Procrastination: The ‘Oddvice’ Hosts on How To Get Sh*t Done, Regardless

We’ve all been there. That looming deadline. That growing to-do list. That important task you’re avoiding while deep in a TikTok scroll or rewatching Bridgerton for the third time. Welcome to Procrastination Nation.

The good news? You’re not alone. Kristen McAtee and Alex Koot from the Oddvice podcast recently tackled this universal struggle, diving into what makes us put things off and, more importantly, how to just get sh*t done—even when you really don’t feel like it.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

First, let’s get one thing straight: Procrastination isn’t about laziness. It’s about our brains being sneaky little gremlins that prioritize short-term relief (e.g., watching dog videos) over long-term success (e.g., finishing that project before 3 a.m. the night before it’s due).

According to Kristen: “I don’t start things because I already feel like I’m gonna fail at it.” Sound familiar? This, my friends, is the Perfectionist Procrastinator at work. If we think something won’t turn out perfectly, we often avoid starting altogether.

And then there’s the Crisis Maker—the one who thrives on last-minute pressure. “I get my best work done when I have no other choice,” Alex admits. “Like, the euphoria I feel 24 hours before a project’s due? I’m fired up.”

The problem? This “high” we get from working under pressure can work… until it doesn’t. When stress levels go from productive to full-blown panic attacks, procrastination starts to backfire.

How to Stop Procrastination (Even When You Don’t Really, Really Want To)

Kristen and Alex aren’t about to pretend they’ve cracked the secret code to productivity, but they have picked up some solid hacks that help them outsmart their own procrastination tendencies. And if they can do it, so can you.

1. Make a to-do list you can actually stick to

Not all to-do lists are created equal. If your list makes you want to hide under the covers, you’re doing it wrong.

Kristen swears by starting small: “I do all the tiny tasks first because it builds momentum. Once I put a pillowcase on a pillow, suddenly I’m deep-cleaning my entire apartment.”

Instead of writing “Finish 20-page research paper,” break it down: “Write intro,” “Find three sources,” “Make an outline.” Little wins = big motivation. Eat the cake one bite at a time!

2. Set fake deadlines (because real ones are stressful AF) 

If you only work well under pressure but hate the stress, hack your own brain.

“I have all the time in the world… until I don’t have any time left,” Kristen jokes. Setting a deadline before the actual due date creates that same pressure without the panic.

3. Reward yourself (because you’re not a robot)

Let’s be real. We are motivated by treats. And if you’re a procrastinator, bribing yourself might just be the way to go.

Alex uses this trick all the time: “I can’t shower or eat lunch until I order the air mattress or start the laundry.” It turns mundane tasks into a game—one where the prize is food, comfort, or watching Love Is Blind.

4. Find your ideal “work mode”

Some people work best in silence. Others need a full-blown coffee shop buzz. Figure out what environment makes you feel productive and recreate it on command.

Kristen prefers background noise: “If I don’t have music on or a podcast playing, my brain is like… nope.” If you need to be tricked into working, create surroundings that signal to your brain it’s time to work.

5. Stop waiting for motivation (because it’s not coming)

Here’s the truth: Motivation is a liar. If you wait to “feel like” doing something, you’ll be waiting forever. Instead, just start.

“The hardest part is literally just beginning,” Alex reminds us. “But once you do, it’s like, okay, we’re doing this.”

Trick yourself by setting a timer for five minutes. That’s all. Do the thing for five minutes, and if you still want to quit, that’s fine. But nine times out of ten? You’ll keep going.

You’re Not a Failure, You’re Just Human

Procrastination doesn’t make you lazy or bad at life. It just means your brain is working against you a little bit. But with the right hacks, you can totally fight back.

Next time you find yourself putting something off, channel your inner Oddvice energy and remember:

• Start with the small stuff.
• Set fake deadlines.
• Bribe yourself like a toddler.
• Create a vibe that actually works for you.
• Just freaking start.

And if all else fails? Turn up your favorite playlist and power through. You got this—and even when you don’t, remember you’re in good company.