166. The Opposite of Procrastination is NOT Productivity—It is Persistence

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Why do we procrastinate on the work that matters most? In this episode, Dr. Amy Bakos explores the psychology behind creative avoidance and why procrastination doesn't mean you're lazy—it often means you're deeply invested in what you're creating. Drawing from behavioral psychology, existential psychology, personal stories, and lessons from artists, she shares practical ways to stop judging yourself, build creative stamina, and learn the two skills every successful artist develops: continuing and not quitting.If you've ever found yourself cleaning the kitchen instead of writing, scrolling social media instead of creating, or abandoning projects just before they're finished, this episode will help you understand why—and how to move forward with more self-compassion and persistence.Key TakeawaysWhy avoidance often feels worse than doing the work.The difference between pausing and quitting.How procrastination can become part of a healthy creative process.What existential guilt tells us about our values.Why persistence is a learnable skill—not a personality trait.The importance of maintaining momentum after reaching a major goal.How process-focused goals create more lasting motivation than destination goals.Why creative thoughts ("I'm not good enough") are just thoughts—not facts.Practical ways to reduce procrastination without relying on willpower.How imagination, community, and the right materials support creative work.Memorable Quotes"Artists don't get down to work until the pain of working is exceeded by the pain of not working.""The people who keep making art aren't necessarily more talented—they've learned how to continue.""Persistence and not quitting are two different skills.""I trust I had a good idea when I started.""The goal isn't to have a show. The goal is to be an artist.""Procrastination is part of my process. Judgment doesn't have to be.""The things we admire were often perilously close to never existing."Discussion TopicsWhy procrastination is so common among creative people.Behavioral psychology and avoiding pain.Existential guilt and living according to your values.Creative identity versus achievement.Maintaining stamina after reaching a milestone.The "run past the finish line" mindset.Why artists abandon work near completion.Building a process-oriented creative life.Using imagination to stay engaged.Learning to tolerate uncertainty in creative work.Practical Strategies MentionedAllow yourself a limited "circling" period before beginning work.Set a 20-minute timer for procrastination or warm-up activities.Reduce judgment around your creative process.Keep reminders of why you started your project.Celebrate milestones without treating them as the finish.Stay connected to people who are a few steps ahead of you.Invest in tools and materials that support your work.Focus on becoming the kind of person who creates—not simply reaching one achievement.Practice tolerating uncertainty rather than waiting to feel confident.Books & ReferencesArt & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles & Ted OrlandThomas Edison's persistence in developing the light bulbLeo Tolstoy's revisions of War and PeaceConcepts from behavioral psychologyExistential psychology and existential guiltCall to ActionWhat are you avoiding right now? Is it really about procrastination—or is it something you deeply care about?Reflect on a project you've completed successfully and ask yourself:What helped you keep going?How did you resist quitting?What practices helped you persist?Share your thoughts with Dr. Amy Bakos on Instagram and continue the conversation about creativity, persistence, and the art of finishing what matters.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/