

Tim Urban On Procrastination, Changing Habits, And Slow Improvement
270 snips May 27, 2023
Tim Urban, a renowned writer and illustrator known for his blog Wait But Why and his viral TED Talk on procrastination, dives deep into the complexities of self-improvement and creativity. He shares captivating analogies about procrastination, emphasizing the importance of slow, steady progress. Urban discusses the struggle between perfectionism and productivity, highlighting how manageable goals can lead to meaningful change. He also encourages embracing creativity while navigating societal expectations, advocating for independent thought and resilience in the face of challenges.
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Changing Habits
- People often mistakenly believe their unproductive habits are fixed aspects of their personality.
- Habits are malleable and can be changed with effort like training a "dumb dog."
Consistent Effort
- Consistent, average contributions are underestimated; small daily efforts compound over time.
- Instead of aiming for unrealistic marathon sessions, focus on consistent, manageable work periods.
The Tortoise Writer
- Writing a book is like a long road trip; focus on daily progress, not the overwhelming distance.
- Tim Urban struggles with long projects because the "dumb" part of his brain needs instant gratification.