ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

EP. 321: Unpacking Procrastination, Clutter, and Perfectionism with Dr. Christine Li

Feb 26, 2025

In this discussion, Dr. Christine Li, a clinical psychologist known as The Procrastination Coach, shares her decades of experience helping individuals tackle procrastination, clutter, and perfectionism. She delves into the complex emotional ties to possessions, shedding light on how ADHD can exacerbate these struggles. Christine emphasizes the power of small, daily actions to boost productivity and offers actionable strategies to lighten the load of procrastination. Her insights aim to inspire listeners to embrace their unique traits and regain control of their lives.

59:47

Episode guests

Dr. Christine Li

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Understanding emotions linked to tasks is essential for overcoming procrastination, particularly for individuals with ADHD facing dysregulation.

Clutter symbolizes deeper emotional challenges for ADHD individuals, and addressing it can enhance both mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Deep dives

Celebrating ADHD Strengths

The discussion highlights the often overlooked strengths of individuals with ADHD, emphasizing that many successful people, including celebrities across various industries, have ADHD. A significant point made is that a considerable percentage of those with ADHD report being in excellent mental health, challenging the common stereotype that ADHD only leads to challenges. This approach advocates for a shift in narrative to celebrate the unique gifts and abilities that come with ADHD, rather than focusing solely on the difficulties. The host encourages women to embrace their 'too muchness' and recognize their ADHD as a source of creativity and talent.

Intro

4min

Embracing Procrastination: A Journey of Self-Discovery

13min

The Journey of Self-Discovery and Open-Heartedness

4min

Conquering Clutter: A Path to Empowerment

10min

The Art of Decluttering and Emotional Attachment

22min

Mindset Techniques for Managing ADHD Challenges

3min

Join the Free Home Decluttering Challenge

2min

Celebrating Strengths and Embracing ADHD

2min

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

Procrastination, clutter, perfectionism—these aren’t just bad habits. For many ADHD women, they’re constant battles that drain energy and create overwhelm.

Dr. Christine Li, a clinical psychologist and The Procrastination Coach, has spent over 25 years helping people break free from these struggles. A Princeton and Columbia graduate, she has worked extensively with university students, led workshops at top institutions, and built an online platform to help people regain control of their time.

In this episode, Christine shares her personal experience with procrastination and disorganization—including how she unknowingly struggled with extreme last-minute scrambling for years. She explains why clutter isn’t just about stuff, but about emotional attachments, fear, and decision-making. Tracy and Christine also talk about why ADHD brains are particularly prone to clutter and procrastination, how perfectionism fuels avoidance, and why small, daily actions can completely shift your energy and productivity.

Christine’s insights go beyond theory—she provides simple, actionable strategies that make productivity feel lighter and more natural. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of procrastination, clutter, or overwhelm, this conversation will give you the tools (and the mindset shifts) to start moving forward today.

Resources:

Website: https://procrastinationcoach.com
Facebook Group: https://procrastinationcoach.com/facebook
Instagram: https://instagram.com/procrastinationcoach
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach
Podcast: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com
Discover the Secret to Clearing Your Clutter Easily and Quickly 5-Day Challenge: https://procrastinationcoach.lpages.co/challenge-re-energize-your-home-spring-2025-tracy-otsuka

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Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class

Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

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