This, however, is not the case. Procrastination is caused by genetically determined characteristics of a specific person's brain structure. The enlarged size of the amygdala, a paired bean-sized brain structure located directly behind the temporal lobes of the neocortex, is one of these features.
The amygdala is frequently responsible for our fear-related behavior (although it is not the only part of the brain responsible for these reactions). In general, it seems that the amygdala is activated when an event associated with fear in any of its manifestations occurs.
Because fear is one of the aversive emotions associated with upcoming tasks that we try to avoid through procrastination, the amygdala takes over control of our behavior. Simultaneously, the part of the neocortex responsible for cognitive control in such situations, i.e. a rational and meaningful response to fear, recedes into the background. As a result, we make a decision without hesitation in favor of another activity that appears to be more pleasurable to us.
Can the amygdala be controlled? Absolutely. According to research, 8 weeks of daily mindfulness meditation reduces its size and, as a consequence, its influence on our behavior. Simultaneously, the areas of the neocortex directly above it thicken.
With continued meditation practice, these areas of the neocortex return to their normal thickness, but their structure changes, and the other part of the neocortex I mentioned earlier, which is responsible for cognitive processing of fear, gains more power over our behavior - which is very good! Actually, cognitive control over negative emotions is what causes procrastination to fade.
I've been practicing mindfulness meditation on a daily basis for over a year now, and I can confirm the study's findings in my own experience.
Concentrating on breathing is my favorite version of this meditation. Close your eyes and focus entirely on your breathing in and out, trying not to let your mind wander. It's okay if this happens; just come back to your breathing. Controlling your mind will become easier with practice.
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