Procrastination

Have you ever stared at a deadline and felt the irresistible urge to do something else—anything else—until the last possible moment? You're not alone. In this episode, Stephen Martin opens up about how procrastination can be a constant companion for many people, especially those of us who are neurodivergent. If you’re keen to hear the full story, the podcast player’s right at the top. In the meantime, here’s a handy rundown of what Stephen talks about and some take-home tips for getting a handle on procrastination.

Stephen explores how a fear of imperfection can keep us stuck, even when we know a task needs doing. He shares his personal adventures with last-minute sprints, that familiar adrenaline rush, and the ongoing struggle to tame these patterns. From setting kinder deadlines to tapping into accountability, the episode is packed with straightforward strategies for pushing past mental blocks.

Why We Procrastinate

Procrastination often begins with that little voice whispering we’re not good enough, or that our work needs to be flawless. Many adults with dyslexia or ADHD can relate to this nagging perfectionism that holds us back. It’s like we’re constantly waiting for the ideal moment or burst of creativity, yet it rarely arrives just because we want it to.

Stephen points out it’s especially common for neurodivergent folks to notice these feelings. We might have had less-than-perfect experiences with tasks at school or work. Over time, everything builds up and feeds into new worries about falling short.

“I used to wait until the night before to finish any big task because I believed the rush would bring out my best work,” Stephen says.

According to him, that rush can be exciting but also leaves us drained. It’s a cycle that can be tough to break without a plan.

Breaking Tasks Down

One strategy is to break the mountain of to-dos into more manageable steps. Think of it like building a puzzle. You don’t try to mash all the pieces together at once—you start with the edges or the simpler corners. Then things gradually come together.

Instead of focusing on a massive end goal—finish that entire report or complete that huge project—set your sights on smaller, simpler milestones. Write your introduction. Check references. Proofread one paragraph at a time. This can reduce overwhelm and keep your momentum going. Sure, it sounds basic, but it’s a powerful way to trick your brain into thinking it’s got less to do.

Embracing Imperfection

Fear of imperfection is a major root of procrastination. Some of us think that if we can’t do something perfectly, there’s no point in trying at all. But it’s often our perceived flaws that grant our work character and authenticity. That raw honesty can make it more relatable to others.

Stephen reminds us it’s okay if our output isn’t 100 percent every single time. Aim for “good enough” and tweak as needed. If mistakes happen, they’re part of the learning curve. You’ll still get to where you need to go, and probably faster, because you’re not hung up on every tiny detail. Dyslexia might influence your writing or reading process, but it doesn’t define your value or capability.

Setting Deadlines and Finding Accountability

Waiting until the last minute can be thrilling, but it also creates a lot of stress. To take charge of this, Stephen proposes setting earlier deadlines for yourself, well before the real cutoff. That way, you get more breathing room if anything unexpected happens. You’ll also reduce the intense pressure that appears when there’s only a day left.

Accountability can keep you moving. Whether it’s a colleague, friend, or family member, a supportive voice can help you follow through. Think of it as having a running buddy. The shared goal and occasional check-in can keep you from drifting off track. You don’t want to let the other person down, so you’re more likely to do the work.

For those craving extra help, there’s a growing network of support for adults with dyslexia and ADHD. From professional coaching to online groups, there’s real comfort in knowing your struggles aren’t unique. You could also explore mindfulness or mental health tools to manage any anxiety that flares up during crunch time.

Curious about more resources? You can learn about Andrée Kenny’s work with ADHD & Dyslexia at andreekenny.com, or visit truthaboutdyslexia.com for even more tips and stories. It’s all part of building a healthier relationship with your dyslexia, time management, and self-improvement journey.

Top Takeaways

• Procrastination often springs from fear of imperfection.
• Breaking tasks into smaller pieces helps you see real progress.
• Accountability partners can motivate you to finish what you start.
• It’s perfectly fine if everything isn’t perfect—embrace imperfection.
• Setting earlier deadlines gives you time to recover from sudden setbacks.

Ready to hear more about Stephen’s personal stories and practical strategies? Press play at the top of this page and dive into the full episode. You might just find that one tip you’ve been looking for to handle procrastination more confidently.

And if you’re looking for a community of adults with dyslexia, you can also join our Facebook Group for ongoing support and encouragement.