Visionary's Pursuit

72. Procrastination - What It Is and How to Work Through It

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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

        • Practical Strategies That Work:

        • Do the hardest thing first before your brain builds a stronger case against it
        • Make decisions ahead of time using your prefrontal cortex rather than waiting to see if you feel like it in the moment
        • Break large projects into small steps and commit only to the first one
        • Reframe your language from "I have to" to "I want to" and attach a meaningful reason
        • Learn your own patterns through experimentation, whether that means working in a coffee shop, with music, or alongside a friend for accountability

          • Memorable Quotes:

          "Procrastination is not a character flaw. It's a brilliant strategy your brain uses to move you away from pain, toward pleasure, and to save energy."

          "The way through is not by making everything fun. It's by learning to act while the discomfort is still there."

          Your Action Steps:

          • Identify the story your brain is telling you about the thing you're avoiding
          • Challenge that story and create a more empowering one
          • Practice doing things while uncomfortable rather than waiting until it feels good
          • If you lead a team, help your employees identify their stories instead of shaming them into action

            • Visionary Mindset Program [OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT]:

            • Six-month group coaching program for business founders and entrepreneurs
            • Focuses on strengthening your CEO mindset, upgrading your self-concept, and learning to lead yourself
            • Addresses challenges related to fear/emotional management, decision-making, delegation, money, sales and building resilience
            • Book a call with me to learn more and see if the program is right for you: 
            • Booking link in the episode description

              • Resources Mentioned:

              • Visionary Mindset Program
              • Founder Capacity Assessment: carozuleta.scoreapp.com

                • Connect with Carolina:

                • Website: carozuleta.com
                • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolinazuletacoaching
                • Email: info (at) carolinazuleta (dot) com
                • Book a consultation: carozuleta.com/consult

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                  Visionary's PursuitBy Carolina Zuleta