Procrastination Cure that MAKES YOU MORE MONEY in 2024

Summary

In this episode of the How To Shape the Future Show, Peter Garety discusses the struggle with procrastination and how it's linked to brain chemistry. He shares his method of using movement to change brain chemicals and turn procrastination into a positive force for achieving better, faster results in business and life.

Takeaways

• 📝 Procrastination is often a result of an overwhelming to-do list leading to inaction.
• 🔥 Feeling guilty about procrastination can cause internal frustration and a sense of burning from within.
• 🎯 The 'How To Shape the Future Show' aims to share methods to deal with procrastination and use it positively.
• 🚫 The speaker dismisses the idea of magic productivity tools and time optimization rituals as ineffective without the right mindset.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The importance of having personal experience, such as raising children, to understand procrastination and time management is emphasized.
• 🧠 Procrastination is linked to a conflict between the brain's limbic system and prefrontal cortex, affecting decision-making and action.
• 💊 Dopamine levels influence how effort and rewards are perceived, with lower levels potentially increasing procrastination.
• 🏃‍♂️ Physical activity like running or walking can change brain chemistry and reduce procrastination by boosting neurotransmitters.
• 💡 Procrastination can be a signal that the brain needs to 'cool off' and may actually be working on finding an easier path to goals.
• 💭 The speaker suggests that while engaging in physical activity, the brain can come up with solutions to previously unsolved problems.
• 🧘‍♂️ Alignment of thoughts and actions is crucial to turning procrastination into a positive force for achieving goals.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script?

The main issue discussed in the video script is procrastination and how it can be overcome to achieve better and faster results in business and life.

Why does the speaker believe that having a family with kids is important before teaching about procrastination or time management?

The speaker believes that having a family with kids provides a more comprehensive understanding of time management and procrastination issues, as it involves dealing with multiple responsibilities and priorities.

What does the speaker suggest is not the solution for procrastination?

The speaker suggests that a list of magic productivity tools and morning rituals promoted by time optimization folks are not the solution for procrastination if one's mindset is not in the right place.

How does the speaker define procrastination in its simplest form?

In its simplest form, the speaker defines procrastination as a state of mind where brain chemistry is not aligned with the body's requirements for action.

What is the role of the limbic system and prefrontal cortex in relation to procrastination according to the script?

The limbic system, which processes emotions and immediate rewards, often overpowers the prefrontal cortex, responsible for long-term planning and decision-making, leading to procrastination.

How do dopamine levels affect procrastination as mentioned in the script?

Dopamine levels significantly influence procrastination. Variations in dopamine affect how individuals perceive effort and rewards, with lower levels potentially making tasks seem more daunting and less rewarding, thus increasing the likelihood of procrastination.

What is the speaker's personal method to change their mental state when experiencing procrastination?

The speaker's personal method is engaging in movement or physical activity, such as running or going for a long walk in the forest, which influences the chemical balance in the brain.

How do physical activities like running or walking help in combating procrastination?

These activities boost levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which can counteract feelings of depression or anxiety and improve the sense of well-being.

What is the 'secret' the speaker reveals about turning procrastination into a positive force?

The secret is that when the brain is working in overdrive and needs to cool off, it will search for an easier and faster path to results while engaged in physical activities that change the mental state.

How does the speaker's mentor, Brian Tracy, summarize the importance of aligning thoughts with actions?

Brian Tracy emphasizes that 'You are what you think about most of the time,' highlighting the importance of aligning thoughts with actions to avoid confusion and to effectively use procrastination as a fuel for better results.

What is the speaker's final advice on sharing the insights from the episode?

The speaker advises the audience to share the episode with friends, as the ability to turn procrastination into a positive force is a valuable skill that others will appreciate.

Outlines

00:00

😖 Overcoming Procrastination: A Neuroscientific Approach

The first paragraph discusses the common struggle with procrastination and the overwhelming feeling it can cause. It introduces the theme of the video, which is to share a method for dealing with procrastination and using it as a tool for improvement in business and life. The paragraph emphasizes that productivity tools and morning rituals promoted by single individuals without family responsibilities are not the focus, as they may not address the root cause of procrastination. Instead, the author suggests that procrastination is linked to a conflict between the brain's limbic system, which processes emotions and immediate rewards, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for long-term planning. The role of dopamine levels in influencing the perception of effort and rewards is also highlighted, indicating that lower levels may contribute to the tendency to procrastinate.

