The best/worst feeling is doing something after procrastinating forever. "Oh, that was actually really easy. Why didn't I do this weeks ago and save myself all the stress? Lesson learned." And then I inevitably procrastinate again 😅
"You don't set out to build a wall. You don't say 'I'm going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that's ever been built.' You don't start there. You say, 'I'm going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid. You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall." Will Smith said this and I think it fits perfectly with this topic. Focus on one thing at a time and try to do it the best way possible.
Personally I don't agree with this statement. I haven't watched Sam smiths video yet so I don't know the context but as said by Thomas frank, which is something I agree to, perfectionism is one of the main, if not the biggest cause for procastination. If we think each of the brick has to be really perfect a person will never start building the wall to begin with🙂🙂
One day when I was really high, I realized that I procrastinate because I'm afraid of giving something my all and still failing. Failing when you don't put much effort into it doesn't hurt as much.
Shouldn’t be afraid of failing everyone fails. No one got to where they are without failing multiple times, it’s the ones that keep pushing that make it. And even when you fail society has made us see it as such a bad thing. Really it’s not you’re still learning and moving forward/growing. Nothing wrong with failing, this is why I smoke once in a while still when I smoke weed sometimes I’ll have deep realizations. Checkout mfceo podcast you might like it
1) 2:14 You are often overwhelmed with everything you need to do 2) 3:45 You need to let go of the belief that procastination is a good thing 3) 5:02 You need to learn to deal with the fact that some work just isn't fun 4) 6:05 You need to get over your perfectionism 5) 8:33 Set up your environment in accordance with the 20-second rule
Procrastination has been destroying my future, for me is almost a disease. But recently what is helping me ... is the concept of minimalism. What I am trying to say is keep it simple, I used to plan unrealistic study and gym sessions. Now I just study two chapters per day and I go to the gym three times a week. And is working!
1- I'm often overwhelmed with everything i need to do 2- I need to let go of the belief that procrastination is a good thing 3- I need to learn to deal with the fact that some work isn't just fun 4- I need to get over my perfectionism P. S. Other points discussed : Self awareness Observe behavior Minimize stimuli that cause procrastination
Dr McDreamy You kinda skimmed over what I think the most important part of he video is, which is the 20 second rule thing. Which is to make procrastinating things very inconvenient to get to which makes you procrastinate less
Use a timer. Set it to 1 minute. If you don't do it in around 5 minutes, you probably will not do the thing. Trust me, its efficient. Use a convenient timer.
Procrastinating is a mind game. It seems like a mountain is in front of you so you procrastinate. You just have to buckle up and climb and once you're on the top, the view is very rewarding! Think of the reward, not the mountain and this really helps change the procrastination mindset.
Ranger Ruby have you ever been a real procrastinator? 🙂 If so, you might know that your solution has one big flaw: future rewards don’t work. Procrastinating is all about getting a reward (namely, doing something less hard/more fun) RIGHT NOW. Without having to wait. 😉
Ranger Ruby Why? I just reward myself when I feel like it. End of story. 😁 ...I overcame procrastination by learning to LOVE doing. No accomplishment rewards needed at all.
I failed a class this semester because I procrastinated so hard. Everyone tells me I need tutoring when in fact I just didn't do the work and that why I made such a low grade. Here recently I've also started to realize that it's getting so bad that I even procrastinate sleeping. I got through high school with basically straight A's while procrastinating, I think failing a college class was the wake up call I needed.
this awful endless cycle. 1)get overwhelmed with everything you need to do 2)perfectionism wants me to do everything perfectly in one shot 3)That's humanly impossible, so I have to put in the work 4)I put in the work, but I realize I wouldn't be this miserable if I started earlier 5) work gets exhausting so you get distracted and think of negative thoughts 6) destress with unproductive tasks 7) guilt over being unproductive and berating that I need to study/work 8) go back to number 1
Great points thomas, I feel identified with all of them. One thing I can add is, when you become the "optimization guru", when you think you should be working all the time, etc. You never get to find a balance between leisure and work. I myself have made this mistake, and have almost failed because I was just too strict, instead of just trying to do a little thing each day.
Also have stuff in your life where you are not actively trying to be the best. I know perfectionist as I am one myself, and I find myself trying to push myself in everything, sports, videogames, relationships, my use of money, etc. You have to know when to just have fun, and when to get to work.
Expectancy, reward, value, motivation, Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Procrasti _nation_ attacked. 🔥
@@HarshwardhanSinghChauhan- yes I did copy paste... I stole this comment From myself, I thought of this and used it for his 3 vid's about procrastination haha
Mystery M , it’s ok to share a valuable comment, in this changing electronic world it seems there a few boundaries. I think the intent of what you said is positive, that’s what’s important. 🦉
The mini-deadlines idea has helped me enormously! I used to decide on a topic, brainstorm and write my essays literally a couple of hours before they were due because of my wish for perfectionism. I started bullet journaling and now I try to meet self-imposed deadlines for smaller tasks; such as brainstorming or writing an outline a few weeks before so I can at least think about it in advance. That has helped with literally everything I do, even keeping my home clean! I have a self-imposed deadline for washing the dishes after breakfast, which forces me to wake up and exercise earlier with the idea that otherwise I won’t be able to meet the deadline at all. Great advice, Thomas, I’m really enjoying your channel.
