logo
episode-header-image
May 2020
36m 43s

The Real Reason You Procrastinate

TED
About this episode

You procrastinate because you're lazy, right? Wrong. The truth is more complex—and far more interesting. Learn how to stop putting off important tasks ... with a little help from master procrastinator Margaret Atwood.

Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
The sneaky language tricks cults use to influence you | Amanda Montell
In the age of social media and wellness trends, the comments section is as good as a cult compound, says linguist and cultural commentator Amanda Montell. Using Taylor Swift’s throng of devoted Swifties as her guide, she exposes three sneaky language tactics that cults use to inf ... Show More
28m 2s
Mar 12
3 habits to practice curiosity — and escape your phone | Nayeema Raza
We're so entangled with our devices that online has started to feel more real than IRL, says journalist Nayeema Raza. As screens reshape how we connect and relate, she offers three practical habits to reignite curiosity, restore presence and break free from our phones.(Following ... Show More
22m 4s
Mar 11
The award for best comedy wildlife photo goes to... | Tom Sullam
Where's the best free comedy show in town? Tom Sullam, cofounder of the annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, shares hilarious animal photos that dissolve the distance between humans and nature. The result? A joyful case for caring about what we're at risk of losing.Learn mo ... Show More
14m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2020
The Real Reason You Procrastinate
You procrastinate because you're lazy, right? Wrong. The truth is more complex—and far more interesting. Learn how to stop putting off important tasks ... with a little help from master procrastinator Margaret Atwood.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/w ... Show More
36m 22s
Oct 2023
The Real Reason You Procrastinate
<p>If you or someone you know has a problem with procrastination, you've probably chalked it up to a deficiency in time management skills or self-control. But my guest says there are deeper reasons underlying procrastination, and he'll unpack what they are today on the show.</p>< ... Show More
48m 29s
Feb 2023
Why Do You Procrastinate?
Why Do You Procrastinate? Are you a member of the Procrastination Club? If so, you participate in one of the most popular groups ever devised. Everybody joins eventually. So, what is procrastination? "The intentional and habitual postponement of an important task that you should ... Show More
11m 19s
Jul 2021
01. A Letter to the Procrastinator
Everybody has procrastinated at some point in their lives; whether it be because you’re a master perfectionist, you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of work that you have to do, you find yourself with low self-esteem, or you just have trouble focusing. It’s so easy nowaday ... Show More
2m 49s
Oct 2022
Stop Procrastination The Easy Way
Stop Procrastination The Easy Way Are you a member of the Procrastination Club?   Procrastination is the intentional and systematic postponement of an essential task.   Is that what you are doing? Even if you are putting things off, is it possible that you are not procrastinating ... Show More
11m 3s
Jan 2024
DEF 05: How To Stop Procrastination and Stop Laziness
Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles in the way of your success... in anything. This is how you overcome procrastination. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content 
8m 2s
Dec 2023
How to Stop Procrastinating, According to the World’s Leading Expert (It’s Not What You Think)
<p>Are you always the one who is late for everything?</p><p>Do you find yourself procrastinating, no matter how hard you try to stay focused?</p><p>Does managing your time to get everything done feel impossible?</p><p>Mel sits down with THE world’s leading researcher on procrasti ... Show More
52m 20s
Apr 2022
Stop Procrastination With One Question
Are you a member of the Procrastination Club?  Procrastination is the intentional and habitual postponement of an essential task that you should be doing.  Is that what you are doing?  In my view, two things could be happening if you procrastinate - It may be possible that you ar ... Show More
12m 48s