Stop Struggling: Lean on the Psychology of High Achievers
Ever feel like you’re getting in your way when it comes to peak performance? In this episode, the first in the series on the psychology of high achievers, Dr. Christine Li, clinical psychologist and procrastination coach, joins me to unravel why high achievers often get stuck in cycles of struggle, how our conditioning and core beliefs shape our productivity habits, and why so many of us equate self-worth with how hard we work.
Dr. Li shares her insights on breaking free from patterns of self-sabotage, procrastination, and resistance—explaining that “struggle is optional” and that these limiting habits are often learned, not hardwired.
We also discuss practical strategies for cultivating self-belief, moving past anxiety and fear, and decluttering both your mind and your space to unlock new energy and creativity.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding yourself back or want to find a path to success that feels more joyful and less exhausting, this conversation is for you. Stick around for actionable tips and information on Dr. Li’s upcoming challenge to help you re-energize your life and work.
Timestamps:
04:29 Trust Yourself, Reclaim Your Energy
07:24 Work and Self-Worth Cycle
11:01 Criticism vs. Self-Exploration
15:59 "Self-Reflection and Growth Practice"
17:06 Transforming Anxiety into Calm Confidence
26:15 Embracing Failure as a Game
35:44 "Decision Sparks Immediate Change"
Key Takeaways:
✨ Struggle is Optional – So many of us are conditioned to believe that worth and productivity are only achieved through hard struggle. But this is a learned behavior—and it can be unlearned.
✨ Self-Belief is the Game Changer – At the root of procrastination and self-sabotage is often a loss of self-belief. When we lose confidence, we start doubting our ability to perform, which keeps us stuck.
✨ Decluttering is More than Organizing—It’s Energy Work – You can re-energize your work and life by letting go of physical and mental clutter. Making space—literally and figuratively—opens you up to new opportunities, creativity, and abundance.
Ready to shift from habitual struggle to intentional, joyful action? Listen in!
CHALLENGE:
Register for the Re-Energize Your Home challenge here
Connect with Dr. Li:
Website: https://procrastinationcoach.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/procrastinationcoach
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach
Podcast: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com
Other Links Mentioned:
QUIZ: Are You Blocking Your Success
Visit the Shift or Get Off the Pot Website: ShiftOrGetOffThePotPodcast.com
Keep in Contact! Visit Kim's Website: KimKelleyThompson.com | Email Kim: Kim@KimKelleyThompson.com
Follow Kim Thompson on Social Media: Instagram (@KimKelleyThompson) | Facebook
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Production House: GEM MEDIA GROUP
Copyright of Kim Kelley Thompson 2024.