I loved your honesty. I'm so glad I saw your video, will follow you from now on! I don't feel THE procrastinator anymore, I know it happens to a lot of us. Thanks for sharing!
Hi! This is my first time taking notes for the general public, but I'm an author trying to be actionable with some of my procrastination habits. OK; here we go! Timestamps per tip + my personal notes for our benefit: 0:33: Storytime! The tools you can use to defeat your procrastination (+ Thomas' explanation): 1:20: Self-awareness 1:50: Observe your own behavior A batch of reasons why you may procrastinate 2:13: You can be often overwhelmed with everything you need to do - You may have analysis paralysis: by focusing on all you must do, the act of doing (let alone thinking about it), prompts you to be paralyzed, so... - Make your tasks actionable enough and understandable (or, to me, enticing in theory) to do; it'll be easier to will yourself to do them. Example: do you have a homework assignment that is due tomorrow? How about imagining your desired lifestyle as a product of you finishing it or the feeling of you being a master of your life. - Focus on one task to do in the present moment 3:44: You need to let go of the belief that procrastination is a good thing - You may be bragging about how your procrastination is an asset. Don't; you lower your standards and potential doing this; completing something last-minute is completion made by a procrastinator 4:59: You need to learn (how) to deal with the fact that some work just isn't fun - Even if you follow your passions, you will still have unpleasant work to do. - Focus on your desired identity instead of the task at hand. I personally want to be a vrouw based on hard work, intentionality, and the values of God. 6:04: You need to get over your perfectionism - Previous good feedback or the product of a desirable outcome can pose pressure upon you. Example: your parents celebrate you getting straight As in class or your boss compliments you on your performance in your team, so you feel propelled to achieve that same level of excellence. - An editor's perspective inhibits creativity and creation; come into your space to make a mess of your work and THEN edit. 7:56: Thomas' personal solutions in hopes to fix our procrastination problem - Let go of your perfectionistic mindset - Use self-made deadlines to give you the incentive to work, from there make the edits you'd like 8:23: One more tip! - Increase the friction of things you don't want to do (playing video games, scrolling through TH-cam, etc.) and decrease the friction for things you want to do (study, work, write, etc.) Though I have a question for anyone courteous to answer: I wonder if anybody has tips to get me to work on tasks most unpleasant to me. I excuse myself of doing them until the last minute, saying, "the task takes too much brainpower" because my head generally hurts as I give a fair amount of focus to my work. Please be merciful with your responses; I don't know if the answer's plain-and-clear to see.
@The Dreamer, thank you!!! I was gonna watch the vid again and take notes. :) Edit: unfortunately, I don't have an appropriate response to your question for I am struggling with this very problem myself. 😔
3:56 Yeah my standards are absoloutely silly low, I dont want to be barely passing, I want to be passing with flying colours - everytime I procrastonate I compromose on my goals because I think I'll still *Survive* - I think perhaps the goals I set arent as clear in my mind as the automaticly set goal of simply failing - how do I set those goals? - a question I desperately need to answer, I guess the root of this whooole issue is that I only ask these types of questions when I have a deadlione approaching... like now... so maybe I need a timebound goal for myself to be vaguely "better at this stuff" outside of deadline time?
Thank you for highlighting the need for perfectionism being a bad thing in that it prevents you from getting started and creating whatever it is you need to do. I have found this to be one of my biggest problems. In those "what is your biggest weakness" type questions people often think you are trying to pretend like you are awesome if you have answers like, "I care too much," "I'm a perfectionist," or "I want things done right the first time." But honestly, that is one of my biggest hurdles, I can't move forward if I come across something I can't answer or do to the standard I'd like. Then deadlines come and I end up throwing some subpar product together. I recently had a huge project due and my friend who knew I only finished it about an hour before the presentation, noted that while there was a lot of things she would have changed about the powerpoint presentation, my presentation itself was amazing. While this wants to feed my ego that I can do things last minute, it really has to go into the, now imagine what could have been done if I hadn't procrastinated type of feedback. Thank you for your videos, they help make me feel like I'm not the only one that has these exact issues.
I really appreciated this video. I fell into the procrastination trap by believing that it stopped me from nitpicking everything I did. As an artist I tend to constantly tweak a piece until I basically vapor lock and shelve the project altogether.
One trick I built myself for procrastinating typed assignments or essays is to write the outline (either given or my own) and then I fill it with what I want to write, but I do not focus on how they are written. This creates a document that grows in length and make me fell productive. Then, I go in and fix the sentences and add details. It stopped the paralysis for me and helped me do some work even when I can't find the proper sentences!
