Benjamin Franklin's "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today" sounds simple, yet for many, it's a monumental challenge. Well-intentioned individuals often find their to-do lists perpetually lingering, not from laziness or a lack of motivation, but from a more complex, underlying struggle. This persistent inaction isn't a matter of willpower; it often stems from deeper issues like fear of failure, perfectionism, or an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

To better understand what lies at the core of procrastination and how to overcome it, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with psychologist, coach, and author Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona, aka Dr. Z.

Dr. Z’s research goes beyond the surface of procrastination and perfectionist behaviors. In her book, Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors, she lifts the veil of procrastination demonstrating that it is not laziness but the fear of failure that inhibits people from completing tasks.

Dr. Patricia Zurita — Roots of Procrastination & Productivity: 

• Procrastination has nothing to do with being lazy. {2:35}
• Fear of failure is an integral part of procrastination and progress. {4:50}
• The four psychological processes are at the core of procrastination or perfectionist behaviors. {12:31}
• Misconceptions about motivation. {21:27}
• Finding the motivation to complete a long to-do list. {24:53}
• How to feel good about outsourcing tasks. {30:53}

Meet Our Guest:

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