Tim Urban's Playful Guide to Beating Procrastination and Boosting Productivity
It takes conscious, consistent and creative effort to make a life worth living.
Feeling stuck in a cycle of procrastination? Tim Urban, the mastermind behind the popular blog 'Wait But Why', has some fun yet effective strategies to help you break free. In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer chats with Tim about his unique approach to tackling procrastination and enhancing productivity. With his signature stick-figure illustrations and witty storytelling, Tim introduces listeners to characters like the rational decision maker, the instant gratification monkey, and the panic monster.
These playful metaphors make complex ideas about habit-building and mindfulness more accessible and entertaining. Tim dives into practical tips for overcoming procrastination, such as breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and setting external deadlines. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding the 'dark playground'—a mental space filled with guilt and anxiety that often accompanies procrastination. Instead, he encourages building habits and routines that strengthen your rational decision-maker, boosting self-confidence along the way.
Throughout the episode, Tim’s message is clear: finding joy and fulfillment comes from following through on commitments and being present in the moment. By feeding the 'good wolf' inside us—an idea inspired by the parable of two wolves—we can achieve our goals and live more satisfying lives. Whether you're a chronic procrastinator or just looking for some productivity hacks, this episode offers valuable insights wrapped in humor and wisdom.