Episode Details

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Episode 72: Why You're Still Procrastinating (And What to Do About It)

Episode Summary

One of my most successful clients recently came to me with requesting help with procrastination. On paper, this woman is a powerhouse. But she was avoiding the projects that would sustain her next phase of growth. Her admission reminded me that procrastination has nothing to do with laziness, discipline or how successful you are.

In this episode, I break down the why we procrastinate, I share my own patterns (including what I'm avoiding right now), and walk through some strategies to move forward even when your brain is building a very convincing case not to. I also announce that we're reopening the doors to our Visionary Mindset Program.

Key Takeaways:

The Real Reason You Procrastinate:

• Your brain operates on three instincts: avoid pain, seek pleasure, and conserve energy
• Procrastination is your brain's strategy for protecting you from perceived discomfort
• It shows up in high performers just as much as anyone else because success doesn't rewire your survival instincts

The Most Common Triggers:

• Telling yourself a task will require too much effort, time, or energy
• Caring deeply about something and fearing the rejection or criticism that could follow
• Lack of clarity on what the project actually requires or what the outcome should look like
• Fear of confirming a limiting belief about yourself
• Guilt from past procrastination creating a shame cycle that fuels more avoidance

Why Shame Makes It Worse:

• Beating yourself up after missing a deadline or breaking a commitment to yourself creates more avoidance, not less
• Self-compassion is the fastest way to break the procrastination cycle
• As a leader, coming down hard on employees who procrastinate can trigger the same shame spiral and worsen the behavior