Thomas, thank you so much for making all these incredible videos. They have not only been inspiring but life changing as well. I've been a chronic procrastinator, and have been struggling to get out of this habit for so long, and watching your procrastination series, was definitely relatable. It answered a number of questions I had in mind, especially as to the why etc. Thanks so much again Thomas, hope you'll be able to overcome this habit for good as well and continue becoming the awesome productivity guru that you are! :)
I recognize a lot of what you are saying in my behaviours and mindsets, and it's really cool how you are talking about yourself being a procrastinator too. I never knew that, and like some others have said it makes you seem more human. I've been watching your videos and listening to your podcasts for a long time and I'm really happy I've found you and I've learned so much about self-improvement, and even put some of it into practice. Keep up the awesome work!
Great video. I've had this procrastination problem for a few years now and I've been doing all i can to break the cycle and i have gotten far. I noticed that a good few of these tips are things I'm actually started using lately. Good to know I'm on three right track. But some of these are also new suggestions that seem really helpful
Thomas, you’re not just one person on a speck floating through space. You’re a unique creation, loved by God. And, hang on wait for it....our Earth is the stationary center of Gods creation. The Earth is a plane ( flat ), and the entire cosmology we’ve been brainwashed to believe is a lie. Anyway, I digress, thank you for this series, and your work. I’m fighting this in my life, and you’re helping me tremendously.
I'm almost having a breakdown on procrastinating my coursework until today. i know i will not get good marks, but i will get rid of this behavior little by little. Thank you so much Thomas
Thomas ! Man i am being honest like the reality and vulnerability you have spoken today makes me think of all the times i have sold myslef short because of that inner feeling that i can manage it well at last moment ! That very feeling that i can do a bare minimum work under pressure and pase through in life has been the core to my work ethic to do the bare minimum needed to stay in the game ! This has been a wake up call ! Thanks man ! Can you please start a Paetron or TH-cam special to mentor people ! Would help a lot!
you are the best youtuber. i've been implementing the 20 second rule for a year for my gaming and it helped me concentrate on my college work making me come out with top grades for the course which was better than the target the college gave me. i have also found it helping me with my uni work the past few months as i don't think about having to try get a game out.
As someone who REALLY struggles to start working on a video due to perfectionism and therefore procrastination, this has honestly helped me out so much. Thank you, you legend.
All the four are absolutely same as mine. To be more specific the fourth one. Procrastination series is awsum. Thank you so much Thomas Frank for such a wonderful work. The best thing about you is you are more of down to earth person and the changes you say to make are lot practical. Keep working.. this makes a great progress in our lives:-) thumbs up!
A phrase I always live by when trying to get work done is "out of sight, out of mind". I put distractions out of view to zone in on a certain task. If your work is on the internet, limit the amount of tabs you use.
I relate so much to this, I used to have good grades on highschool, but now that I'm in university, my problems with procrastination got worst, since in school I used to leave everything to the last moment and ended up doing everything the night before and still had the best grades, I probably ended up believing, like you said, that this was something like a superpower... now last year was really hard for my to deal with procrastination, I have bad grades and still can't get to study... I still leave everything till the last moment, I need to change this, also, I've always been a perfectionist, maybe I should also deal with that, I hope this year can be better for me
Thomas, your content never fails to amaze me. Keep doing what your doing. So grateful I came across your channel it truly has had an impact in my daily routine.❤
Thomas, you've been a great help. I am slowly shedding my procrastination habit. It's slow, but progressing. Wish me luck to fully implement the tips and be a better version of myself!
HOW ARE YOU IN YOUR 20's?????????? Man. . . you are wise beyond your years and SUPER helpful. I look forward to your presidential run in 2032. Thanks for the advice! I think I'm at the level of having to create a separate log in on my laptop with nothing but the stuff I need on it. . . Cheers to creating!
Thanks for this series, Thomas. I'm not sure I've gotten to the root of my chronic procrastination yet, but these videos have helped. I hope making them has helped you too!
2:02 The irony of doing something "you don't want to do" to avoid doing something "you don't want to do" is mesmerizing. I think this is more on the realm of destructive habits though.
Things like homework and assignments that are due on a specific date, I often wait till the last day before it's due and then I do my homework and assignment, and I know this is going to mess my life up, this is why I'm finding a way to stop this procrastination habit
I think that for some of us, the tendency to procrastinate is rooted in the perception of urgency producing a hormone high. We don’t do things when we should, we do them when we feel that impending doom is imminent. Then we get that fight or flight hormone high that our bodies produce in response to stress. I think we might be postponing our tasks to get a little high. Its a reward, even though it creates chaos in our lives.
Years ago I was a follower of the SLOB sisters in Washington state. They had created a card file system to have a clean organized home. They found they would delay a task (cleaning out the refrigerator) because they didn't like doing it. Their solution to this problem was to allow them to skip the task 2 times. If there were 2 x's on the card, it meant that it HAD to be done the next time it appeared in their day's duties in the card file.
One of my favorite mantras to not procrastinate is 'win ugly' (comes from MommaStrong fitness program). So even if my child is crawling all over me while I do it, I'm still doing it. I also recently realised that indecision paralysis is a problem for me because I'm trying to make a perfect decision!
