Minwoo’s Right Brain Archive

Procrastination - the show with zefrank

Beginning procrastinators should start with small, solvable tasks that are related to–but not identical to–the thing that’s being put off.

If you find yourself doing something identical to the thing that you’re putting off, you’ve failed and you should choose something else.

Start with things that give you momentary satisfaction and the illusion that you’re getting closer to the thing that you’re trying to avoid.

If it’s exercise, try buying backup running shoes or putting Post-It’s in fitness magazines.

If it’s writing a thank-you email, try out all the fonts on your computer, or search for a new quote for your signature line.

The illusion that you’re getting closer to your goal might make you feel like you’re not actually procrastinating. Just to doublecheck, stop everything you’re doing: you should start to feel a bit like utter crap.

Check out other hilarious (yet insightful!) pop-philosophic episodes of “the show” by Ze Frank. He was featured in Slate and NYTimes. I recommend the following shows which were mentioned in the Slate article: Brain Crack, Hindsight, and Earth Sandwich. Watch 5 episodes, and you’ll get addicted - something to watch when you’re procrastinating, heh.