In this episode of the Personal Transformation Podcast, ⁠Dan Storey ⁠delves into the concept of “Akrasia“, an ancient Greek term describing the human tendency to act against one’s better judgment. Dan explains that Akrasia represents a disconnect between our intentions and actions, leading us to procrastinate, become distracted, or make poor decisions despite knowing the right course of action. This phenomenon, recognized since the times of Plato and Socrates, remains relevant today, exacerbated by modern distractions like technology and social media.

Dan Storey outlines various manifestations of Akrasia, such as procrastination, distraction, indecisiveness, over-committing, and neglecting personal development opportunities. He emphasizes that while it is natural to face these challenges, recognizing and understanding akrasia is crucial for overcoming it. Dan advises listeners to be aware of their tendencies, accept the accompanying emotions, and persist in taking action toward their goals despite distractions or lack of motivation.

  1. Akrasia Definition: Akrasia is the state of acting against one’s better judgment, originating from Greek terms meaning “without strength” or “without will.”
  2. Procrastination: A common form of akrasia, where individuals delay tasks, often justifying it with excuses like working better under pressure.
  3. Distraction: Modern technology and social media serve as significant distractions, pulling focus away from important goals.
  4. Indecisiveness: Overthinking and hesitating on decisions can hinder progress and contribute to akrasia.
  5. Over-committing: Taking on too many tasks due to difficulty in saying no can lead to neglecting personal priorities.
  6. Neglecting Personal Development: Avoiding opportunities for growth and improvement, such as training or health activities, can be a form of akrasia.
  7. Human Condition: Akrasia has been recognized since ancient times, indicating its deep-rooted presence in human psychology.
  8. Emotional Awareness: Being conscious of the emotions that arise when focusing on goals helps in managing and overcoming akrasia.
  9. Action over Feelings: Taking action despite not feeling motivated strengthens commitment and gradually rewires behavior.
  10. Self-Compassion: Acknowledging that akrasia is a common struggle can help in being kinder to oneself while working towards better habits.