How to Beat Procrastination
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
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Procrastinating is something that we all waste hours of our lives doing but how can we beat it? In this video, I break down the lessons I've learned from Steven Pressfield's 'The War of Art', a book that helped me overcome my procrastination habits by revealing a force that we all battle against that he calls 'Resistance'.
00:00 Intro
00:50 Knowing the enemy
03:15 Becoming a professional
05:55 Banishing our ego.
Enjoy!
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WHO AM I:
I'm Ali, a junior doctor working in Cambridge, UK. I make videos about medicine, technology, productivity and lifestyle design. I also have a weekly podcast with my brother ( / notoverthinking , and I write a weekly email newsletter that contains some quick thoughts + links to interesting things (aliabdaal.com/newsletter/).
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GET IN TOUCH:
If you’d like to talk, I’d love to hear from you. Tweeting @AliAbdaal directly will be the quickest way to get a response, but if your question is very long, feel free to email me at hi@aliabdaal.com. I try my best to reply to things but there sadly aren't enough hours in the day to respond to everyone 😭
This fits perfectly into my “watch later” playlist
Are you procrastinating on watching the video on procrastination?
@@djay909 i actually am 😹🙇🙁
I have around 250+ videos in my watch later list and 7-8 playlists of 70+ videos each🥳🖤✨
A+++
It almost did, then I just watched it
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
@@gabmichael8546 shhh
100%
Exactly! Great quote boss, I struggled with procrastination in the past, but when I started my journey I finally beat procrastination & it made a big shift in my business & my clients.
love it
i really need to shift my mindset into this :)
Motivation is temporary, self discipline is permanent
You got this. 👍🏾
True words.
Its actually not. You may train urself alot, then become lazy. In reality we are just free, and we must just choose, choice will feed the energy
self discipline will produce horrible results without proper motivation
Neither works without the other. The greater your motivation is, the less self-discipline you need to start your task. But sure, even if you have a compelling vision for your future that generally motivates you to get certain things done, there will always be days when you just want to stay in your pajamas the whole day and do nothing else but watch Netflix shows. The brain is a bit like a little kid and loves instant gratification, so sometimes it needs to be tricked into being motivated :)
THIS BOOK! My favourite quote from it is: "The ability to overcome resistance, self-sabotage, and self-doubt, is way more important than talent." Such an easy and insightful read. Honestly felt so empowered afterward!
👌🏻👌🏻 I love this!
Great quote! Talent is not everything and developing yourself everyday can take you much further than people imagine!
“I’m not a procrastinator. I’m just extremely productive at unimportant things”
Nice way to put it.
@Dr.Kadirov English its a joke dear
@@zaggann961 double r/woooosh
I swear i thought you were "Kharma Medic" you have a similar profile pic
@@DrSarra I wish I was like him, he's amazing :)
* procrastinates happily *
remember that I have responsibilities
* procrastinates uneasily *
This is accurate AF
That’s me 😂😂😂
Output goal = "what I wanna get?"
Input goal = "what can I give?"
Giving is gold.
This comment is illegaly underrated!
Summary for all you scroll-to-the-comments-procrastinators:
- Ali stopped procrastinating after reading the War of Art
- Know the enemy: Resistance. Fear creates resistance which creates more fear and it becomes an increasingly stronger cycle.
- The solution is to interpret fear as a signal - fear is your compass. The more scared you are of something, the more important it is to you.
- Become a Professional. A Pro understands fear and failure is part of the process, they show up to work no matter what, resistance is the daily battle. Conversely, an amateur's actions are mood-driven and goals are often extrinsic and hedonic (fun, money and status).
- Hence, also make sure your goals are process goals (i.e. upload 2 videos every week), which are things you can control vs. outcome goals (get 1 mil subscribers) which are nice and to be celebrated but not the point. The point is to trust the process and do the work.
Thank you.
but what if the fear is warranted, it is your intuition telling you that you are not ready for it yet.
@@bigjbird4427 That makes sense, bc your intuition is trying to protect you from pain you experienced in the past. Tell yourself, "thank you intuition, for protecting me all this while, but I don't need you now because I have something even more important to me." If you are scared of failure, internalise to yourself that failure is part of the process.
