The Steering Point Newsletter
Welcome to the Steering Point Newsletter where we aim to bring you the best and most relevant performance advice there is. This mission begins with The 1% Podcast, a source of insights and lessons from some of the best thinkers in their field of performance. We also try to make the best writing on performance available to you with two weekly articles written by the Steering Point team. Below is a sample of the Newsletter every Friday should you decide to subscribe. We hope you find it insightful but should you no longer wish to receive it you can unsubscribe at any point.
14-03-2025
What We Recorded
The Procrastination Paradox: Why We Wait and How to Change
Fuschia Sirois, PhD, is a Professor of Social and Health Psychology at Durham University and a former Canada Research Chair in Health and Wellbeing. Her research focuses on understanding the psychological factors and qualities that influence risk or resilience for physical health and wellbeing outcomes through self-regulation and emotions.
For over 20 years, she has studied the causes and consequences of procrastination, particularly its health effects, and how emotions play a key role in why people procrastinate. Her research also explores the role of positive psychology traits, states, and interventions in supporting self-regulation and enhancing health and well-being.
She has authored over 120 peer-reviewed journal papers, presented over 200 conference papers, edited two books, and in 2022 released her first book, Procrastination: What It Is, Why It’s a Problem, and What You Can Do About It.
Podcast Highlights
The Emotions Behind Procrastination
“Emotions are ground zero for procrastination. That is the core driver and it’s about avoiding the negative emotions associated with a task rather than the task itself. And this is why people can procrastinate on things that seem like that’s a big deal answering that email, but it’s the meaning of that task. It’s the emotions, the insecurities, the fears, the dread, the boredom, the anxiety…”
Procrastination: An Avoidant Coping Strategy
“Procrastination gives you immediate relief but you’re not dealing with those emotions but if you don’t then come back and get on with it and you continue to procrastinate, what start to happen? Well those same emotions are still there. You haven’t worked through them and now they’re likely to be amplified…”
Procrastination & Perfectionism
“There’s definitely a link with perfectionism, especially specifically more of the self critical, what we call perfectionistic concerns. So you’re really trying to please other people. You’re trying to live up to some societal standard that you think others have imposed on you…”
What We Wrote
What Trump’s DEI Cuts Mean for Ireland
“The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has been gaining momentum in the United States, with President Trump spearheading efforts to dismantle such policies through a series of executive orders. These cuts have had an immediate impact on corporate America, with major companies like Meta, McDonald’s and Target rolling back their DEI commitments. But the implications extend far beyond the US, raising the question: what does this shift mean for businesses worldwide, particularly in Ireland?”
By Steering Point Partner Shay Dalton
What We See
The ability to handle setbacks, adapt, and maintain emotional stability is a defining trait of peak performers. When faced with setbacks, I quickly reframe them as learning opportunities:
What We Read
The Illusion of Power: Why Unilateral Authority Undermines Team Performance