How to Stop Procrastinating: Practical tools from Stoic Philosophy and Psychology

Weekly Wisdom with John Sampson by John Sampson

Episode notes

Are you stuck in the cycle of knowing what to do but doing the opposite? This isn't laziness—it's emotional avoidance. Host John Sampson explores why 15-20% of the population suffers from chronic procrastination and gives you a proven framework to break free.

We look at procrastination through two powerful lenses:

  • Ancient Philosophy: Learn what the Stoics called a "failure of character" and why Seneca warned that postponement is the greatest waste of life. Discover Aristotle's concept of Akrasia —the knowing-doing gap—and how Marcus Aurelius used the urgency of Memento Mori to force action.
  • Modern Psychology: Understand procrastination as a failure ... 
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Keywords
self helpphilosophypsychologyovercomingprocrastinationmotivationmentalhealthstoicism