How to overcome procrastination, and why "just do it" is absolutely NOT the solution.

[Corty]

completely overrun by trolls

Please, you just couldn't take criticism. Don't worry; I won't criticize you again; the fact you locked the previous thread gave me enough of a chuckle.

 

[Deleted member 54065]

Please, you just couldn't take criticism. Don't worry; I won't criticize you again; the fact you locked the previous thread gave me enough of a chuckle.

Ei, Merry Christmas peeps!

 

[Jemini]

Personal thought.

Instead of focusing on the initial shove of "just do it", does the video focus on "keep doing it" or "fuck ups are normal, just keep doing it"?

Stopped at 12 min mark at 1.5 speed.

When combined with a few tips and tools to implement, this is actually worlds better than "just do it." "fuck ups are normal, just keep doing it" combines in a pep talk and accounts for the fact that the initial "just do it" may not be enough.

EDIT: It also has a more understanding tone, and the provision of tools and acknowledgement that people are different lets the person know that if one tactic fails, they can always try a different one. This all together makes it far less demoralizing than only hearing "just do it," and finding that "just do it" doesn't work for you.

 

[Deleted member 76176]

I've not watched the video, but I feel telling a procrastinator to just do it is the same as giving a new rhythm game player the advice 'play more' when asked about how to get better. It is effective most of the time and completely valid advice, even if entirely unhelpful.

Personally, I'd be pissed if someone told me that when I'm going through major depressive episodes, since at those times even basic tasks become a big huddle. Knowing it and not being able to summon enough motivation is the worst feeling ever.

 

[Jemini]

Please, you just couldn't take criticism. Don't worry; I won't criticize you again; the fact you locked the previous thread gave me enough of a chuckle.

Our last discussion in summery.

Me: This can help most people.

You: Don't listen, you only need the thing that only helps 20% of people and hurts everybody else.

Me: You are hurting people with what you're saying, stop.

You: I'm not listening, la-la-la.

Everyone else: Trololo.

Conversation break-down.

Anyone doesn't believe me, the mods only locked the thread instead of deleting it for the shit-show it became. You all can take a look at Corty acting like a complete jack-ass. I just made the request to make sure that toxic messaging you were giving didn't harm someone genuinely coming in to look for help and useful advice, but now as things have turned out this way I am completely unashamed of how I carried myself in that toxic situation. I'd say I'm unafraid of anyone coming in and seeing what a horrible human being you are, because the conversation essentially did turn out exactly like I just depicted there.

How to defeat procrastination.

I just stumbled across this video on Youtube, really good for helping you understand the causes of procrastination and then how to overcome those causes.

forum.scribblehub.com

(And the nice thing about the fact that I've disarmed the "just do it" message from the start this time means that now that I've set things straight once and kindly requested outside parties to take a look and make their own judgement, I can now just ignore you from this point forward.)

 

[Corty]

toxic messaging

what a horrible human being you are

that toxic messaging you were giving didn't harm someone

Don't worry; my tip thread has all the remedies for those who are looking for real advice.

Anyone curious can go check it out here:

Writing - Corty's Tip Jar

Think of this thread as a continuation of my [Tutorial] For new users of Scribble Hub! So, if you need basic help navigating the site, setting up your story, or an explanation of what the different genres mean, go check that out first! Now, to get some major things out of the way, I will take...

forum.scribblehub.com

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

So I really dislike the video because it bombards the viewer with imagery, the music choice, and even the way he's speaking comes off as emotionally manipulative to me. Also, I must have missed the 15-second rule somewhere, either that or the video title is just clickbait. I will admit that I skipped around a lot due to disliking the video.

Some things make sense in the video and can be useful, but I feel like all of the 3 kinds of procrastination are symptoms of a singular problem. Personally do all three due to the problem, The task is not something I want to do for whatever reason. I think addressing that problem is a better way to deal with it.

 

[Deleted member 84247]

I've not watched the video, but I feel telling a procrastinator to just do it is the same as giving a new rhythm game player the advice 'play more' when asked about how to get better. It is effective most of the time and completely valid advice, even if entirely unhelpful.

Personally, I'd be pissed if someone told me that when I'm going through major depressive episodes, since at those times even basic tasks become a big huddle. Knowing it and not being able to summon enough motivation is the worst feeling ever.

I definitely understand this problem. When you are self-aware depression. All you really need is to just do it, and you know that but it's a challenge. Though for that I recommend therapy or talking to friends about the problem.

Talking to someone who is actually listening makes me feel better automatically. Though, I feel like out of therapists maybe only 1 I had did, so I prefer friends. At the end of the day I'm just finding better ways to force myself to do a task. Because usually once I start I enjoy it more. The start is the hurdle.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

So I really dislike the video because it bombards the viewer with imagery, the music choice

I think it is a matter of taste. Maybe for younger audience, or someone who suffers from a lack of concentration colorful imagery and music will help. But I agree with you.

and even the way he's speaking comes off as emotionally manipulative to me.

