In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Emily and Lizzy unpack a habit we all fall into from time to time — procrastination.
Whether it’s putting off paperwork, avoiding tricky conversations, or feeling stuck in a cycle of “I’ll do it later,” procrastination often isn’t about laziness, it’s about what’s happening underneath.
Drawing from their own experiences in business and clinical work, Emily and Lizzy explore the psychology behind procrastination, the emotional triggers that fuel it, and the small mindset shifts that make it easier to take action.
They share practical strategies for breaking through mental blocks; from setting micro-goals and finding your “why,” to using accountability, energy management, and even fun rewards to keep momentum going.
You’ll also hear how perfectionism, fear of feedback, and unclear goals all play into the procrastination loop and how reframing these patterns can help you and your team move forward with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways
Procrastination isn’t laziness: It’s often a response to overwhelm, fear, or unclear direction.
Find your “why”: Connecting the task to a meaningful outcome helps unlock motivation.
Perfectionism fuels paralysis: “Progress over perfection” helps build momentum.
Energy and regulation matter: Manage your physical and emotional energy before tackling hard tasks.
Accountability helps: Whether it’s a mentor, colleague, or plan, external check-ins can keep you on track.
Make it enjoyable: Change your environment, add small rewards, or make the task fun to reduce resistance.
Feedback isn’t failure: Reframing feedback as fuel for growth builds resilience and confidence.
Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive
If this episode got you thinking about your own procrastination patterns, share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow clinician who might need a gentle nudge too.
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Connect With Us
Emily Mackie
Website: www.emilymackie.com.au
Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie
Lizzy Dawson
Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au
Instagram: @lizzydawson_