I do the first thing you mentioned. When there is too much work ahead of me I tend to procrastinate. BUT when I try to only think of the small piece of work that I need to focus in first, then my mentality shifts to "ok, that's small and easy. I have plenty of time. Let's do it later"!!!!! So that does not help! I'm in a dead end!
Well done, this is a dense explanation of procrastination filled with valuable info, it is on my weekly re-listen list. Thank you for your efforts, you've earned a like, long time supporter.
The moment analysis paralysis was mentioned I immediately fell in that state analysing how I am affected by information overload, analysis paralysis & faking perfectionism for all my life. I actually had to replay the video(again & again) after coming back to real world. Also the only way to get over it is to write, that's how I'm freeing myself from paralysis & self imposed perfectionism trap of not writing or responding to anything because of feeling of being imperfect/inadequate. Many Thanks Thomas, Also Sensei please make a video on information overload/Analysis paralysis we could really use some help with such inner demons ;)
Nice suggestion, Leo. This is a good topic that will help other folks as well. What worked for me is realizing that you can only focus on one thing at a time. To succeed, you need to use one method (let's say exercise) for a period of time to see results. It's not going to happen overnight. You got to make a decision to stick with what you're currently doing each time the temptation to "look for greener pastures" appear.
There will definitely be more productivity content in the future! The tough thing about writing this series is that SO much of what I've already covered on this channel connects to procrastination - self-discipline, habits, focus, distractions, sleep... it all plays a role. So I had to work to strike a balance between covering things I haven't said before and linking back to topics that other videos already covered, yet that were still important to mention.
my level of procrastinating goes as far as seeing the notification of a video about stopping procrastinating, saving it, procrastinating and then watching it 3 weeks later...I have over 350 videos saved fml
I find it’s actually more difficult to go through the thinking process of procrastination, that I worry about how to accomplish the task, as opposed to doing the task itself. I have a permanent injury and I have daily pain, but it is way more enjoyable to break things down and do a little at a time then do nothing at all. Even if I don’t succeed I work out what I can change , set a different goal, learning something in the process is a definite plus.
Excellent. I often overcome my horrendous procrastinations using techniques similar to those you had mentioned before. But I had never tried to understand why I keep doing it decade after decade until now. Thank you, Thomas. One more comment: You said you want to be someone who is known as a hard worker not that you want to be a hard worker. Does that difference affect how you work? You don’t have to answer that except perhaps to yourself. Thank you again.
The best/worst feeling is doing something after procrastinating forever. "Oh, that was actually really easy. Why didn't I do this weeks ago and save myself all the stress? Lesson learned." And then I inevitably procrastinate again 😅
Hey love your channel too
Word.
Can’t agree more 😅😅
Only . every . time haha
Same
"You don't set out to build a wall. You don't say 'I'm going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that's ever been built.' You don't start there. You say, 'I'm going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid. You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall." Will Smith said this and I think it fits perfectly with this topic. Focus on one thing at a time and try to do it the best way possible.
BUILD THE WALL!! /s
Unless you are a tangerine dictator
@@arckocsog253 But he's obviously procrastinated on said wall. Maybe he should watch this video?
Personally I don't agree with this statement. I haven't watched Sam smiths video yet so I don't know the context but as said by Thomas frank, which is something I agree to, perfectionism is one of the main, if not the biggest cause for procastination. If we think each of the brick has to be really perfect a person will never start building the wall to begin with🙂🙂
@@kellyle8404 the point is that it's much easier to prefect a brick than it is to prefect a whole wall😶
One day when I was really high, I realized that I procrastinate because I'm afraid of giving something my all and still failing. Failing when you don't put much effort into it doesn't hurt as much.
Yep, that makes sense. I also came to that conclusion (in addition to agree to what he said in the video)
That's fear of failure
That's pathetic. You fear the very best learning tool known to mankind... Failure.🤔
Is this evidence I should get high and then I would be able to figure out my big insecurities?
Shouldn’t be afraid of failing everyone fails. No one got to where they are without failing multiple times, it’s the ones that keep pushing that make it. And even when you fail society has made us see it as such a bad thing. Really it’s not you’re still learning and moving forward/growing. Nothing wrong with failing, this is why I smoke once in a while still when I smoke weed sometimes I’ll have deep realizations. Checkout mfceo podcast you might like it
1) 2:14 You are often overwhelmed with everything you need to do
2) 3:45 You need to let go of the belief that procastination is a good thing
3) 5:02 You need to learn to deal with the fact that some work just isn't fun
4) 6:05 You need to get over your perfectionism
5) 8:33 Set up your environment in accordance with the 20-second rule
Himanshu Singh thank you for taking the time to do this
Thank u so much
hero!!!!
Thank you
You make me stop 🛑 the video 🤣🤣
Procrastination has been destroying my future, for me is almost a disease. But recently what is helping me ... is the concept of minimalism. What I am trying to say is keep it simple, I used to plan unrealistic study and gym sessions. Now I just study two chapters per day and I go to the gym three times a week. And is working!
