Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

In his widely viewed TED Talk, writer and speaker Tim Urban offers a funny yet insightful tour through the mind of a procrastinator. Instead of letting the Rational Decision-Maker steer the ship, procrastinators share control with the Instant Gratification Monkey—a creature obsessed with easy, fun distractions like YouTube binges or endless fridge checks.

For deadline-driven tasks, procrastinators have one unlikely ally: the Panic Monster, who appears in crisis mode right before something is due. But Urban warns of a bigger threat—long-term procrastination without deadlines—where meaningful but non-urgent goals are postponed indefinitely, leading to regret and a feeling of life slipping by.

His takeaway is simple: we’re all procrastinators in some way, and the limited boxes on our “Life Calendar” are ticking away. The sooner we tame the monkey, the more of life’s truly important work we’ll get to enjoy.

About Tim Urban

Tim Urban is a writer, illustrator, and co-founder of the blog Wait But Why, where he tackles complex topics with humor, stick-figure drawings, and deep research. His TED Talk Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator is one of the most popular of all time, resonating with millions for its relatable mix of comedy and insight.