While it was well-intentioned, this is by far the worst thing my parents did while raising me. Even now that I’m aware of the problem, it’s a constant struggle to convince myself to approach difficult problems, even though I find working on them very satisfying. Does anyone know if there’s been discussion here (or elsewhere, I suppose) about individual causes of akrasia? Childhood indoctrination into a particular theory of intelligence certainly seems to be one.
Great link. I follow that pattern almost precisely, unfortunately. I’ll have to spend some time analyzing my self-congratulatory habits and see what can be done.
I don’t have a cite, but I’ve read an article (a book? The Now Habit?) which claimed that procrastination is driven by the belief that getting things done is a reflection on your value as a person.
And why is akrasia a common problem among LessWrongians rather than, say, high-energy impulsiveness?
While it was well-intentioned, this is by far the worst thing my parents did while raising me. Even now that I’m aware of the problem, it’s a constant struggle to convince myself to approach difficult problems, even though I find working on them very satisfying. Does anyone know if there’s been discussion here (or elsewhere, I suppose) about individual causes of akrasia? Childhood indoctrination into a particular theory of intelligence certainly seems to be one.
Not a direct answer, but your post reminds me of This Is Why I’ll Never Be an Adult.
Note that the downward spiral starts with self-congratulation, which seems to be a part of my pattern.
Great link. I follow that pattern almost precisely, unfortunately. I’ll have to spend some time analyzing my self-congratulatory habits and see what can be done.
I don’t have a cite, but I’ve read an article (a book? The Now Habit?) which claimed that procrastination is driven by the belief that getting things done is a reflection on your value as a person.
And why is akrasia a common problem among LessWrongians rather than, say, high-energy impulsiveness?
I imagine akrasia is a more natural fit for a tendency to overthink things.