I'm so happy you found a balance! Keep it up!
yeah, that's exactly how it works, you've done well
Same here, I'm have a lot of trouble with procrastination and perfectionism
That's a huge progress dudee! Keep it up
1- I'm often overwhelmed with everything i need to do
2- I need to let go of the belief that procrastination is a good thing
3- I need to learn to deal with the fact that some work isn't just fun
4- I need to get over my perfectionism
P. S. Other points discussed :
Self awareness
Observe behavior
Minimize stimuli that cause procrastination
Legend💯
Dr McDreamy You kinda skimmed over what I think the most important part of he video is, which is the 20 second rule thing. Which is to make procrastinating things very inconvenient to get to which makes you procrastinate less
Start work well in advance, possibly with mini deadlines
I procrastinate because I always 'have a lot of time left'. In the end, my works piles up and I end up only doing half.
Similar case hear
Hell idols would you like to be my friend
And ending up crying 6 times
Lucky, i procrastinate because of literally nothing and i end up doing no work. I have no idea what is wrong with me
Use a timer. Set it to 1 minute. If you don't do it in around 5 minutes, you probably will not do the thing. Trust me, its efficient. Use a convenient timer.
Procrastinating is a mind game. It seems like a mountain is in front of you so you procrastinate. You just have to buckle up and climb and once you're on the top, the view is very rewarding! Think of the reward, not the mountain and this really helps change the procrastination mindset.
Ranger Ruby have you ever been a real procrastinator? 🙂
If so, you might know that your solution has one big flaw: future rewards don’t work.
Procrastinating is all about getting a reward (namely, doing something less hard/more fun) RIGHT NOW. Without having to wait. 😉
@@Zett76 You need to overcome the reward of not doing hard work now with an even better reward called satisfaction.
Ranger Ruby Why? I just reward myself when I feel like it. End of story. 😁
...I overcame procrastination by learning to LOVE doing. No accomplishment rewards needed at all.
Exactly, it feels like you’ll never get it done so why even try
Stopped this video at 3:13 to stop procrastinating. Three finals next week, wish me luck!
This video was uploaded at the perfect time with finals week around the corner 🙌🏼 #CollegeLife
This needs all the likes it can get
only 5 exams left then vacationssss
I failed a class this semester because I procrastinated so hard. Everyone tells me I need tutoring when in fact I just didn't do the work and that why I made such a low grade. Here recently I've also started to realize that it's getting so bad that I even procrastinate sleeping. I got through high school with basically straight A's while procrastinating, I think failing a college class was the wake up call I needed.
Just CPU I swear we are living the same life. I too failed a college class because of my procrastination. It’s time to make a huge change in my life
@@clearwateranglersfishing9810 I just started back to school and slowly I'm breaking my old habits, but its not easy.
this awful endless cycle.
1)get overwhelmed with everything you need to do
2)perfectionism wants me to do everything perfectly in one shot
3)That's humanly impossible, so I have to put in the work
4)I put in the work, but I realize I wouldn't be this miserable if I started earlier
5) work gets exhausting so you get distracted and think of negative thoughts
6) destress with unproductive tasks
7) guilt over being unproductive and berating that I need to study/work
8) go back to number 1
Great points thomas, I feel identified with all of them. One thing I can add is, when you become the "optimization guru", when you think you should be working all the time, etc. You never get to find a balance between leisure and work. I myself have made this mistake, and have almost failed because I was just too strict, instead of just trying to do a little thing each day.
Also have stuff in your life where you are not actively trying to be the best. I know perfectionist as I am one myself, and I find myself trying to push myself in everything, sports, videogames, relationships, my use of money, etc. You have to know when to just have fun, and when to get to work.
Expectancy,
reward,
value,
motivation,
Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony.
Then everything changed when the Procrasti _nation_ attacked. 🔥
*
_CopyPaste_
@@HarshwardhanSinghChauhan- yes I did copy paste... I stole this comment
From myself, I thought of this and used it for his 3 vid's about procrastination haha
I thought it was kinda clever the first time I read it. Now you just seem sad.
@@Evija3000 atleast I didn't steal someone's comment right 😂👀
That's what I call sad ahah
Mystery M , it’s ok to share a valuable comment, in this changing electronic world it seems there a few boundaries. I think the intent of what you said is positive, that’s what’s important. 🦉
The mini-deadlines idea has helped me enormously! I used to decide on a topic, brainstorm and write my essays literally a couple of hours before they were due because of my wish for perfectionism. I started bullet journaling and now I try to meet self-imposed deadlines for smaller tasks; such as brainstorming or writing an outline a few weeks before so I can at least think about it in advance. That has helped with literally everything I do, even keeping my home clean! I have a self-imposed deadline for washing the dishes after breakfast, which forces me to wake up and exercise earlier with the idea that otherwise I won’t be able to meet the deadline at all. Great advice, Thomas, I’m really enjoying your channel.
You are the brother that I never had ,thank you for the help .
Thank you brother
I loved your honesty. I'm so glad I saw your video, will follow you from now on! I don't feel THE procrastinator anymore, I know it happens to a lot of us. Thanks for sharing!
i feel so called out and i think i really needed it. will update once i try to remember these as i work on my final papers
Hi! This is my first time taking notes for the general public, but I'm an author trying to be actionable with some of my procrastination habits. OK; here we go!
