Ever stare down a task you know you need to do… and still walk away from it? Yeah, me too. In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist Steven Melman to unpack what’s really going on when we procrastinate—and how we can start breaking the cycle.

We talk about the emotional side of procrastination, including fear of failure, perfectionism, and even the stories we carry from childhood. Steven shares practical tools and honest insight to help you move from stuck to steady—whether you're trying to finish a project, show up better for your family, or just get out of your own head.

If you've ever told yourself "I'll do it later," this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• The hidden emotional reasons behind procrastination

• Why it’s not about laziness—and how perfectionism plays a role

• What “reward and punishment” can teach us about motivation

• How parenting styles impact the habits we carry into adulthood

• Steven’s personal story of proving people wrong (and how it shaped him)

• What to do when fear of success or failure holds you back

• The simple practice that can build real self-discipline

Resources & Links:

🎓 Steven Melman’s Website: stevenmelmanpsychotherapist.com

📘 His Book: Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers

📝 Full Show Notes & Comments: nosittingonthesideline.com/161

📬 Join the Newsletter: Get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and more from Joe at nosittingonthesideline.com

Connect with Joe:

🔗 Website: nosittingonthesideline.com 📸 Instagram: @nosittingonthesideline_dad_pod 🐦 Twitter/X: @nsosdadpodcast

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more listeners find the show and be part of the conversation.