Why Procrastinators Procrastinate

Why Procrastinators Procrastinate is one of Wait But Why’s most viral posts. The post explains why procrastinators procrastinate and their behaviour.
The post introduces three characters in the brain: The Instant Gratification Monkey, the Panic Monster, and the Rational Decision Maker. Non-procrastinators don't have the Instant Gratification Monkey. What happens is that the Instant Gratification Monkey takes control of the brain from the Rational Decision Maker,  preventing the person from doing any work. and the only way this stops is if something that would have a highly negative effect like public embarrassment or being fired feels very possible and very soon in which case the Panic Monster wakes up and chases the Instant Gratification Monkey away, allowing the Rational Decision Maker to work.
It was adapted into a TED Talk, becoming one of the most watched TED Talks of all time.
== Full post ==
https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html
Category:Archive posts