Exploring the Psychology of Procrastination

Tim Urban humorously discusses his experiences with procrastination, highlighting the roles of the Instant Gratification Monkey and the Panic Monster in the procrastinator's brain. He explains the difference between deadline-based and long-term procrastination, emphasizing the impact of the latter on personal fulfillment. Urban concludes with a call to action using a Life Calendar to encourage awareness and proactive behavior.

What was the speaker's major in college?

• Biology

• Engineering

• Government

• Psychology

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

How did the speaker complete his senior thesis?

• By working steadily throughout the year

• By starting early and finishing before the deadline

• By writing 90 pages over 72 hours with two all-nighters

• By collaborating with classmates

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

What does the Instant Gratification Monkey prioritize?

• Long-term goals

• Planning for the future

• Easy and fun activities

• Meeting deadlines

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

What does the speaker use to illustrate procrastination in the brain?

• A comparison between two brains

• A historical event

• A scientific experiment

• A story from his childhood

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Who is the only one that can scare the Instant Gratification Monkey?

• The Panic Monster

• The speaker himself

• The Rational Decision-Maker

• The audience

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

What triggers the Panic Monster?

• Instant gratification

• Public embarrassment or a looming deadline

• Fun activities

• Long-term goals

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

What is the main difference between the two types of procrastination mentioned?

• One affects students, the other affects professionals

• One is more severe than the other

• One is easy to overcome, the other is not

• One is with deadlines, the other is without

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

Why do procrastinators feel unhappy about long-term procrastination?

• Because they achieve their dreams too easily

• Because they can't start chasing their dreams

• Because they have too many deadlines

• Because they work too hard

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

What does the Life Calendar represent?

• A diary for personal thoughts

• One box for every week of a 90-year life

• A tool for time management

• A schedule for daily activities

What does the speaker suggest everyone is?

• A Panic Monster

• A non-procrastinator

• A procrastinator

• A Rational Decision-Maker

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3