The Smart Twenties Podcast

If you’ve been avoiding a new or scary task simply because it doesn’t have a deadline, you’re not alone. As perfectionists, we struggle to follow through on tasks that feel unfamiliar or uncertain—especially when no one else is holding us accountable.   The problem? These are often the exact tasks that will move your business forward. And the longer you put them off, the longer you stay stuck.   In this episode, I’m sharing exactly why perfectionists procrastinate on non-urgent tasks and, more importantly, how to break free from this pattern so you can start honoring the deadlines you set for yourself—even when no one else is watching.   If you’re tired of waiting until the last minute (or never) to take action, this episode is for you.  Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode517. The doors to Perfectionists Getting Shit Done close at 11:59pm EST tomorrow night. If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business without burn

In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful snippet from a PGSD coaching call where I coached my client, Arielle, on using Power Planning in a way that actually works for her, instead of against her. As perfectionists, we often don’t realize how our own thinking is making us stuck. We give up right when we’re about to see results. We tell ourselves we’re not doing enough. We feel pressure to plan perfectly, and when we don’t, we spiral into overwhelm and inaction. That’s exactly what happened to Arielle. She wanted to use Power Planning but felt unsure whether she’d be able to “do it right.” And that hesitation was making planning feel like a struggle instead of a tool to help her. On this call, I coached Arielle through this mindset block so she could drop the pressure to plan perfectly and start using Power Planning to fully support herself no matter what comes up during the week. This is why coaching is so valuable for perfectionists. You don’t need another to-do list or a new planner. You need to rew

For most perfectionists, it feels reckless—or even harmful—to publish ‘imperfect’ work unless a last-minute deadline forces our hand. Whether it’s content, a client deliverable, a sales page, or a piece of art, we don’t want to let go until it feels ready. And by ready, we mean perfect. But this obsession with making everything perfect is what’s keeping you stuck. It’s exhausting. It forces you to rely on pressure and deadlines just to take action. It stops you from getting enough practice to become truly great at what you do. And it’s holding your business back from making sales, helping people, and growing the way it could. I’ve built a successful business because I learned how to emotionally allow myself to put imperfect work into the world. I let my ideas meet reality before they feel perfect. Without this skill, I wouldn’t have nearly 500 podcast episodes and 3 million downloads. And this is something you can learn too. Inside this episode, I’m sharing exactly why you struggle to hit publish, the

This is Part 5 of my 5-Part Getting Shit Done Series. Today I’m sharing an inside look at my productivity program for perfectionist entrepreneurs called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD).  Inside the program you’ll master our simple productivity process that works for your perfectionist brain, instead of against it, so it’s easy to stop procrastinating and get shit done without burning out. Plus you’ll have lifetime access to everything including personal support, accountability and a community of other perfectionist entrepreneurs.  Getting out of your own way can’t wait any longer and PGSD makes it easy. Tune in to learn more about the program today and sign up at samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.  Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode514. Enrollment Now Open: Join My Productivity Program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business without burning out, you want to join my productivit

This is Part 4 of my 5-Part Getting Shit Done Series. Today I’m sharing why working in projects - rather than just simply ticking off tasks - is the secret to banishing overwhelm and creating momentum in your business. Plus I’m walking you through a practical tool you can start using right away that makes it easy to finish what you start, even if you have a million ideas. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode513. Opening Soon: My Productivity Program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business without burning out, you want to join my productivity program for perfectionist entrepreneurs called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). Enrollment is opening soon but only for one week - from Friday 31 January to Friday 7 February 2025. Find out more about the program and join the waitlist today by visiting: samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

This is Part 3 of my 5-Part Getting Shit Done Series. Today I’m sharing why perfectionists have to take a different approach to rest and time off compared with everyone else. I also share what to do if you feel guilty taking time off, especially if you’re someone who loves work and want to get fully caught up on everything before you let yourself take a break so that you can fully enjoy it. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode512. Opening Soon: My Productivity Program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business without burning out, you want to join my productivity program for perfectionist entrepreneurs called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). Enrollment is opening soon but only for one week - from Friday 31 January to Friday 7 February 2025. Find out more about the program and join the waitlist today by visiting: samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