Thank YOU for writing this 👌🏻
tysm lmao
I have a sinking feeling that watching a video on procrastination instead of doing my work is not an ideal first step
I am a Master's student currently writing my thesis. The reason why I procrastinate is because it's a way for me to escape stress even though deep down I know delaying my tasks will make things worse. During my procrastination period, I noticed a change in my diet and sleeping patterns. I am constantly worrying and thinking about my tasks to the point where I stop enjoying my procrastination. One thing I learned is to never work on my bed. I have to be at my desk to write something meaningful. Also, I start scheduling leisure time every day so that when I am done with my task, I feel a sense of accomplishment and reward. Its not easy to follow a schedule these days but if I want to be done with my work, I gotta be at my desk everyday!
So relatable
Hey hiba, I am writing my bachelor's thesis and also procrastionate. Unfortunately I know I have to write it but I just end up always doing something different on my computer. I also don't write in bed, not even studying, I like to study somewhere else otherwise I feel sleepy.
What I find the most difficult is I have a lot of leisure time compared to writing the thesis so I find it difficult to input in my brain I have to work so that I can have that leisure time that at the moment I have lots of, if I can make myself clear.
SAME HERE! It is very hard. I also work better on my desk and only there. I use the app forest to time myself and it's a way to get started. I don't know if you're still writing your thesis but good luck!
Thesis paper for master's, had struggles - rewards definitely work and moments of nothing - do nothing - breathe - meditate can be effective
Rewarding yourself after doing the right thing is a very important habit to build in life because it helps a lot with consistency over time. Procrastination goes down and productivity goes up!
The fact that I procrastinate and still get the job done is the reason I still procrastinate.
:):
This is it!!! I believe I am too good for myself, if I wasn't passing all this exams where I started studying so late for, I would work a lot harder. I am my worst enemy!
I think thats just comfort zone.you are satisfied with just getting the job done. And that's okay.
@@ivobondptbe then u are sort of wasting your potential?
The fact that I often get the best in class justifies that I do most of my work 1 day before the deadline and I hate it
This part is so freaking important that I will just emphasize it here:
2:07 "Fear is actually a very good thing, because when we feel scared about doing something, it usually means we should just do the thing"
Time to jump into a volcano (I really fear this)
@@leonardonetagamer 😂
The hardest part about getting work done is getting started - we can accomplish anything we put our minds to, YOU GOT THIS 👊
Getting started is simple and effective way to beat procrastination. The other hard part is to maintain consistency over time.
Procrastinating is really hard to overcome. Especially when you have multiple things to do at the same time but then you just decided to go “meh” and sleep.
me after reading this and a couple other comments 😭
Love how he’s always recommending books knowing damn well none of us can read
lol 😂 that made me really laugh.
Ggagahahahahahahahah
Scrolling through all these comments yet this really made me chuckle 😂
Because in his weird world, those who can write... can also read!
WTH! Why the stereotype, right?!!
"I have never regretted doing something that I'm scared of
but I've always regretted not doing something that I was scared of."
...Yeah I loved this! it's just so true and good advice!
Man I wish I jumped into the volcano that chance I had smh, why was I scared of that
I know I'm late if the comment section of a video about procrastination is filled with the same joke "I'm procrastinating by watching a video on procrastination " 🤣
U are here with Ali, come on mallu gang
And I was sure I will find a comment like yours in the comment section :D
@@SB-wq7xv ayy mallu gangg😂😂
Hmm
@@SB-wq7xv ☺️😉
*The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it*
I was listening to a podcast that said, “it’s important to live life by design rather than emotion. Basically, sticking to a routine is what allows us to be the healthiest version of ourselves (especially when you're fighting these demons ex. OCD for me).
I’ve had to overhaul how I approach studying, working out and taking care of my brain (journaling) by practising mediocre consistency. Now I try to put in consistent 50-60% effort into my studying, exercise and journaling habit - to make sure I do it I began recording it and posting it on YT.
Because historically I have a habit of going too hard, not being able to sustain the Herculean effort, giving up and hating myself. So now I’m trying to give a small, consistent mediocre effort everyday. And its crazy how it adds up.
You've given me a lot to think about, turning my PhD output goals (i.e. get X article published, get a $100k + job) into input goals (i.e. read X book, write a chapter I'm proud of)
Honestly I have an exam tomorrow and watching makes me feel more confident
Edit:wooow! the exam was amazing I could answer every question with confidence and I’m sure I will get a good grade!
Good Job!!!!
Thanks!
Love this Ali! The point on trying to achieve perfectionism really hits home for me.
Having a sustainable input goal of just showing up and putting content out is far greater than becoming crippled by the anxiety and not doing anything!
