Why do we procrastinate? Why do we avoid doing the things we genuinely want to do and instead scroll through our phones, waste time, and, in some cases, even money, just to occupy our minds and avoid those tasks? This common struggle has sparked countless discussions and advice, yet overcoming it feels nearly impossible.
At its core, procrastination arises because the task we need to do is either hard or unpleasant. Our brain, seeking comfort, distracts us by offering small, simple pleasures as an escape. But why does the brain steer us away from what we consciously decided to do? It often feels as though the brain and we are two separate entities, locked in a constant battle.
The underlying reason lies in our brain’s evolutionary history. It hasn’t yet adapted to the complexities of modern life. Our brain interprets difficult or unpleasant tasks as potential dangers, not as opportunities for growth. Nervousness or discomfort triggers a primal response, convincing us to flee from the perceived threat. This mechanism served our ancestors well, ensuring survival in a harsh, uncertain environment. But today, it holds us back.
Consider this: our ancestors’ brains were wired to avoid risks like venturing into the dark forest, where danger—and likely predators—awaited. When we aim to try something new, our brain perceives it similarly to stepping into the unknown darkness, activating the same protective instinct. This instinct stops us, nudging us to stay within the “safe” confines of familiar routines. This survival strategy was crucial for early humans, but it’s misaligned with the demands of modern life.
We’ve come a long way from our hunter-gatherer days, yet our cognitive development has lagged behind. Even 300 years ago, darkness still posed genuine threats. Then, suddenly, the invention of the light bulb eliminated that specific danger. Our technological advancements, especially in the last century, have drastically reshaped our lives. However, evolution operates on a much longer timescale. While our environment has transformed rapidly, our brains remain rooted in ancient survival mechanisms.
In the last 100 years, our lives have undergone immense change. On a cosmic scale, however, this period is insignificant. Our cognitive development simply hasn’t caught up with the rapid pace of technological and societal evolution. To thrive in this new world, we must consciously override these outdated instincts. We need to step out of our metaphorical caves and embrace the opportunities that await beyond the comfort zone.
