Procrastination: The Abstract Art of Delaying

Ah, procrastination! We’ve all been there - putting off tasks, telling ourselves we’ll get to them later, and then later turns into hours, days, or weeks. Or never.

While it might feel like a modern thing, procrastination has been a part of human behavior for centuries. The good news is, that understanding it better can help us manage it more effectively.

Here are some surprising stories, fascinating facts, and tips on how to conquer the urge to procrastinate.

Historical procrastinators who created last-minute marvels

Procrastination isn’t just a modern dilemma; even great minds have wrestled with it. Leonardo da Vinci, for instance, was notorious for his procrastination. Despite being a genius, many of his projects were left unfinished. He spent 16 years working on the "Mona Lisa," and it’s said he carried it around with him, making endless tweaks. Yet, his procrastination didn’t diminish his legacy; instead, it may have fueled his creative process.

Another famous procrastinator was Victor Hugo, the author of "Les Misérables." To meet deadlines, Hugo had an unusual method: he locked away his clothes to force himself to stay home and write. By isolating himself, he managed to complete his monumental works. Sometimes, extreme measures can be the key to overcoming procrastination.

One of the brain's battles

So, why do we procrastinate? It turns out our brains are wired for it.

Procrastination is a result of a battle between the limbic system (the brain's pleasure center) and the prefrontal cortex (the decision-maker). The limbic system wants immediate gratification, while the prefrontal cortex aims for long-term goals. When the limbic system wins, we end up binge-watching Netflix instead of working or exercising.

Research has shown that procrastination can be linked to our perception of time. A study published in Psychological Science found that people who perceive their future selves as different from their present selves are more likely to procrastinate.

This disconnection makes future tasks feel less urgent, leading to delays. The solution to this is to bring closer the image of our future selves, to make it part of our present selves, so that the gap doesn't seem too big. From this perspective, procrastination is also linked to understanding consequences. Think about it!

Unusual procrastination solutions

Take the example of Professor John Perry, who coined the term “structured procrastination.” Perry suggests that procrastinators can still be productive by working on tasks they deem less important than the ones they’re avoiding. By doing this, they trick themselves into being productive while still procrastinating on their primary task. Yes, they still procrastinate, but at least they do it through work, not meaningless activities.

Another intriguing approach comes from author and speaker Tim Urban, who created the concept of the “Instant Gratification Monkey” and the “Panic Monster.” Urban explains that the Instant Gratification Monkey takes over our brains, leading us to procrastinate until the Panic Monster (looming deadlines) scares the monkey away, forcing us to get to work. Recognizing these internal characters can help us understand and manage our procrastination habits.

Surprising benefits of procrastination

Believe it or not, procrastination isn’t all bad. Sometimes, delaying tasks can lead to better results. For example, a study from the Journal of Social Psychology found that moderate procrastination can boost creativity. Taking breaks and allowing ideas to percolate can result in more innovative solutions.

Procrastination is a common struggle, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. By understanding its roots, learning from historical procrastinators, and applying creative strategies, you can turn procrastination into a tool for productivity and creativity.

Remember, everyone procrastinates - it’s how you manage it that makes the difference.

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