logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
24m 54s

S3 Ep06 - Overcoming Procrastination

Leo Babauta
About this episode

Procrastination can feel like an endless battle, one that we keep trying to win through discipline and force. We push ourselves harder, use stricter schedules, or employ rigid systems, only to find ourselves falling back into the same patterns. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that procrastination is simply about lacking motivation or willpower, but the roots run deeper.

In this episode, we explore the true nature of procrastination, examining its roots in fear, uncertainty, and avoidance. I’ll guide you through understanding why we often resist tasks that challenge our sense of self and how this resistance impacts our productivity. By diving into mindful techniques and practical strategies, we'll discover ways to address the emotions that hold us back and build habits that support our intentions.

Join me as we uncover the power of self-compassion in overcoming procrastination and learn how to turn resistance into a tool for growth and productivity.

Topics Covered

  • Understanding the roots of procrastination
  • The role of fear and uncertainty in triggering procrastination
  • How procrastination is linked to self-identity and ego
  • Mindful techniques for recognizing and addressing resistance
  • The limitations of using discipline and force
  • Strategies for breaking tasks into manageable chunks
  • The importance of self-compassion
  • Building habits that promote consistent action and reduce avoidance
  • Accountability techniques to stay focused and motivated
  • How to restart with a fresh mindset after a setback

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Explore Zen Habits

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Coaching with Leo

Connect with Leo

YouTube channel

Instagram

X (Twitter)

Facebook

Email: podcast@zenhabits.net

Credits

Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro

Up next
Dec 2024
S3 Bonus - Eran Katz on Parenting, Self-Awareness & Playfulness
Parenting often feels like a whirlwind of challenges, leaving us searching for quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions. But the truth is, focusing solely on our children’s behavior can leave us disconnected from the deeper work required for real transformation.This week, I’m ... Show More
1h 3m
Dec 2024
S3 Ep11 - Reflection & Adaptation
In our drive to be productive, it’s easy to miss out on one essential step: reflection. Often, we focus on doing more and checking things off without truly understanding our progress or the adjustments that might lead to deeper fulfillment and ease in our work.In the final episod ... Show More
21m 37s
Dec 2024
S3 Ep10 - Cultivating Gratitude, Wonder & Joy
The conventional approach to productivity focuses on output and discipline—often at the expense of joy and fulfillment. We push through tasks, trying to be more efficient, only to find ourselves feeling disconnected from the work we’re doing. This mindset can turn each day into a ... Show More
20m 52s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 1
How to Stop Procrastinating
In this second episode of Solved, Drew and I go deep into the psychology, history, and science of procrastination. From Plato and Aristotle to Freud and modern research, we break down why we delay the things that matter most—and how to actually stop.This isn't a “just set a timer ... Show More
4h 41m
Jul 2024
6 Tips To Beat Procrastination
Ever feel like procrastination is stealing your time and holding you back? Well, you're not alone, and today, we're tackling it head-on with a 6-step process to beat procrastination once and for all!The first step to overcoming any problem is admitting it exists, so we'll talk ab ... Show More
17m 11s
Jan 2025
571: Why We Procrastinate (And How to Stop Procrastinating)
In 2022, a study published in Psychology Today found that 88% of people feel worse after procrastinating. Procrastination is undoubtedly one of the most common barriers to success—but what if you could break free from it starting today? In this episode, I’m launching a brand-new ... Show More
41m 24s
Apr 4
STOP PROCASTINATING - The Truth Behind Procastination & How to Finally Take Action | Mafe's Sessions #7
We’ve all been there—endless to-do lists, big goals, but somehow, we keep putting things off. So why do we procrastinate? And more importantly, how can we finally break the cycle?In this video, we dive deep into the real reasons behind procrastination (hint: it’s not just lazines ... Show More
12m 4s
Aug 2024
The 3 Procrastination Traps and How to Avoid Them
Send us a textIn this quick episode, I offer practical tips to help you stop procrastinating and start taking action. Learn why we procrastinate, how to overcome the initial resistance, and the importance of adopting a professional mindset to stay consistent. If you’ve been putti ... Show More
9m 31s
Jun 16
Overcoming Procrastination: Boost Focus
Episode Description: Discover practical tips to conquer procrastination and boost productivity in this enlightening episode of The Dopamine Detox: Rewire Your Brain for Focus. Unlock the secrets to staying focused, improving time management skills, and overcoming the habit of del ... Show More
4m 35s
Apr 2024
Understanding the Link Between Procrastination and Anxiety
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Want to support the podcast in return for exclusive content and more access to me? Check out my Patreon tiers, any help is much appreciated :) www.patreon.com/user?u=88044382 In the 380th episode of The OCD and ... Show More
14m 58s
Mar 2024
Stoic Strategies For Dealing With Procrastination
In today's episode, I delve into the pervasive issue of procrastination, a mental health symptom that seems to afflict us all in various degrees. From the stress of not being able to afford housing to the pressures of societal expectations, procrastination can manifest in many fo ... Show More
23m 51s
Apr 16
Why Teachers Procrastinate: The Truth About Emotional Regulation and Resistance
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Procrastination isn’t about laziness or poor time management — it’s about your brain trying to protect you. In this episode, we explore why so many educators struggle with procrastination and how to shift the narrative from self-blame to ... Show More
11m 7s
Aug 2024
Moment 177: You're NOT Lazy! This Is The REAL Reason You Procrastinate: The Performance Doctor
According to Adam, procrastination is a natural part of the creative process, and rather than a method of avoiding hard work, it is a defence mechanism. Procrastination can be a method of protecting yourself against what you find to be psychologically challenging, or a way to avo ... Show More
12m 59s