beneficial and can sometimes prevent action, advocating for doing or failing instead.

The assertion that failing can be a source of confidence, as it shows resilience and the ability to overcome setbacks.

The notion that success does not necessarily lead to happiness, and that accomplishment of wants does not guarantee contentment.

The emphasis on the present moment as the only true reality, dismissing the future as an illusion of the mind.

The idea that every step taken is a 'first step' in the present, challenging the conventional understanding of sequential steps.

The argument that climate change, like any problem, should be addressed in the present, not left for the future.

The suggestion that the mind plays tricks by overemphasizing the future, leading to inaction in the present.

The point that the future-thinking mind should be controlled and not allowed to dominate decision-making.

The assertion that procrastination is a result of an overblown future-thinking mind, leading to anxiety and inaction.

The idea that problems of the mind are normal functions that have taken control, and need to be managed.

The encouragement to start taking action immediately, without waiting for a 'right time' that may never come.

The critique of the word 'try' as a middle ground that can hinder progress, advocating for decisive action instead.

The advice to reflect on failure to understand what happened and why, as a means to learn and grow.

The observation that material desires, while common, do not necessarily lead to fulfillment or happiness.

The reminder that the present is the only time we have, and it's crucial to act and solve problems in the present moment.