TED Talk Tuesday #272 – Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

TED continues to spread ideas and help us all be better critical thinkers. Watching, listening and talking about TED Talks is a popular pastime for many in the CN&CO community. We visit TED.com regularly to clear our heads, have a laugh, learn or get inspired. TED Talks open our minds, spark new ways of thinking and can lead to some very interesting conversations and business opportunities. Each week we pick a favourite and publish it on a Tuesday, because we like how “TED Talk Tuesday” sounds. It’s also a way that the CN&CO team play their part in spreading ideas and helping to make the world a better place. Today’s talk was selected by Kurt.

Procrastination – the nemesis of productivity, a frustrating obstacle we all deal with at some point. Enter Tim Urban, the mastermind behind the popular Ted Talk, “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator.” With his characteristic wit and insights, Urban takes us on a journey through the treacherous landscape of procrastination and unveils the inner workings of the mind that constantly seeks to put things off.

Urban introduces the “Instant gratification monkey,” a pretty accurate depiction of the force that derails our best intentions. The monkey seeks fun and immediate rewards, diverting our attention from tasks that truly matter. It’s an internal struggle we can all relate to – the battle between short-term pleasure and long-term goals.

Then, the “Panic Monster,” the powerful figure that awakens when deadlines loom. Urban humorously points out that the panic monster is the only thing capable of taming the instant gratification monkey.

He then adds another player to the mix – the “Rational decision-maker,” the logical part of our brain that makes sensible plans and sets goals. Unfortunately, this sensible entity is often powered by the antics of the instant gratification monkey and the lurking panic monster.

While Urban’s portrayal of procrastination is light-hearted, it raises an important point – procrastination isn’t just about being lazy, it’s about managing emotions and internal conflicts. The talk highlights the complexities of the human mind and the various forces that influence our decision-making.

Tim’s talk reminds us that understanding the mechanisms behind our procrastination tendencies can help us better navigate this tricky terrain and, perhaps, find strategies to outsmart the instant gratification monkey and the lurking panic monster.

So, if you’re a seasoned procrastinator or just someone seeking a chuckle while pondering life’s quirks, “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator” is a must-watch Ted Talk that might just give you a new perspective on why you put off things until the last minute. Enjoy!