Procrastination. We all face it, especially when we’re working toward big goals that can change our lives. In this new episode of The Empowered Learners, Isabelle sits down once again with Amrita Liv Auer, an NLP and Executive Coach based in Nyon, Switzerland, to talk about why we procrastinate and, most importantly, how to overcome it.

Amrita works with leaders at pivotal moments in their careers and lives. She helps them realign with their core identity, shift their mindset, and unlock their zone of genius so they can move forward with clarity and power. Growing up multilingual in Geneva and living across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Amrita brings a truly global perspective to her work.

Watch the interview with subtitles on our Youtube channel

Why We Procrastinate

Amrita reminds us that procrastination is human. Even she and Isabelle admit they delayed this very recording several times before gaining clarity about what they wanted to share. For Amrita, the main causes of procrastination usually come down to two things:

1. Lack of clarity – When you don’t know exactly what you want to achieve or how to start, it’s easy to avoid taking action.
2. Fear – Fear of failure, of being judged, or of not being good enough can hold us back, especially when the stakes are high.

Clarity and fear often go hand in hand: when things aren’t clear, doubts and resistance naturally arise.

The Power of Mindset and Words

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of our internal dialogue. The words we use about ourselves and our challenges have a direct impact on our emotions, energy, and actions. Saying “I’m terrible at languages” creates resistance. Reframing it as “I’m working on improving my French every day, and I will succeed” creates possibility and motivation.

Isabelle shares her own experience of going through a painful separation, and how changing her words—from “I’ll never get through this” to “I am strong, I will get through this”—helped her take small daily steps forward. The same principle applies to learning French or preparing for the fide exam: your words shape your progress.

3 Practical Tips to Beat Procrastination

So how can we stop procrastinating and start moving forward? Amrita shares three practical tips:

1. Get clear on the what and the why – Define exactly what you need to do (for example, block time in your calendar to study) and understand why it matters (such as staying in Switzerland, securing a new job, or passing the fide exam).
2. Commit and create structure – Find the right resources, whether that’s a teacher, a course, or a quiet study space. Commit to realistic steps, like two hours per week, and stick to them.
3. Visualize the end result – Imagine how you’ll feel once you’ve reached your goal: the pride of passing your exam, the relief of securing your permit, or the confidence of speaking French with ease. Your brain responds to these positive emotions and motivates you to act.

Bringing It All Together

At Prêt à Parler, we see every day how students procrastinate on their French learning journey—often because of unclear goals or fear. But once they gain clarity, commit to action, and shift their mindset, progress becomes much easier. As Amrita says, procrastination isn’t the problem itself—it’s a sign that something deeper (like fear or lack of clarity) needs to be addressed.

If you’re ready to stop procrastinating and take real action toward your French goals, here are two resources to help you:

• Download our free French Learning Kit – packed with practical tools to get you started.
  
• Join our Club de conversation – a weekly 60-minute session to overcome your fear of speaking French in a safe, fun environment.

About Amrita Liv Auer

Amrita Liv Auer is an NLP & Executive Coach who works with leaders at pivotal moments in their lives and careers. She helps them realign with their core identity, shift their mindset, and unlock their zone of genius so they can create the next level from a place of clarity and power. Learn more about her work at amritaauer.com.

Remember: procrastination is not a failure—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and find clarity. With the right mindset and small daily steps, you can move past it and create lasting success in your French learning journey and beyond.