05:01

🏃‍♂️ Transforming Procrastination into Creative Fuel

The second paragraph delves into the idea that movement or physical activity can be a powerful antidote to procrastination. It suggests that engaging in activities like running or walking can change one's mental state and mood by influencing the brain's chemical balance, specifically by boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. The author reveals a secret that can turn procrastination into a positive force by using it as a signal that the brain needs to 'cool off' and is actively searching for more efficient solutions to problems. The paragraph concludes with the notion that aligning one's thoughts and actions is crucial for turning procrastination into a source of inspiration and productivity, as well as a call to action for viewers to share the episode with others.

Keywords

💡Procrastination

Procrastination refers to the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions, often leading to feelings of guilt and frustration. In the video, it is depicted as a common struggle that the speaker and potentially the audience face, where tasks become overwhelming and lead to inaction. The script discusses how procrastination is not merely a lack of motivation but a deeper issue related to brain chemistry and the conflict between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.

💡Prioritization

Prioritization is the process of arranging tasks or activities in order of their importance or urgency. The video script mentions that the speaker organizes their tasks by priority and importance, but the list can become overwhelming, contributing to procrastination. This concept is crucial as it highlights the challenge of managing tasks effectively and the impact it has on one's ability to take action.

💡Neuroscientific studies

Neuroscientific studies are research conducted in the field of neuroscience, focusing on the structure or function of the nervous system and brain. The script references these studies to explain the link between procrastination and the brain's limbic system and prefrontal cortex, emphasizing the biological basis for procrastination and its impact on decision-making and action.

💡Limbic system

The limbic system is a set of brain structures involved in processing emotions and immediate rewards. In the video, it is described as often overpowering the prefrontal cortex, leading to procrastination. This highlights how emotional responses and the desire for immediate gratification can interfere with long-term planning and action.

💡Prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, long-term planning, and self-control. The script discusses how it is often in conflict with the limbic system, contributing to the tendency to procrastinate. Understanding this conflict is key to addressing the issue of procrastination.

💡Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. The video script explains that variations in dopamine levels can affect how individuals perceive effort and rewards, potentially increasing the likelihood of procrastination. This chemical plays a significant role in the brain's response to tasks and the motivation to complete them.

💡Movement

Movement, in the context of the video, refers to physical activity such as running or walking, which the speaker suggests can help change one's mental state and reduce procrastination. The script emphasizes the importance of movement in altering brain chemistry and boosting neurotransmitter levels, thereby counteracting feelings of depression or anxiety and promoting action.

💡Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells and play a role in regulating mood, behavior, and cognition. The video mentions that activities like running can boost levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which can help counteract procrastination by improving one's sense of well-being.

💡Brain chemistry

Brain chemistry refers to the balance of chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters, which influence mood, cognition, and behavior. The script discusses how procrastination is linked to an imbalance in brain chemistry, and how physical activity can help restore this balance, thereby reducing procrastination.

💡Time management

Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to use time effectively to increase productivity. The video script critiques common time management strategies promoted by those without family responsibilities, suggesting that they may not be applicable or effective for everyone. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own priorities and mental state in managing time effectively.

💡Mental state

Mental state refers to an individual's psychological condition or mindset at a given time. The video script suggests that changing one's mental state through physical activity can be a key strategy in overcoming procrastination. The speaker's personal experience with running illustrates how altering one's mental state can lead to increased productivity and reduced procrastination.

Highlights

Struggling with procrastination and feeling overwhelmed by tasks can lead to frustration and guilt.

This episode of the How To Shape the Future Show addresses procrastination and its impact on productivity.

The speaker emphasizes that productivity tools alone are not effective if one's mindset is not in the right place.

Morning rituals promoted by single individuals may not be applicable to those with families.

Procrastination is linked to a conflict between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex in the brain.

Dopamine levels significantly influence procrastination by affecting how individuals perceive effort and rewards.

Physical activity like running or walking can change brain chemistry and reduce procrastination.

Exercise can boost neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, improving well-being and counteracting negative feelings.

Procrastination can be seen as a signal that the brain needs to cool off and find a better approach to tasks.

The brain can subconsciously find solutions to problems during physical activities like running or walking.

Aligning thoughts with actions is crucial for turning procrastination into a positive force.

The speaker shares his personal method of dealing with procrastination through physical activity.

The speaker suggests that the best ideas often come during physical activities when the mind is in a different state.

The episode aims to help viewers turn procrastination into a skill that can be used for better, faster results.

The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe, follow, and share the episode with friends.

The speaker, Peter Garety, concludes the episode and invites viewers to join him in the next episode.

Transcripts

what would be my video title for I don’t know  about you, but sometimes I struggle to take  

action—I procrastinate. I have a list of  things that I must do, and I order them 

according to priority and importance,  but when I look at it, the list becomes  

so overwhelming that I end up doing nothing. Sometimes, this procrastination even evolves  

into real frustration and blame. I feel extremely  guilty for wasting time—it literally burns me 

from the inside. So, if you have experienced any  

form of procrastination before, then this episode  of the How To Shape the Future Show is for you. 