Timestamps per tip + my personal notes for our benefit:
0:33: Storytime!
The tools you can use to defeat your procrastination (+ Thomas' explanation):
1:20: Self-awareness
1:50: Observe your own behavior
A batch of reasons why you may procrastinate
2:13: You can be often overwhelmed with everything you need to do
- You may have analysis paralysis: by focusing on all you must do, the act of doing (let alone thinking about it), prompts you to be paralyzed, so...
- Make your tasks actionable enough and understandable (or, to me, enticing in theory) to do; it'll be easier to will yourself to do them.
Example: do you have a homework assignment that is due tomorrow? How about imagining your desired lifestyle as a product of you finishing it or the feeling of you being a master of your life.
- Focus on one task to do in the present moment
3:44: You need to let go of the belief that procrastination is a good thing
- You may be bragging about how your procrastination is an asset. Don't; you lower your standards and potential doing this; completing something last-minute is completion made by a procrastinator
4:59: You need to learn (how) to deal with the fact that some work just isn't fun
- Even if you follow your passions, you will still have unpleasant work to do.
- Focus on your desired identity instead of the task at hand. I personally want to be a vrouw based on hard work, intentionality, and the values of God.
6:04: You need to get over your perfectionism
- Previous good feedback or the product of a desirable outcome can pose pressure upon you.
Example: your parents celebrate you getting straight As in class or your boss compliments you on your performance in your team, so you feel propelled to achieve that same level of excellence.
- An editor's perspective inhibits creativity and creation; come into your space to make a mess of your work and THEN edit.
7:56: Thomas' personal solutions in hopes to fix our procrastination problem
- Let go of your perfectionistic mindset
- Use self-made deadlines to give you the incentive to work, from there make the edits you'd like
8:23: One more tip!
- Increase the friction of things you don't want to do (playing video games, scrolling through TH-cam, etc.) and decrease the friction for things you want to do (study, work, write, etc.)
Though I have a question for anyone courteous to answer:
I wonder if anybody has tips to get me to work on tasks most unpleasant to me. I excuse myself of doing them until the last minute, saying, "the task takes too much brainpower" because my head generally hurts as I give a fair amount of focus to my work. Please be merciful with your responses; I don't know if the answer's plain-and-clear to see.
@The Dreamer, thank you!!! I was gonna watch the vid again and take notes. :)
Edit: unfortunately, I don't have an appropriate response to your question for I am struggling with this very problem myself. 😔
Thank you , Thomas .
3:56 Yeah my standards are absoloutely silly low, I dont want to be barely passing, I want to be passing with flying colours - everytime I procrastonate I compromose on my goals because I think I'll still *Survive* - I think perhaps the goals I set arent as clear in my mind as the automaticly set goal of simply failing - how do I set those goals? - a question I desperately need to answer, I guess the root of this whooole issue is that I only ask these types of questions when I have a deadlione approaching... like now... so maybe I need a timebound goal for myself to be vaguely "better at this stuff" outside of deadline time?
Excellent video top marks bro. Blessings from Scotland.
Thank you for highlighting the need for perfectionism being a bad thing in that it prevents you from getting started and creating whatever it is you need to do. I have found this to be one of my biggest problems. In those "what is your biggest weakness" type questions people often think you are trying to pretend like you are awesome if you have answers like, "I care too much," "I'm a perfectionist," or "I want things done right the first time." But honestly, that is one of my biggest hurdles, I can't move forward if I come across something I can't answer or do to the standard I'd like. Then deadlines come and I end up throwing some subpar product together. I recently had a huge project due and my friend who knew I only finished it about an hour before the presentation, noted that while there was a lot of things she would have changed about the powerpoint presentation, my presentation itself was amazing. While this wants to feed my ego that I can do things last minute, it really has to go into the, now imagine what could have been done if I hadn't procrastinated type of feedback. Thank you for your videos, they help make me feel like I'm not the only one that has these exact issues.
I really appreciated this video. I fell into the procrastination trap by believing that it stopped me from nitpicking everything I did. As an artist I tend to constantly tweak a piece until I basically vapor lock and shelve the project altogether.
One trick I built myself for procrastinating typed assignments or essays is to write the outline (either given or my own) and then I fill it with what I want to write, but I do not focus on how they are written. This creates a document that grows in length and make me fell productive. Then, I go in and fix the sentences and add details. It stopped the paralysis for me and helped me do some work even when I can't find the proper sentences!
Thomas, thank you so much for making all these incredible videos. They have not only been inspiring but life changing as well. I've been a chronic procrastinator, and have been struggling to get out of this habit for so long, and watching your procrastination series, was definitely relatable. It answered a number of questions I had in mind, especially as to the why etc. Thanks so much again Thomas, hope you'll be able to overcome this habit for good as well and continue becoming the awesome productivity guru that you are! :)
Watching this video is probably the best way to procrastinate 😊
Because I know your advices are gonna be useful 🐻
I find your videos refreshing
This video was very helpful for me, thank you!