As a student struggling with procastination, this video helps me tremendously in realising what I need to do now in order to change my habits and mindset. Thank you Ali ! Keep up with the good work
I really needed this video today. Yes, I was procrastinating, but now I'm pulling up my socks and I'm getting on with doing what needs to be done while I'm listening to The War of Art. I always enjoy your book-themed videos, Ali - I wish there were a few more. Thank you!
This reminds me of my uni days where I would read a few pages of this book before I began another 12 hour study day. I don’t do gangster shit like that anymore, I just go to work, watch Netflix while eating then sleep - which was the dream while I was at uni. Fuck man I used to work so damn hard, if those days can’t prove to me that I can literally do anything I want if I put my mind to it then I don’t know what will
Whomever is reading this comment I wish you MASSIVE SUCCESS in business, work, school & more. With Ali procrastination tips in this video you will surely be a SUCCESS. LET'S GO👊🏾
“The more scare we are, the more sure we have to do” wow! Thank you very much Ali, this quote totally transform my mindset and get me out of my misery. Big thanks from my heart 😊
I love how Ali summarises points in his book reviews. He almost never blabbers and gets off track.
It's so precise. I want to learn this skill!
Ali Abdaal: my theme is PROSCRASTINATION
Other medical TH-camrs: Write that down!!
I needed this video 🤣 Thanks Ali
C’mon James hahahah
@@abuhamed3411 need a kick up the Ar*e 😅
@@Jamesmatthews whooop!
here before it blows up
@@Jamesmatthews 🦵🏼
The point about input vs output goal is so relatable and true. I enjoy writing and my mind constantly comes with various ideas. When I run through the idea in my mind, the content turns out beautiful. But when I set out to write, I start thinking about other's perception of my work and I begin to write for them. This results in a subpar work that I'm not proud of or oftentimes no work at all.
I’ve discovered your channel last week. I have watched a lot of videos and I has ever never had so many books I want to read !
I really love your channel... and your note taking is sooooo satisfying !!
You’re very inspiring !
Thank you !
I'm an Accounting Postgraduate in South Africa and I cannot thank you enough for these videos. I use your videos as fuel to my "Resistance" and your enthusiasm makes me want to get back to studying.
Much love from South Africa.
More resistance = more important it feels to you. Can confirm. I’ve been reading a particular book for...6 years. Because it hits so close and so hard. Need to push forward and finish it. And my online class.
I'm a student and I genuinely can't thank you enough. Your advice might be one of the leading causes I'm finally turning my life and taking school seriously.
personally this helps me out: just start doing soemthing, anything related to whatever you need to do, even if it is something small, empty your mind from desire and start doing something! This will initialize your productivity by building momentum over small introductions/production of dopamine in your system, motivating you into doing whatever you initially had to do and doing whatever you will need to do more motivated, so better, faster feeding further into the momentum you've started building with that initial not so trivial task. Later over the line you will most likely have built "discipline".
Good thing the TOXIC RELATIONSHIP with productivity is over and now you both are on good terms.🥳🥳❤❤
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” - Henry Ford
Man I love this quote, I thought I'd share it with u guys. Have a wonderful day
Just because you think you can, doesn't mean you are right. For every winner, there are countless losers who thought that they could.
So I think I can't, that's it?
@@ivobondptbe To play the devil's advocate - if you think you can't achieve a certain goal, you won't try to achieve it, and this will ensure that you won't achieve the goal. What this ignores is that people often take steps to achieve a goal while worrying about it not working out (in other words, thinking that "they can't").
@@billbauer9795 true !! And so they are less efficient :)
@@khadijafayyaz6184 Those who think that they CAN, are more likely to waste time attempting to achieve something that they actually Can't achieve, so it isn't clear which one of them is ultimately less efficient. ;)
Also, the one who thinks they can't will spend more time thinking about the possible problems, and will be able to prepare for those problems, increasing the chance that they will be successful.
Really thankful, Ali. I’ve been struggling with my channel mainly because of procrastination. The theory about input and output goals is actually brilliant.
This is my first year in medical school and also my first time watching you on TH-cam,
You are already my inspiration. Much love, Muhammed.
Ali. Thank you so much for this video. It is really insightful and helpful. I think a lot of us struggle with changing our mindset from output to input goal setting is because we are raised to be output driven. You’ve give me more things to think about on my journey to “creative freedom” thank you so much for your time and effort on these videos.
There might be an economical turmoil but there is no doubt that this is still the best time to invest.
Best time to invest? That's funny though because, in the last 4 months I have lost more than $47,000 in stock market which is the biggest I have lost since I ventured into stock investment.
