ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel ASAP Science The Science of Procrastination – And How To Manage It
Let’s be honest, you’re probably reading this article to avoid doing something else, hoping to learn how to stop procrastinating. But time is ticking away. So, why is it so hard to stop putting things off? While psychologists are still debating the exact reasons, one common idea is that we tend to misjudge the value of a reward based on how soon we can get it. This is known as temporal discounting.
Imagine I offered you $100 today or $110 in a month. Most people would take the $100 now. But if I offered you $100 in a year or $110 in a year and one month, you might decide to wait for the extra $10. The time difference is the same in both cases, but our motivation changes based on how soon the reward seems. This is called present bias or hyperbolic discounting.
Scrolling through social media or surfing the web can feel more rewarding than studying for a test, at least until the test date gets closer and the value of a good grade becomes more immediate. Every time you do something fun, your brain gets a little hit of dopamine, which makes you want to do it again. Activities like video games or browsing the internet give you lots of quick rewards, unlike writing a big essay, which is a reward you have to wait for.
So, how can you fight the urge to procrastinate? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some strategies you can try:
Remember, procrastination is often a symptom, not the cause. Being motivated can lead to success. If you have a question or need more tips, feel free to ask in the comments or on social media. And don’t forget to subscribe for more science videos every week!
Imagine you are faced with a choice between immediate and delayed rewards. Create a short skit with your classmates to demonstrate how temporal discounting and present bias affect decision-making. Discuss how these concepts influence your daily choices.
Try the Pomodoro Technique for a week. Work in 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. Keep a journal of your productivity levels and feelings each day. Share your experiences with the class and discuss any changes in your work habits.
Keep a diary for a week to track when and why you procrastinate. Note the activities or thoughts that lead to procrastination. At the end of the week, analyze your entries to identify patterns and discuss strategies to overcome these triggers.
Create a personal reward system for completing tasks. Design a chart or app that tracks your progress and rewards. Share your system with classmates and discuss how it helps in managing procrastination.
In small groups, discuss what motivates you to complete tasks. Create a list of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Share your findings with the class and brainstorm ways to enhance motivation and reduce procrastination.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Let’s face it, you’re likely watching this video to avoid some other task you’re procrastinating on, hoping to learn how to stop procrastinating. But the clock is ticking. So why can’t you seem to stop? While the psychological causes are still debated, there’s a tendency to overestimate or underestimate the value of a reward based on how soon it is available. This is often referred to as temporal discounting.
For example, if I offered you $100 today or $110 in a month, most would take the $100 immediately. But what if I offered you $100 in a year or $110 in a year and one month? Suddenly, you might think that if you can wait a year, you can wait the extra month. The time and value difference are the same in both scenarios. It turns out that human motivation is highly influenced by how imminent the reward is perceived to be. The further away the reward is, the more its value is discounted. This is often referred to as present bias or hyperbolic discounting.
Being on social media or browsing the internet can feel more rewarding than achieving a perfect score on a test, until the value of that good mark becomes more immediate, prompting you to study hard. Additionally, every time something enjoyable happens, you receive a dose of dopamine, which reinforces the behavior in your brain. The problem is that activities like video games or internet browsing provide many small, quick rewards, unlike a term essay, which is a one-time future reward.
So how do you overcome the urge to procrastinate? Unfortunately, there isn’t just one solution, but you can try rewarding yourself in intervals with snacks, the internet, or other enjoyable activities. The Pomodoro Technique is one method: work for 25 minutes straight, then reward yourself with a 5-minute break. Gradually increasing your work time can improve your executive functioning.
Acknowledge your procrastination; it’s a common issue. Creating a self-imposed deadline can help manage your work habits, and externally imposed deadlines can be even more effective. Try to enjoy the process of achieving something instead of viewing it as a chore. Make a list of reasons you want to complete your goals, as reinforcing your motivation can minimize indecision.
Often, procrastination is a symptom rather than a cause, and being properly motivated can lead to success. Finally, consider removing temptations: turn off the internet, uninstall your favorite games, or work in a different environment. Putting obstacles in the way of your procrastination tools can help keep you on track.
If you have a burning question, feel free to ask in the comments or on social media, and subscribe for more weekly science videos!
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This version maintains the core ideas while ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Procrastination – The act of delaying or postponing tasks or responsibilities. – Sarah’s procrastination led her to start her science project the night before it was due.
Reward – A positive reinforcement given in response to a desired behavior or achievement. – After completing his homework on time all week, Tom’s parents gave him a reward of extra screen time.
Motivation – The internal drive or external incentive that encourages someone to take action or achieve goals. – The motivation to get good grades pushed Emily to study hard for her exams.
Bias – A tendency to favor one thing, person, or group over another, often in an unfair way. – The teacher’s bias towards students who participate more in class discussions was noticeable.
Dopamine – A neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in reward and pleasure systems. – Completing a challenging puzzle gave Jake a rush of dopamine, making him feel accomplished.
Strategies – Plans or methods developed to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem. – Maria used different study strategies to prepare for her final exams, including flashcards and group study sessions.
Deadlines – Specific dates or times by which tasks must be completed. – Knowing the project deadlines helped Alex manage his time more effectively.
Focus – The ability to concentrate on a task without being distracted. – To improve her focus, Lily turned off her phone while studying for her math test.
Habits – Regular practices or routines that are often done subconsciously. – Developing good study habits can lead to better academic performance.
Triggers – Events or stimuli that initiate a reaction or response. – Loud noises can be triggers for anxiety in some individuals.
