Ep #171: How to Get Unstuck from Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Paralysis

This week on The Business Couch with Dr. Yishai, I had Dr. Ruth Gotian, Chief Learning Officer and Assistant Professor of Education in Anesthesiology at Weil Cornell Medicine, and an expert in mentorship and leadership development, holding multiple awards. She interviews the most successful people of our generation including Nobel laureates, astronauts, CEOs, and Olympic Champions to pick apart and learn from their habits and practices to optimize your own success.Dr. Gotain is a regular contributor to top publications like Forbes, Psychology Today, Nature, and Scientific American, which underscores her passion and obsession for top performance, which has recently culminated in writing her new book: “The Success Factor: Developing the Mindset and Skillset for Peak Business Performance.”If you haven’t yet, go back and listen to episodes 169 and 170 if you want to learn about high performance and the story and lessons for how Dr. Gotian became obsessed with high performance, leadership development, lessons and stories along the way, and of course her research on the 4 puzzle pieces that fit together in the most successful high performers with takeaways you can start implementing immediately. At the end of our conversation, Dr. Gotian shared an observation about perfectionism being a moving target, about the relationship between perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis. She the asked me for my solution to how we can stop getting caught in a cycle of chasing perfectionism, procrastinating because it is perpetually elusive, and getting paralyzed as a result. So today, you’ll hear me talk all about perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis. You’ll hear me define, deconstruct, and then rebuild an understanding of those processes that can flip them from problematic to propelling you forward. This episode is brought to you by Adaptability Coaching. Want to learn how to make adaptability your superpower to thrive in business and beyond? Learn psychology and neuroscience-backed frameworks and tools to harness the adaptability of the human brain. Learn to become fast, flexible, and formidable. Learn more at www.DrYishai.com/Coaching Connect with Dr. Yishai: Podcast Site: https://thebusinesscouchwithdryishai.buzzsprout.com/Website: https://www.DrYishai.com/Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryishai/Instagram: @DrYishai or https://www.instagram.com/dryishai/ Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is for general informational purposes only and shall not be relied on or construed as coaching advice. © 2020 Yishai B LLC. All rights reserved. ABOUT THE PODCASTYou were built for speed.But right now you feel slower than you look on paper.Most founders try to outwork that slow-down.It only burns them out.Your mind is the only machine your company doesn’t upgrade.So leaders keep pushing against the wrong thing.Hosted by doctor of psychology and executive coach Dr Yishai Barkhordari.DISCLAIMERThis content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. It is not therapy, clinical advice, or coaching guidance. All examples and stories are illustrative. Some examples or stories are composites. Results vary based on personal effort, context, and market conditions.Always consult qualified professionals before making decisions that impact your business, health, or well-being. © 2026 Yishai Barkhordari. All rights reserved.