Podcast about mastering motivation and productivity with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona PsyD

Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

LISA CYPERS KAMEN

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Mastering Motivation and Productivity: Exploring the Roots of Procrastination with Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona PsyD

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 and productivity, 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.

Original Air Date Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona, known as Dr. Z, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California. She is dedicated to helping people get unstuck from fear-based reactions and live the life they want to live.

In 2019, Dr. Z was nominated as a Fellow of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Sciences (ACBS).

Book: Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors

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}

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Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

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Shareables:

“Many people think that procrastinators are lazy when in fact that is a complete myth.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Procrastination has nothing to do with being lazy.” @DrZ_behaviorist on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Behind procrastinating behaviors and perfectionistic behaviors, they are both driven by the fear of failure.” @DrZ_behaviorist on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “It's very hard for any human being to respond flexibly or skillfully to the work in front of them when their whole body is on edge.” @DrZ_behaviorist on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.