Personally, didn't notice it. To me the lack of actual sources or something that can back up his words is more crucial. Using yourself as an example in something as complex as psychology isn't the best. To me the main problem was the lack of actual tips, tricks, and advice. He spend more time explaining why(how brain works), talking about non-existent evidence(his partner), and so on.

 

[StarrGaze]

I am replying as someone who suffers from all three types of procrastination and watched the entire video.

"Just do it" might mean different things in your dictionary compared to mine because the video just puts what I already do in more concise wording. I am going to use procrastination in regards to writing in the example today.

Clear goals (weirdly specific steps): The "just do it" mindset helps me start writing and prevents my brain from overthinking. Example: I will start writing by typing randomly without thinking about the outcome. My goal? get letters on the Google doc. This will lower the hurdle, allowing my mind to enter the flow state more easily. Typing letters is much less intimidating than writing a chapter.

Your mind knows how to tune the challenge-skill balance naturally, you don't need to force it. Think less, do more. [See Centipede's Dilemma-A psychological effect]

Microscopic tasks to "provide a steady drip of dopamine": I have a daily routine where my brain ramps up for the main task. (make bed, clean, coffee, etc.) Routine/ "Familiar habits" force my mind to depend on the basal ganglia which the video recommends. How do I get started with my routine every day? I turn my brain off and "just do it" literally because there is no other way. If I allow myself to think, trust me it will never happen with my level of procrastination once it gets going. I then use the dopamine to start on other tasks that might take more out of me.

Bypassing/Response-inhibition: This is the founding principle of the "Just do it" mindset IMO. This is also the main reason I've found the approach to work so well for me. I don't allow myself the time to think and "just do it" before I can register my excuses. I find it much easier to continue compared to initiating a task. This also lowers the mental hurdle.

Example: Am I struggling to even get out of bed today? I rip the covers off, jump out of bed, and touch my toes before my brain can register tf just happened.

Does it work all the time? No. Don't underestimate my procrastination. But is it the closest thing to working for me after many years of trying different things? Yes.

So I agree with this video, but it is not different from what I already believe. PLEASE take note: Don't confuse the "just do it" approach with the negative connotation some people with bad intentions use as a way to be condescending. I understand the automatic triggering of defensive mechanisms for people who have had to deal with that but that's a very clear bias.

Please read the entire response before disagreeing, it takes less than 20 minutes XD

 

[Deleted member 76176]

I definitely understand this problem. When you are self-aware depression. All you really need is to just do it, and you know that but it's a challenge. Though for that I recommend therapy or talking to friends about the problem.

Talking to someone who is actually listening makes me feel better automatically. Though, I feel like out of therapists maybe only 1 I had did, so I prefer friends. At the end of the day I'm just finding better ways to force myself to do a task. Because usually once I start I enjoy it more. The start is the hurdle.

Finding friends irl to talk to is the difficult part in my opinion. Conversing with online friends helps, but you can't always share or want to share private life with them.

Spoiler

There was one time I recall I missed my exams because I was feeling absolute worst at the time, after which I had to endure bunch of highschoolers make fun of me; not even in my back. It does wonders to your trust system.

Regardless, I agree that once you force yourself to do it, you can most probably keep doing it, at least for some time.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Just do it isn't a good way to go about it but not doing it without considering why isn't good either. I think your argument is very good and thought out. Sadly, without the (serious) tag it probably will be overtaken by trolls once again.

 

[Jemini]

Just do it isn't a good way to go about it but not doing it without considering why isn't good either. I think your argument is very good and thought out. Sadly, without the (serious) tag it probably will be overtaken by trolls once again.

I don't know. While the people in here seem rather evenly split in terms of negative to positive reactions to the video and the advice given, the discussion this time around has at least been productive and focused on actual issues rather than people just making flippant comments while meanwhile refusing to even watch the video and only wanting to derail the whole thing.

I'd much rather people be negative about the video's content and pour on actual legit and pointed criticism. At the very least that criticism goes in the direction of exploring what actually works rather than people who just want to be obstinately oppositional to good advice or make a joke about the whole thing.

(Not saying the video is good advice, I'm actually referring to myself stating that having more tools in your tool box than "just do it" is a good thing, and "just do it" doesn't work for everybody on it's own. Having more tools in your tool box is just basic common sense in dealing with any psychological issue, and it makes no sense to me why anyone would want to actively get in the way of others acquiring more tools that might actually work for them where your own that you have to provide may not... Ok, actually, now that I've said it that way, I am pretty sure I can understand what likely goes through such a person's mind, and it's not very pretty. The main person in question here even linked their own advice page in response to being called out on their bad behavior. That means it's quite likely this is exactly what's going on in their mind. That kind of narcissisms where they can't stand to see people getting advice from someone other than them is incredibly toxic.)

