2.05 How to procrastinate less
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In this episode of the Strategic Leader podcast, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig explore the topic of procrastination, and how it can get in the way of operating strategically.

Fiona defines procrastination as delaying tasks without a rational reason for doing so. For Gemma, it’s when ‘the drive to delay is stronger than the drive to act’.

The discussion reveals that procrastination is not about laziness or lack of capability but often linked to subconscious factors. They explore the emotional and psychological triggers behind procrastination, such as fear of failure, seeking immediate pleasure, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks.

By recognising these triggers, leaders can address the root causes and develop effective strategies to manage procrastination.

Gemma shares how procrastination for her often stems from tasks that are dull, difficult, or overwhelming. Fiona adds that strategic leaders are particularly prone to procrastination on large, shapeless tasks, retreating to familiar, tactical tasks instead.

Together they discuss the importance of self-compassion and share 2 practical techniques: the Pomodoro Technique and the "Eat the Frog" method, to combat procrastination.

The episode encourages you to identify your own procrastination patterns and implement strategies to improve your strategic decision-making and overall productivity.

Key Points Discussed:

• Definition and common misconceptions about procrastination

• Emotional and psychological triggers behind procrastination

• Procrastination's impact on strategic capacity

• Personal experiences and types of tasks prone to procrastination

• Importance of self-compassion and understanding root causes

• Practical techniques: Eat the Frog and Pomodoro Technique

• The role of motivation and reward in overcoming procrastination

Key Timestamps:

• [01:22] Definition of procrastination and common misconceptions

• [03:56] Discussion on emotional and psychological triggers

• [09:00] Personal experiences with procrastination

• [13:36] Understanding the drive to delay vs. the drive to act

• [18:57] Techniques to overcome procrastination – Eat the Frog

• [23:45] Introduction to the Pomodoro Technique

• [25:37] Importance of systems over willpower

Key Takeaway:

Procrastination often stems from deeper emotional and psychological triggers rather than laziness or incapability. By understanding these triggers, we can develop effective strategies, such as Eating the Frog or investing in a retro tomato timer, to overcome procrastination, to enhance our strategic effectiveness and overall productivity.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.

If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.