Thank u so much....u just inspired me to stop procrastinating
Thank u ❤❤❤
Love you so much man you always give me a huge push to go on
I recognize a lot of what you are saying in my behaviours and mindsets, and it's really cool how you are talking about yourself being a procrastinator too. I never knew that, and like some others have said it makes you seem more human. I've been watching your videos and listening to your podcasts for a long time and I'm really happy I've found you and I've learned so much about self-improvement, and even put some of it into practice. Keep up the awesome work!
Great video.
I've had this procrastination problem for a few years now and I've been doing all i can to break the cycle and i have gotten far. I noticed that a good few of these tips are things I'm actually started using lately. Good to know I'm on three right track. But some of these are also new suggestions that seem really helpful
Thomas, you’re not just one person on a speck floating through space. You’re a unique creation, loved by God. And, hang on wait for it....our Earth is the stationary center of Gods creation. The Earth is a plane ( flat ), and the entire cosmology we’ve been brainwashed to believe is a lie. Anyway, I digress, thank you for this series, and your work. I’m fighting this in my life, and you’re helping me tremendously.
I'm almost having a breakdown on procrastinating my coursework until today. i know i will not get good marks, but i will get rid of this behavior little by little. Thank you so much Thomas
Thomas !
Man i am being honest like the reality and vulnerability you have spoken today makes me think of all the times i have sold myslef short because of that inner feeling that i can manage it well at last moment !
That very feeling that i can do a bare minimum work under pressure and pase through in life has been the core to my work ethic to do the bare minimum needed to stay in the game !
This has been a wake up call !
Thanks man !
Can you please start a Paetron or TH-cam special to mentor people !
Would help a lot!
Finals start tomorrow for me.. clearly needed this. Awesome info! Thanks a bunch =)
you are the best youtuber. i've been implementing the 20 second rule for a year for my gaming and it helped me concentrate on my college work making me come out with top grades for the course which was better than the target the college gave me. i have also found it helping me with my uni work the past few months as i don't think about having to try get a game out.
love your videos! they’re always motivational whenever i’m feeling down
Thank you so much for this great video. I learned a lot :)
thank you for this Thomas!!
Tomas, keep up the great work!
Pefect time..... I was looking for this.....
Thank you so much for this mini- series on procrastination!
This was so well put. Thank you so much :)
11:57 "Goodbye!" - enjoyed seeing that passionate bid of farewell to procrastination! 😀
I love how Thomas is going hardcore attack on procrastinating 😂
As someone who REALLY struggles to start working on a video due to perfectionism and therefore procrastination, this has honestly helped me out so much. Thank you, you legend.
You've described me and my struggles very good too thank you been battling with procrastination and everything since school years
Step one: don't add this video to the watch later playlist 😂😂😂
This is not funny. Stop trying to be funny.
Awesomeee. Will do this later.
All the four are absolutely same as mine. To be more specific the fourth one. Procrastination series is awsum. Thank you so much Thomas Frank for such a wonderful work. The best thing about you is you are more of down to earth person and the changes you say to make are lot practical. Keep working.. this makes a great progress in our lives:-) thumbs up!
Thanks for this fantastic series, been excellent!
A phrase I always live by when trying to get work done is "out of sight, out of mind". I put distractions out of view to zone in on a certain task. If your work is on the internet, limit the amount of tabs you use.
I relate so much to this, I used to have good grades on highschool, but now that I'm in university, my problems with procrastination got worst, since in school I used to leave everything to the last moment and ended up doing everything the night before and still had the best grades, I probably ended up believing, like you said, that this was something like a superpower... now last year was really hard for my to deal with procrastination, I have bad grades and still can't get to study... I still leave everything till the last moment, I need to change this, also, I've always been a perfectionist, maybe I should also deal with that, I hope this year can be better for me
I’ve been waiting for this video since I watched the last two in the series. Also, I LOVE your channel and College Info Geek!! Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Thomas, for being vulnerable
thanks🌷
Thomas, your content never fails to amaze me. Keep doing what your doing. So grateful I came across your channel it truly has had an impact in my daily routine.❤
Thomas, you've been a great help. I am slowly shedding my procrastination habit. It's slow, but progressing. Wish me luck to fully implement the tips and be a better version of myself!
Good luck Firdaus! You can do it :)
very good video thanks bro
Nice one
HOW ARE YOU IN YOUR 20's?????????? Man. . . you are wise beyond your years and SUPER helpful. I look forward to your presidential run in 2032. Thanks for the advice! I think I'm at the level of having to create a separate log in on my laptop with nothing but the stuff I need on it. . . Cheers to creating!
Very useful video
Thanks for this series, Thomas. I'm not sure I've gotten to the root of my chronic procrastination yet, but these videos have helped. I hope making them has helped you too!
2:02 The irony of doing something "you don't want to do" to avoid doing something "you don't want to do" is mesmerizing. I think this is more on the realm of destructive habits though.