This is Part 2 of my 5-Part Getting Shit Done Series. Today I’m sharing three reasons why to-do lists don’t work for perfectionists (even though we love them) and the simple productivity you can use that makes it easy to say goodbye to overwhelm and follow through with your plans, even when you’re not motivated. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode511. Opening Soon: My Productivity Program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business without burning out, you want to join my productivity program for perfectionist entrepreneurs called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). Enrollment is opening soon but only for one week - from Friday 31 January to Friday 7 February 2025. Find out more about the program and join the waitlist today by visiting: samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

This is Part 1 of my 5-Part Getting Shit Done Series. Today I’m sharing why perfectionists can’t follow the same productivity advice as everyone else, the simple idea that skyrocketed my productivity and we wrap up with the story of how I stopped spinning my wheels and built a $2M business while raising three little ones. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode510. Opening Soon: My Productivity Program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business without burning out, you want to join my productivity program for perfectionist entrepreneurs called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD). Enrollment is opening soon but only for one week - from Friday 31 January to Friday 7 February 2025. Find out more about the program and join the waitlist today by visiting: samlaurabrown.com/pgsd.

Our perfectionism often makes us think that the work we’ve produced isn’t good enough and that we need to re-do it. This usually turns into us doing our work over again and again. And when we get into this habit, it’s very disheartening to even approach a task so we end up procrastinating on it and putting it off. In this episode, I’m talking about why I wanted to re-record two podcast episodes and how I came to a decision as to whether or not to let myself do it. If you find yourself re-doing your work so it’s good enough or constantly making little edits to anything you create then this episode will help. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode509. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Find out more about 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject   Perfectionists Getting Shit Done is open

Today I’m sharing with you a recording of my recent instagram live that was incredibly valuable for so many of my followers (I’m @perfectionismproject on Instagram). It’s on procrasti-learning because procrasti-learning stops so many smart entrepreneurs from building a successful business.  In this episode, I talk about 5 of the reasons perfectionists procrasti-learn as well as 5 signs that you’re procrasti-learning and what to do instead. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode508. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Find out more about 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject   Perfectionists Getting Shit Done is opening for enrollment on 31 January for one week only. If you’re ready to get out of your own way and take consistent action in your business, you want to join my productivit

 Today I have for you a Best of The Podcast episode. This episode is actually one of the top 10 most downloaded episodes of this podcast. I wanted to re-release it because it has helped so many people and that means there's a very good chance that it will help you too. In this episode, I’m answering some of the most common questions that come up for perfectionist entrepreneurs when they start working on improving their productivity.  I'm sharing specific recommendations and pieces of advice that you can start applying right away. It’s all about how to stay focused and get your needle movers done without burning out. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my productivity program for perfectionists who are bui

Today, I’m sharing one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in 2024 — and how it’s reshaped my approach to business, parenting, and life. You’ll also learn about untangling your self-worth from achievement (which is so important for perfectionists), why sufficiency is the key to confidence and clarity, and how to achieve from a place of self-trust and connection rather than judgment and shame. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of overthinking, procrastination, or burnout, this episode will inspire you to approach success from a whole new perspective. Tune in today. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode506. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my productivity progr

In today’s episode I’m sharing 3 practical strategies you can use to help you mentally switch off over the holidays even if you love working and really struggle to rest. You’ll also learn why taking time off will increase your productivity, the practice I’ve recently started using to get the highest quality rest for my brain even when I’m busy and why you might need to increase how much ‘me time’ you’ve got planned even if it’s uncomfortable to ask for it. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode505. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my productivity program for perfectionists who are building businesses called Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. Click here to find out m

Tune in to learn the difference between selling from a place of self-doubt and selling from a place of self-trust and why this is such an important shift for perfectionist entrepreneurs to make. If you’ve been having a hard time making sales even though you’re posting pretty consistently, you’ve had happy customers and you’re working really hard on your business - this episode is for you. I also talk about why perfectionists feel so much resistance around getting paid well to do work that is easy or enjoyable for them, why money mindset work is essential if you want to make more sales and what perfectionists need to take into account when improving their money mindset. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode504. What To Do Next Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Sam - samlaurabrown.com/coaching Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismprojec

