Procrastination and its Effects

According to the author, what is procrastination NOT?

• Activities like cleaning and organizing

• Focusing on detailed tasks

• Being lazy

• Watching Netflix and spending time with friends

Why does the author consider procrastination irrational?

• We are not conscious of the fact that we are about to avoid a task

• We are not aware of the negative consequences of procrastination

• We are not able to manage negative moods associated with a task

• We are aware of the negative consequences but still engage in procrastination

Where does our reluctance to get on with tasks come from?

• Deep negative feelings that were once associated with the task

• We put off the task despite knowing it will affect us negatively

• People repeat the same behavior for no reason

• Particular tasks evoke strong negative emotions

What does the article say about the vicious cycle of procrastination?

• Procrastinating provides an immediate and prolonged sense of relief

• Some tasks are gruesome and we want to avoid them

• The dullness of some tasks makes us bored and unmotivated

• Putting off a task can reinforce the procrastinating behavior

What is the relationship between evolution and procrastination, according to Dr. Hershfield?

• Brains have evolved to place current demands above future consequences

• Procrastination is a product of recent evolution

• It is ironic that we evolved to be procrastinators

• We evolved to avoid negative feelings that may arise in the future

What is the neural justification for procrastination, according to Dr. Hershfield's research?

• We avoid thinking about the future, even if it affects us in the present

• Putting off a task provides relief from stress and anxiety

• Our brains assign the responsibility for the task to a different entity

• The pursuit of happiness is the most important goal for our brains

What does the term 'hard-wired' mean in the context of procrastination?

• We avoid thinking about the future, even if it affects us in the present

• Putting off a task provides relief from stress and anxiety

• Our brains assign the responsibility for the task to a different entity

• The pursuit of happiness is the most important goal for our brains

What does the term 'await' mean in the context of procrastination?

• We avoid thinking about the future, even if it affects us in the present

• Putting off a task provides relief from stress and anxiety

• Our brains assign the responsibility for the task to a different entity

• The pursuit of happiness is the most important goal for our brains

What does the term 'agency' mean in the context of procrastination?

• We avoid thinking about the future, even if it affects us in the present

• Putting off a task provides relief from stress and anxiety

• Our brains assign the responsibility for the task to a different entity

• The pursuit of happiness is the most important goal for our brains

What does the term 'commonality' mean in the context of procrastination?

• We avoid thinking about the future, even if it affects us in the present

• Putting off a task provides relief from stress and anxiety

• Our brains assign the responsibility for the task to a different entity

• The pursuit of happiness is the most important goal for our brains