4 Proven Ways to Kick Your Procrastination Habit | Ayelet Fishbach | TED

Fear of Failure

Procrastination often stems from a fear of failure, leading to self-handicapping behaviors. Ayelet Fishbach explains that individuals might intentionally create obstacles, like not sleeping before an exam, to have an excuse for potential failure. This behavior is rooted in the fear of what failure might imply about one's identity. She suggests that society should foster healthier relationships with setbacks, viewing them as learning opportunities rather than wasted experiences 1.

There is a lot of work in motivational science about how to learn from failure, how to learn from setbacks. Probably the basic thing is to understand that there are lessons in there that was not a wasted experience.

--- Ayelet Fishbach

By embracing failures as enriching experiences, individuals can overcome procrastination and grow personally.

   

Motivation and Goals

Setting clear and appealing goals can significantly reduce procrastination impulses. Ayelet Fishbach emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between needs and wants, as they evoke different emotions and motivations. Success in achieving needs often brings relief, while fulfilling wants can lead to pride and satisfaction 2.

You motivate yourself by changing the situation and the framing of the situation. It's not about fantasizing that you will be a different person.

--- Ayelet Fishbach

She suggests creating a goal system instead of a rigid to-do list, which helps prioritize and connect various goals, fostering intrinsic motivation and engagement.