I’m excited to announce that you can work with me privately to make more sales in 2025 in an aligned, self-trusting way! Tune in to the episode to hear how we can work together, what Self-Trust Selling is (and isn’t), and more. And to find out more about my three month 1:1 coaching program and apply today visit: samlaurabrown.com/coaching Are you only making sales sporadically, even though… ✔ You’re posting pretty consistently, telling people about what you do and putting yourself out there a lot more than you used to be? ✔ You’re smart, you genuinely want to help people and you’ve invested in sales and marketing programs to learn the right strategies? ✔ You get lots of great feedback from your clients and customers and you’re pretty good at what you do (despite a healthy dose of imposter syndrome that tries to tell you otherwise). It’s not your fault, it’s your Perfectionism Handbrake. Your Perfectionism Handbrake isn’t stopping you from taking action anymore. But it is stopping you from making as many sales

Launching has a way of bringing up perfectionism - so I’m sharing a behind the scenes look at the most recent PGSD launch and I’m holding nothing back. This is the second part in a two part series that will help normalise the highs and lows of launching (regardless of what kind of business you have). It gives you a look at the perfectionism that often comes up with selling and what I personally do to overcome that perfectionism and be showing up fully. In this episode I talk about some incredibly important concepts that are universal to all kinds of entrepreneurs, including being all-in on selling, how to keep going and showing up fully (even when you’re tired and the results aren’t where you want them to be). Tune in to listen to my assessment of this launch and my thinking process as I review it. Plus I share all of the numbers (like our sign up numbers, revenue and whether we hit our goal) and behind the scenes insights so you can get out of your own way. Because releasing your perfectionism handbrake is e

Launching has a way of bringing up perfectionism - so I’m sharing a behind the scenes look at the most recent PGSD launch and I’m holding nothing back. This is the first part in a two part series that will help normalise the highs and lows of launching (regardless of what kind of business you have). It gives you a look at the perfectionism that often comes up with selling and what I personally do to overcome that perfectionism and be showing up fully. In this episode I talk about some incredibly important concepts that are universal to all kinds of entrepreneurs, including being all-in on selling, how to keep going and showing up fully (even when you’re tired and the results aren’t where you want them to be). Tune in to listen to the update that I recorded before the launch started all the way to the last day of the launch. I talk through the launch plan and strategy, the self-coaching I’m doing, my thoughts in real-time, and more! Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode50

Today, I want to make a case for doing bad work. As a perfectionist, I know this is not something you want to do. You want to do only your best work and have it reflect what you are capable of. But if you aren't willing to do bad work, you will never get good.  It’s essential to understand this concept as a perfectionist entrepreneur. I explain the concept in this episode, including sharing some examples from my own experiences with my business. I also discuss what happens when you do bad work and how you can support yourself in learning this new approach. If you find you’re having a hard time starting and finishing things, this episode is for you. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode501. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join m

In today’s episode, I want to share with you a tool that I have used to help me avoid burning out. I haven't burned out since 2019 and this tool has been a massive help. Not only does it support you to stop burning out, but it also helps you create the habits you want to have in your personal life and your business. If you’re afraid of burning out (and that fear is stopping you from showing up for your business fully), this episode is for you. Press play to hear more about it, as well as the key to ultimately overcoming burnout. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode500. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. Click here to find out more about the program and join the waitlist today: sam

In today’s episode, I want to share a mistake I see a lot of perfectionists make in business (including myself). I've actually been coaching on this a lot inside my program, Perfectionists Getting Shit Done, and I want to bring it to your awareness, because if you are making this mistake then it's going to be hard to grow the business the way you want to. And it's going to be hard to feel as fulfilled and satisfied as you want to, as a human being. Tune in to hear me talk about this common mistake, so that you can begin addressing it and change your experience in your business. Find the full episode transcript and show notes at samlaurabrown.com/episode499. What To Do Next Join the waitlist: Perfectionists Getting Shit Done (aka PGSD) - samlaurabrown.com/pgsd Sign up for daily Perfectionist Power-Ups - samlaurabrown.com/power Instagram: @perfectionismproject If you’re ready to get out of your own way in your business, you want to join my program Perfectionists Getting Shit Done. Click here to find out more