@@marianparker7502 You could be right or wrong depending on your expertise. I once made such loss when I invested thinking I've garnered enough trading skills from tens of TH-cam videos but now it's a whole different thing for me. I was fortunate to meet ''Freda Lynn Johnson'', a Kansas-based financial manager and stock expert. I have made more than $75,000 in 6 months under her professional supervisions.
@@Alejandracamacho357 Impressive! People are cashing in on the stock market and frankly speaking it's comforting seeing someone admit to seeking assistance from professionals. Will love to work with her. Any help?
@@tradekings5433 You can search for her name online for the details you need on her website. She is quite popular.
@@Alejandracamacho357 I actually looked up this person because I was questioning the integrity of all this, surprisingly she seems really proficient. I had thought this was just some hyped-up BS. I appreciate this, honestly.
I am currently struggling with a deadline to write my Thesis and have come up against that invisible force, which I can now recognise as Resistance. I am finding imposter syndrome another contender stopping my progress. This in effect is a fear of being exposed as a fraud. Your video has given me an insight in how to fight this. So thank you. It's really helped. The irony of watching videos about how to beat procrastination on TH-cam is not lost on me.
Thank you so much for what you do. I am suffering from postnatal depression that never left me. I came across your videos a few months back. Your videos motivated me to go back to study. Whenever I get anxiety and panic attacks, I watch your videos. It helps me tremendously.
Omg wow, thank you for the advice! I'm starting high school next year, and I'm hearing so much about how immensely stressful it's going to be. I'm trying to build like, ten habits at once, whilst learning two instruments, maintaining a TH-cam channel, and keeping my body healthy. This helps a lot with the habit building, as well as getting my studying and work out of the way. Just a book recommendation and I'm not sure if you've read it already, but The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by W. Timothy Gallwey, sounds like a book you'd enjoy. You don't truly need to know anything about tennis to understand the concepts that can be derived from the book. Thank you for the video!
good luck buddy 👍.
You are the best.
You posted this video when I am facing the same problems in my life.
Actually I am a medical student in India, as you know it can get really stressful at times and you don’t feel like studying.
This video has completely changed my way of thinking.
Thank you so much for this.
:)
thank you so much for this ali! this is one of the best, if not the best, video about procrastination i've seen. very motivating. i've been watching you since Ibz Mo gave you a shoutout, so it is kinda insane watching you grow to such a giant level. happy for you and all of your well-deserved success.
Ali, you may have changed my 2022 and potentially my whole life by planting a seed with this video!! I discovered your channel a few hours and at this rate I'll have ran out of videos by monday so keep up this stellar work!!!
Great work Ali, you help a lot of people like myself. Thank you!!
Finally a video on how to stop procrastination. Guess I'll watch it later though.
I love how ali is coming back from his productivity slump by reading war of art again (among other things, surely) and in the process ends up sharing a cool video with us
Your point about outcome goals is key. I realised this a few years ago and it has changed my life for the better. Focus on things you can control, leave the rest to the universe/fate/God, and life will become much more straightforward.
Also, Mistborne is amazing!
I was about to hit “ save for later” on this video... how’s that for irony
How you procrastinate is how I be productive!
*we are not the same bro*
Thank you. I keep struggling back and forth feeling suppressed by my ego, but hearing this reminds me I am still in control somewhere in this human mind of mine. 😊
I love how your videos are just so calming
Procrastinate so hard to start watching productivity videos.
This is great advice! Though keeping the balance between being an amateur and being a professional is really difficult since when we professionalize things, the enjoyment that we felt in the beginning while being amateurs also risks to fade so don't forget to keep the happiness folks! :D
”Make the video the best you feel” really will only decrease my motivation since i’m a perfectionist and never do anything well enough imo
Finally I watched it! I saved it in my watch later playlist, in this moment I feel exhausted of procrastinating . Thank you Ali 🙏🏽
Him saying the book changed his life... while his life is already a living example of the word "productivity" T - T
Ali: * films 2021 setup video *
Also him: * orders a new keyboard and mouse right after *
Alli thanks for your videos, you don’t understand the impact you’ve had in my life. I keep having roller coaster feelings about being authentic and productive, your videos definitely allow me to open myself up and live truly. Thank You for quality contents, always!
Sincerely though, thank you so much for all the advice you've given me so far. I was, and am quite lost in terms of what to study and how to study but your videos have helped me a lot as it is my last year in high school. It has been particularly difficult for me as I settled into a new country a little while ago and I didn't know what was going on. I was demotivated and confused.
