Stop Procrastinating: Stoic Philosophy, Akrasia, and Psychology to Overcome Delay

11/11/2025 24 min Episodio 3
Stop Procrastinating: Stoic Philosophy, Akrasia, and Psychology to Overcome Delay

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Episode Synopsis

Are you stuck in the cycle of knowing what to do but doing the opposite? This isn't laziness—it's emotional avoidance. Host John Sampson explores why 15-20% of the population suffers from chronic procrastination and gives you a proven framework to break free.We look at procrastination through two powerful lenses:Ancient Philosophy: Learn what the Stoics called a "failure of character" and why Seneca warned that postponement is the greatest waste of life. Discover Aristotle's concept of Akrasia —the knowing-doing gap—and how Marcus Aurelius used the urgency of Memento Mori to force action.Modern Psychology: Understand procrastination as a failure of emotion-regulation. We break down Temporal Motivation Theory (Expectancy Value / Delay Impulsiveness) , the role of dopamine and hyperbolic discounting , and the limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex tug-of-war.Get the 4-Step Framework You Can Use Today: This episode gives you a simple, powerful framework that blends Stoic Dichotomy of Control with modern Cognitive Restructuring:Awareness (Mindfulness)Reframe (Focus on what you can control)Align with Values (Boost intrinsic motivation)Take a Micro-Action (Build Aristotle's virtue through habit)Stop wasting your most valuable asset—your time—and start building the person you want to be. #procrastination #motivation #mentalhealth #psychology #philosophy #stoicism