Because within the next few minutes I’m going  to share with you my method of dealing with  

procrastination and even how to use it to get better, faster results in business and life. 

Now, one of the things you won’t get from me here  is a list of magic productivity tools that so many  

people promote. All of them mean absolutely nothing if your  

headspace is in the wrong place. Also, you will not hear me talking about some  

morning rituals that so many time optimization  folks who are SINGLE talk about. As I like to 

say, if you don’t have a family with kids, you  are not yet qualified to teach anything about  

procrastination or time management. Get kids first, and then we can talk. 

With that out of the way, let’s deal  with the procrastination so that you  

can use it as fuel to get better, faster results. You see, procrastination has really nothing to do  

with a lack of motivation or goals in life. In its  simplistic form, it’s nothing more than a state 

of mind where your brain chemistry is not  clicking the way your body requires for action. 

Even recent neuroscientific studies have shown  that procrastination is linked to a conflict  

between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex within the brain. The limbic system,  

which processes emotions and immediate rewards,  frequently overpowers the prefrontal cortex, 

responsible for long-term  planning and decision-making. 

Furthermore, dopamine, a neurotransmitter  associated with pleasure and reward,  

significantly influences procrastination. Research 

indicates that variations in dopamine levels  affect how individuals perceive effort and  

rewards. People with lower dopamine levels might view tasks as more daunting and less rewarding,  

thereby increasing the  likelihood of procrastination. 

Essentially, your very being at that moment  creates the wrong mix in your brain, which  

directly impacts your ability to take action. And, so when it happens with you, regardless of  

how many motivational videos you watch  or how many different time management 

strategies and tools you apply, none of  it will really change your state of mind.

Now, it took me years to figure this out  and realize that when I’m starting to wonder  

around - switching away from my task at hand to a different browser tab or checking phone repeatedly  

or starting the scrolling  race on social media sites... 

...it’s time to get my mind in  a completely different state. 

And so, what is the best way to  change chemicals in your brain  

and eliminate procrastination in the process? Well, the answer is MOVEMENT or physical activity. 

For me personally, it’s running or  going for a long walk in the forest. 

These are activities that directly influence  the chemical balance in the brain, and, for me,  

the elevation of the heart rate that comes from running completely changes  

my mental state and mood. And research supports this as well. These  

types of activities are known to boost levels of  neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, 

and endorphins, which play significant  roles in our sense of well-being and  

can counteract feelings of depression or anxiety. Now, here I want to reveal to you a little secret. 

It’s what flips the procrastination on its head.  Because, once you will learn about this secret you  

will start to look at it as a POSITIVE THING - a source for better, faster results. 

You see, you already know that our brains  are extremely powerful computers. They  

have processing capabilities  that, well, up to this point, 

no computer can surpass (although  this can change in the future). 

But think about this - every computer  needs a cooling system. Without that,  

they would stop working. Your brain is no different.  

Whenever you experience procrastination, it  means that your brain is working in overdrive,  

and it needs to cool off. 

But, here is the SECRET that  not many people realize. 

If you know what you need to do. So, you have  a list of things that you want to accomplish.

If you know your goals in life. If you think about them all the time.  

You are obsessed with what you do in life. Your brain knows what’s priority to you and  

so while you are running or walking to change  your state of mind with the goal to eliminate 

procrastination, the brain actually will be  searching and silently proving you an easier,  

faster path to results. Just think about this... 

Have you ever experienced a thought in your  head about a solution to a problem that you have  

struggled to figure out before, yet somehow, it just shows up,  

and you have no idea where it comes from? Well, most of my best ideas come exactly  

that way. While I’m running or walking to get  my mind in a different state, somehow, my brain 

finds the right solution or idea  that allows me to achieve more. 

But the brain needs input, and the only way  to provide it is by aligning most of your  

thoughts with most of your actions. As my mentor Brian Tracy once said:  

“You are what you think about most of the time.” And so if what you want is not aligned with your  

actions, your brain will be confused, and you  will never be able to turn procrastination into 

a FUEL for better, faster results. I hope you find this episode of the How to  

Shape The Future show helpful, please don’t forget  to subscribe and follow, and please share it 

with your friends. Ability to turn procrastination  

into a positive force is a skill, and today  you got that skill, which is why I think  

your best friends will appreciate if you’ll share this with them. 

Thank you, this is Peter Garety, I’ll  see you in the next episode. Bye for now!