 

[J_Chemist]

Stop being a loser and just do it you coward.

 

[Corty]

That kind of narcissisms where they can't stand to see people getting advice from someone other than them is incredibly toxic

 

[Deleted member 146224]

This video sounds like one of those that try to convince me that they will turn me into a billionaire with "THIS ONE SIMPLE TRICK" of giving them my credit card number.

Rian holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) from Trinity College Dublin, an MSc in Neuroscience at King's College, London and an MBA. Rian is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Birmingham in Applied Ethics—focusing on issues in Effective Altruism, specifically longtermism and the question of what our ethical obligation is to future generations.

So many degrees and the dude still doesn't know that you're supposed to list your sources. All of the information in the video is some "trust me bro, I know cuz I do science".

(Not saying the video is good advice, I'm actually referring to myself stating that having more tools in your tool box than "just do it" is a good thing, and "just do it" doesn't work for everybody on it's own. Having more tools in your tool box is just basic common sense in dealing with any psychological issue, and it makes no sense to me why anyone would want to actively get in the way of others acquiring more tools that might actually work for them where your own that you have to provide may not...

If it's treated as another tool that you can use to do what needs to be done, then it's really great and this is how it should be. Unfortunately, many people won't treat this as a tool, but rather as an excuse to not improve, because "according to video A, I have x/y/z and therefore I'm excused from improving myself, because I'm so unlucky". That's why you will see a lot of, what you called, "trolling" and pushback, because for many people videos like this don't do anything but coddle people into not improving. Although this one seems to be just a glorified ad for this dude's business.

This is coming from a person who has been struggling with high functioning depression for the majority of their life. My life started improving after I realized that yeah, my life was shit and there's a lot of things that make it even shittier, but so what? Bills still have to be paid, groceries have to be done, work has to be finished. Is it harder because for me because of my demons? Yes. Does it change anything? No. Then just fucking do it.

 

[QuercusMalus]

For me it is a matter of 'force myself to do it until it becomes a habit'. This isn't just writing, it's exercising, it's cleaning up my diet(side benefit of severely cutting sugar and fat is the foods don't taste right after a few weeks).

 

[Deleted member 54065]

As someone who is lazy and prone to depression myself, the "just do it" attitude is my 'mantra' for going around my limitations. But of course, we all know that it is more than that.

I do have concrete steps to battle my laziness, or procrastination, like scheduling a deadline for my work before I go on a break. I write in bursts, see? So, to take advantage of that, I have to run till my self-imposed deadline, then rest after I finished everything.

Also, since I get easily distracted, I isolate myself whenever I'm in my writing mode. That means, no touching of games, watching anime, reading books, and other activities that can take away my focus from what I was doing. My self-imposed deadline usually lasts a month, so I have to write the draft in that time period.

Another thing that I do to fight my laziness is I plan my stories beforehand. The isolation part also helps in keeping my focus till I finish my work, and avoid the thoughts like "what if this idea is good? I should change this!"

Thus I avoid the common writer's trap of endlessly changing their works once a new idea comes to mind. That is, while writing, of course. It's also different when I'm done and I already released the work online.

This method worked for me, and since we're talking of dealing with procrastination, I shared how I do it. My main novel's (check it on my signature) got 17 volumes, averaging at 60k words per part. I don't know if it'll work for you, since there's no science behind that and those came from my observation and experience, with a sliver of self-discipline.

If the OP reacts and writes another 500k-word essay refuting me just to prove his way is superior, joke's on him.

 

[QuercusMalus]

This is coming from a person who has been struggling with high functioning depression for the majority of their life. My life started improving after I realized that yeah, my life was shit and there's a lot of things that make it even shittier, but so what? Bills still have to be paid, groceries have to be done, work has to be finished. Is it harder because for me because of my demons? Yes. Does it change anything? No. Then just fucking do it.

People who talk about 'beating depression' I suspect never had the really deep, pernicious kind. You don't beat it, you strangle that fucker til it's unconscious and toss it back down into the basement and relock the door. Then you get a reprieve until it wakes up and chews its way out. Could take a few months, could take a day. Then you get to do it again.

Stagnation kills. If you allow yourself to do nothing, nothing changes.

 

[StarrGaze]

This video sounds like one of those that try to convince me that they will turn me into a billionaire with "THIS ONE SIMPLE TRICK" of giving them my credit card number.

Yes, I'm glad I'm not the only one who instantly got that vibe lol. It's the power of knowing how to use your words. The information itself is neither new nor some massive breakthrough in science. The guy is just wrapping the information in a pretty package that makes people feel good. Nothing wrong with a feel-good type of video as long as people are aware. Some external motivation now and then is great as long as you don't become reliant on it.