This "Wait But Why" article explores the phenomenon of procrastination by personifying it as a struggle between two parts of the procrastinator's brain: the Rational Decision-Maker and the Instant Gratification Monkey. Tim argues that the monkey's impulsivity and focus on immediate pleasure often overpowers the rational mind's attempts to complete tasks, leading to the Dark Playground—a state of unproductive leisure filled with guilt and anxiety. The article ends by highlighting the negative consequences of procrastination and suggesting that change is necessary for a happier and more fulfilling life.

Read the full article here: https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html

This two-part blog post from Wait But Why explores the importance of choosing the right life partner. Part 1 examines the societal and biological factors that can lead people to make poor choices in relationships. It highlights the common pitfalls that prevent individuals from finding happiness in long-term partnerships, like romantic idealism, fear of loneliness, and external pressure. Part 2 emphasizes that a successful marriage is not about grand gestures but about building a solid foundation based on three key ingredients: a strong friendship that passes the "Traffic Test," a sense of home and security, and a commitment to continuously work on the relationship. The post argues that nurturing a good marriage requires understanding that it's not just about love and passion but about actively cultivating communication, equality, and healthy conflict resolution.

Read the full blog post here: https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/02/pick-life-partner.html

"Why Generation Y Yuppies Are Unhappy" argues that members of Generation Y, particularly those who aspire to "special" careers, are prone to unhappiness because of their inflated expectations and a distorted perception of reality fueled by social media. Tim Urban labels this subset of Gen Y as "GYPSYs" (Generation Y Protagonists & Special Yuppies) and argues that their ambition, coupled with delusions of self-importance, results in a gap between their perceived potential and their actual achievements, leading to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Urban suggests that GYPSYs need to temper their expectations, embrace the reality of hard work, and focus on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others on social media.

Read the full article here: https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/09/why-generation-y-yuppies-are-unhappy.html