Entrepreneur, Author, Content Creator with 9M+ followers across platforms. I share this newsletter every Friday around personal growth, books, quotes, pictures - it is the most personal version of me online.
Why do we procrastinate?
warikoo Wanderings
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WHY DO WE PROCRASTINATE?
Not a day goes by without getting an email or DM that seeks my help in fighting procrastination.
"I know I have so much work to do. But I just do not want to start. Instead, I waste my time on Netflix, Instagram, WhatsApp, and what not. Can you please help me?"
No! I can't. No one can.
You can get fit by going to the gym.
You can become wealthy by investing.
You can become wiser by reading books.
Most goals/targets in life have some quantifiable action attached to them.
It is another thing that you may not be able to pursue that action, but the action exists.
It is a choice for you to make.
But procrastination doesn't have an actionable solution.
While there are numerous articles and videos on how to handle it, the reason all of them say different things is because it is not clear what helps fight it.
It is a life fear.
There is no prescription to handle fear.
There is no prescription to handle self-doubt.
Here is why I think that is the case.
We are all status-driven creatures.
We love comparing ourselves with others.
We love to compete and win.
Because of which all goals/targets/desires that have anything to do with status (fit, wealthy, good looking, etc.) have over the years developed a playbook.
A way to get there.
Because that is what the world demanded, asked for, and even paid for.
What got ignored were all the goals/targets that are ideal, but do not drive status.
How to be loving.
How to be more kind.
How to take control of your time.
How to be hardworking.
How to be honest.
How to be empathetic.
If you are any of these, it takes a REALLY long time for people to realize it.
But if you are fit, people see it instantly!
And we all love things that bring us good feedback, instantly.
But here is the trap.
Because the status goals were desired by everyone, the solutions had to work for the majority.
And, thus, the solutions became standard, as opposed to personalized.
You want to lose weight or get rich or look good - the same solution is prescribed to everyone.
EXCEPT, if you realize it doesn't work for you and then you aim to personalize it.
The same goes for non-status goals too.
What works for others, doesn't necessarily work for you.
Don't assume it does.
You want to stop procrastination? The ways of doing that are deeply personal to you. They have nothing to do with anyone else.
Everything boils down to 2 things:
1. How badly do you want something?
2. How well do you know yourself?
The first will determine your intent and the second will determine your path.
I am leaving you with more questions, than answers :)
Hint: The reason you procrastinate is because you think you still have time.
THE WRONG KIND OF RELATIONSHIPS
In this week's podcast episode, I speak about the wrong kind of relationships and two ways to identify them.
You can give it a listen on Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, JioSaavn or Gaana.
My podcasts are now on YouTube as well - because so many of you asked for it.
BOOK I AM READING THIS WEEK
During the week when the Tata Group won the bid for Air India, I felt it was an opportune moment to read the biography of JRD Tata - Beyond The Last Blue Mountain
In general, I am in awe of how the Tata Group has captured the imagination, mindshare and even money of Indians over so many decades. While holding itself to the highest standards of integrity and grit.
Reading the book is a fascinating deep dive into how it all came into being. This is a re-read for me, and one I am thoroughly enjoying again :)
QUOTES TO SHARE
When you catchup with friends after a really long time, you are basically looking at yourself in the past.
(Share on Twitter)
The more time you have to work on something, the more time you tend to waste before working on it.
(Share on Twitter)
The right mentor will never give you the answers. The wrong one will only have answers to give!
(Share on Twitter)
Just because it was easy for them doesn’t mean it will be for you.
Just because it was hard for them doesn’t mean it will be for you.
(Share on Twitter)
You will never get distracted by something you do not desire.
(Share on Twitter)
RESULTS OF LAST WEEK'S POLL
Last week I asked you all:
Pick one for a vacation:
- Mountains
- Beaches
- Cities
- Do not like vacations
Here are the results:
Some observations:
- Beaches increase in their share, as mountains decrease, with increasing age! So so fascinating. I would not have expected that. And now I am trying to think why. I think because:
a> Beaches mean drinking, which is more likely as you age
b> Mountains are cheaper to vacation (road/train vs air)
c> As you have kids, beaches become more fun than mountains - Cities decrease their share - I think this is just a reflection of age and choices. As we age, we want to have more peaceful vacations than hectic city ones :)
- (Almost) everybody loves to vacation. Fine! I get it :)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION
On social media, which of these is your top platform where you spend the most time?
- Discord
- Others
Click here to let me know your answer (anonymously)
You can, of course, always write to me, by simply replying to this newsletter. I love reading all your emails, even though I may not be able to reply to them all.
Yes! I READ ALL MY EMAILS. ALL OF THEM.
(Navraton mein Puri, Chole, Halwe ki kasam!)
CONTENT I SHARED THIS WEEK
Microsoft Excel for Beginners (YouTube)
Top 30 Soft Skills for a Better Career in 2021 (YouTube)
New and emerging careers in Technology (YouTube)
The best thing I got from college (LinkedIn)
The truth about jobs, relationships, bank balance (LinkedIn)
I know I will not be selected (IGTV)
What were you doing when that happened (Reel)
I scored 57 in English (Reel)
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
New section, on demand, where I share a pic from my phone from last week.
Here is a picture from Goa, where I was during the weekend for a conference. The skies were actually this blue. Goa remains my favorite state in India - and the more I get to see it as a local, the more I fall in love with it.
You can share this newsletter on WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn or view it on the web.
warikoo Wanderings
by Ankur Warikoo
Entrepreneur, Author, Content Creator with 9M+ followers across platforms. I share this newsletter every Friday around personal growth, books, quotes, pictures - it is the most personal version of me online.
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