Even though you didn't (and can't) help me in everything, thank you so much for helping me in something extremely important in my life: how to learn. I truly look up to you as I also want to be a doctor, and I believe that the advice I get from you will help me massively in the long run.
Thank you (again) and have a nice day :]
I would much rather watch another Ali video than be productive. Therein lies the “resistance”. Ali...any tips on how to get over the resistance you said you felt a while ago to make videos consistently?
Anyone else watching this whilst procrastinating?
We all in the same ship ;)
Really like the concept of finding out what your top priority is and not being scared to tackle it! Thank you so much for your constant motivation - you’ve really helped during my time at uni!
@@mohammedmushtaq1969 I’m just glad I’m not the only one!
Thanks Ali. Your persistence is always so inspiring
Thanks a million times. This changed the way of my decision a lot. I feel very glad that i could hug someone with happiness.
Ali has so much knowledge in his brain that he can teach a lesson to literally every Harvard teacher 😂
Satire
Think big, start small, learn fast.
Thank you for this video Ali ❤️❤️ you've helped me tackle a lot of problems that I couldn't even recognise before. 🙏
Beside the value in your informations, you Voice is so soothing and the way you talk make you want to listen even more, you’re such a valuable source here on TH-cam thank you💕
Honestly though, I am procrastinating by looking at comments from people who are procrastinating by watching a video about procrastination! 🤣
I’m literally procrastinating by watching a video on how to STOP procrastinating. If I stop watching the video about how to not procrastinate, then I’ll technically not be procrastinating… I need to go to bed. 🤦🏻♂️
I’m procrastinating by commenting on someone procrastinating by commenting that they are procrastinating by watching a video on procrastinating.
@@andydonaldson what
@@andydonaldson matrix
I really needed you talking about procrastination as that’s what I’m doing for last few months! And it’s totally uncontrollable! 🥱
I think that the idea of self love is powerful.. and it never fades away
New video, and also first!
The video i waited the most
@@danielmacarthur7208 mhm
0:15 Ali, the joke is fine but, seriously, when will you upload the video giving an answer to “How I Am So RIDICULOUSLY Cool”?
P.S.: Asking for a friend, lol
Wow this honestly puts a smile on my face, i've been struggling about wether doing homework or not and watching this video i feel confident again, Thank you so much Ali :)
This video's gonna bang!!
So many are struggling with it & what a time to post the video.
Thanks Bigman!!
Me procrastinating by watching videos on how to not procrastinate...
haha same here
This video could not come at a better time. I keep procrastinating filming a video. Cheers Ali
I like this channel. Good clear voice and good talking speed.
Also a huge plus that the timestamps are marked in the description. That saves a lot of frustration having to listening to parts we might not be so interested in.
Thank you for posting this.
"The actions of confidence come first; the feelings of confidence come later.” - Russ Harris
Wish you all great success! Have a wonderful week :)
Pretty sure everyone watching this video is procrastinating rn
Thank you so much for this timely video!
One of the best channels I have ever discovered on TH-cam. So glad I did. ❤️
I want to write a book „that I‘m happy with“ is in my eyes the same as writing a „perfect“ book.
What are your thoughts on this?
lol i was procrastinating when this popped up
Same lol🙃
Same xD
I’m just glad to not be the only one!
Thanks Ali. I was stuck in the production of a new video for my channel (which was due to 2 weeks ago) and I had been procrastinating.
After watching this I was able to get back on track. You are the best!
i literally saved this on my watch later and watching 5 hours later, appreciate the advice as always ali
What I noticed, Our brain is very lazy!!!! If we listen to our brain, then we appreciate procrastination!
How to stop procrastinating?
No.1: Stop reading the comments section,and start completing your work!😂
Less than 3 minutes into the video. I feel the life change happening!!! Thank you 🙏
Best you tube channel I have watched till date 🧡
Thanks ALI!!!
Me: *Currently working on Keyword Research and metadata for my next video*
Ali: “How to Beat Procrastination”
Me: *Stops what I’m doing to watch the video that’ll show me how to not procrastinate*
bruh 😂
My procrastination monkey is a badass, if you know what I mean
7:40 The idea of framing goals in the context of variables you have control over is fantastic. Very powerful idea, even outside of the context of procrastination. Just in terms of designing the life you want to live, setting better goals, and enjoying the "deep life" (yeah, I'm here from your podcast with Cal Newport).
I opened this video as a tab on April 1 ... Today, I watched the video. Guys, I did it, I beat procrastination 🤛