Empowered Team Podcast

Action Game Series: E1: The 3 Reasons Why Smart People Don't Start

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Welcome to the kickoff of the Action Game series on The Empowered Team Podcast—where Kari Schneider dives into what actually drives results: action.

In this solo episode, Kari unpacks the surprising science behind why high achievers and intelligent leaders are more likely to procrastinate—and what to do about it.

What You’ll Learn:
  • Why overthinking is a strength (and how it turns into a trap)
    • Learn how your brain’s “prediction machine” can create decision loops that stall progress—and how to break free.
  • The truth about perfectionism
    • Discover why perfectionism isn’t a high standard—it’s procrastination in disguise, and how it leads to burnout instead of results.
  • The research-backed method that increases follow-through by 200–300%
    • Kari shares the powerful concept of implementation intention (when-then planning) and how it eliminates hesitation and drives consistent action.
    Key Insight:

    High performance isn’t about more motivation—it’s about clarity, structure, and making decisions your brain can execute.

    Memorable Quote:

    “Overthinking isn’t weakness—it’s intelligence without a deadline.”

    Take Action:

    Before you finish this episode, choose ONE thing you’ve been delaying—and decide exactly when and what action you’ll take.

    If you’re ready to stop circling and start executing, this episode will give you the clarity and momentum you’ve been missing.

    Key Research Links:

    Peter Gollwitzer — Implementation Intentions

    • Core 1999 paper: https://www.prospectivepsych.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Gollwitzer_Implementation-intentions-1999.pdf 
    • Meta-analysis (94 studies): https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/goal_intent_attain.pdf 
    • Wikipedia overview (accessible summary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implementation_intention 
    • Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Vl1IDvYAAAAJ&hl=en 

      • Flett & Hewitt — Perfectionism & Procrastination

      • Original multidimensional perfectionism paper (1991, PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2027080/ 
      • Perfectionism & procrastination chapter: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4899-0227-6_6 
      • 30-year review (2021): https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/cap-cap0000288.pdf 



        • #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformance #MindsetShift #Productivity #SelfMastery

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