HOW ACCURATE IS THIS VIDEO?!?!?
the whole time I thought you were describing me! Very helpful video!
😭 #4 is so me. #2 too. Thank you Thomas Frank. God bless
Things like homework and assignments that are due on a specific date, I often wait till the last day before it's due and then I do my homework and assignment, and I know this is going to mess my life up, this is why I'm finding a way to stop this procrastination habit
I wish he said:
“You might want to watch that video after this one....UNLESS you’re procrastinating.”
I think that for some of us, the tendency to procrastinate is rooted in the perception of urgency producing a hormone high. We don’t do things when we should, we do them when we feel that impending doom is imminent. Then we get that fight or flight hormone high that our bodies produce in response to stress. I think we might be postponing our tasks to get a little high. Its a reward, even though it creates chaos in our lives.
Years ago I was a follower of the SLOB sisters in Washington state. They had created a card file system to have a clean organized home. They found they would delay a task (cleaning out the refrigerator) because they didn't like doing it. Their solution to this problem was to allow them to skip the task 2 times. If there were 2 x's on the card, it meant that it HAD to be done the next time it appeared in their day's duties in the card file.
I don’t want to do what I have to do because I have to do what I don’t want to do.
One of my favorite mantras to not procrastinate is 'win ugly' (comes from MommaStrong fitness program). So even if my child is crawling all over me while I do it, I'm still doing it. I also recently realised that indecision paralysis is a problem for me because I'm trying to make a perfect decision!
Great video! I really loved the part about focusing on your identity and the kind of person you want to be.
Thank you so much
Best way of putting off studying for a chronic procrastinator is to watch your videos. Happy hustling everyone! 💜
I do the first thing you mentioned. When there is too much work ahead of me I tend to procrastinate. BUT when I try to only think of the small piece of work that I need to focus in first, then my mentality shifts to "ok, that's small and easy. I have plenty of time. Let's do it later"!!!!! So that does not help! I'm in a dead end!
Well done, this is a dense explanation of procrastination filled with valuable info, it is on my weekly re-listen list. Thank you for your efforts, you've earned a like, long time supporter.
Thank you for this video, it was really helpful.
The most informal and useful tips and how to videos I have ever seen, Thank you very much, Thomas, for such great content!
The moment analysis paralysis was mentioned I immediately fell in that state analysing how I am affected by information overload, analysis paralysis & faking perfectionism for all my life. I actually had to replay the video(again & again) after coming back to real world. Also the only way to get over it is to write, that's how I'm freeing myself from paralysis & self imposed perfectionism trap of not writing or responding to anything because of feeling of being imperfect/inadequate. Many Thanks Thomas, Also Sensei please make a video on information overload/Analysis paralysis we could really use some help with such inner demons ;)
Nice suggestion, Leo. This is a good topic that will help other folks as well. What worked for me is realizing that you can only focus on one thing at a time. To succeed, you need to use one method (let's say exercise) for a period of time to see results. It's not going to happen overnight. You got to make a decision to stick with what you're currently doing each time the temptation to "look for greener pastures" appear.
So sad these procrastination series ended, thanks for sharing your knowledge Thomas!
There will definitely be more productivity content in the future! The tough thing about writing this series is that SO much of what I've already covered on this channel connects to procrastination - self-discipline, habits, focus, distractions, sleep... it all plays a role. So I had to work to strike a balance between covering things I haven't said before and linking back to topics that other videos already covered, yet that were still important to mention.
Dude, you are just awesome... after watching your vedioes I have changed a lot of things in my life... thanks for making such helpful vedioes....✌✌✌
I loved the video ... I have some of those procrastinating habits that make me less productive , thank u sir !!
I love you, man.
THIIIIS CAME AT THE RIGHT TIME I SWEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my level of procrastinating goes as far as seeing the notification of a video about stopping procrastinating, saving it, procrastinating and then watching it 3 weeks later...I have over 350 videos saved fml
Your videos have been in-depth and inspiring lately. More than just commonsensical advice.
I’m 25 and I’m still far behind in getting my GED… I’m fearing for my life
It would be awesome if you could do a mini series for nutrition as well
Same. I malfunction when I have lots of things. Thanks for the tips.
I find it’s actually more difficult to go through the thinking process of procrastination, that I worry about how to accomplish the task, as opposed to doing the task itself. I have a permanent injury and I have daily pain, but it is way more enjoyable to break things down and do a little at a time then do nothing at all. Even if I don’t succeed I work out what I can change , set a different goal, learning something in the process is a definite plus.
soooooo helpful!
Thank you Thomas you're a star. I suffer with this as well.
this video is right on time because i've been planning to start studying for 2 weeks now!!
Be at the present , not keep back to old bad memories , thats kill my game and attractive
Excellent. I often overcome my horrendous procrastinations using techniques similar to those you had mentioned before. But I had never tried to understand why I keep doing it decade after decade until now. Thank you, Thomas. One more comment: You said you want to be someone who is known as a hard worker not that you want to be a hard worker. Does that difference affect how you work? You don’t have to answer that except perhaps to yourself. Thank you again.