The Procrastination Paradox: Why Capable People Delay · London · Nov 24, 2026

Facilitated by: Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer (she / her), PhD, MEd, BEd, BA, OCT Ever notice how the most capable people often struggle with procrastination? It's not about laziness or lack of discipline, it's about misalignment. This session explores the hidden reasons we delay tasks we know matter, and offers practical, humane strategies to move from stuck to started. Topics Covered: Why procrastination is often a learning strategy problem, not a character flaw The neuroscience of task initiation and what gets in the way of "just starting" How to identify what genuinely needs your attention versus what's urgency masquerading as importance Syncing your work to your natural energy rhythms (chronotypes and the power of timing) Creating "doability" in overwhelming workloads Building sustainable productivity practices that honour your whole self Participants Will Learn: Concrete strategies to frontload work and make tasks feel more manageable How to design time practices that work with how humans actually function, not against it Tools for humane prioritization that reduce decision fatigue and increase follow-through Ways to make work feel lighter without sacrificing quality or outcomes Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to apply at least three actionable strategies to their own work context that reduce procrastination, increase task completion, and build a more sustainable relationship with productivity—one that treats them as whole humans, not productivity machines. This session is grounded in learning strategy principles and designed for anyone ready to move beyond toxic productivity culture toward practices that actually work. Deena Kara Shaffer, PhD founded Awakened Learning to transform education, offering learning strategy support to students, families, educators, and organizations. From 1:1 coaching to community sessions, global keynotes to municipal trainings, Deena is passionate about sharing the life-changing power of holistic learning strategies. Best-selling author of Feel Good Learning and of Raising Well Learners, a TEDx speaker, co-creator of the international Thriving in Action intervention recently named as a higher ed best practice, regular CBC radio voice on learning, award-winning adjunct faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University teaching the sought-out how to learn course, and former two-time President of the Learning Specialists of Canada, Deena's mission and joy is to create truly feel-good, all-welcome learning experiences.  Pedagogical Focuses: Belonging - Engagement - Well-Being - Leadership Standards of Practice: Standard IV:  Professionalism and Leadership Registration closes: Monday, November 23 at 12:00 PM * Ticket types are based on the county you WORK in. Elgin and Oxford participants, use your access code to reveal your ticket types. **An access link and password will be emailed out prior to the event While we welcome participation from outside of the Early Years sector, please note these learning opportunities are intended for early years professionals and the early years lens will be emphasized.