TRANSCRIPT
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISODE
Host Brian: Hello Everyone! Welcome to another episode of English on the Go, where we believe you can learn everywhere and speak everywhere!
Host Brian: I'm your host Brian, and today we're tackling a challenge that affects almost everyone - procrastination and laziness. Whether you're studying English or pursuing other goals, these habits can really hold you back.
Host Brian: By the end of this episode, you'll have practical strategies to boost your productivity and some excellent English vocabulary to discuss this topic.
Host Brian:: Before we dive into our conversation, let's understand why this topic matters. Procrastination isn't just about being lazy - it's a complex behavior that can stem from fear, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed.
Host Brian: Today, we'll hear different perspectives on this from our guests Sarah, a productivity coach, and Mike, who's working on overcoming his procrastination habits.
2. PRE-LISTENING QUESTIONS
Host Brian:: Before we start, think about these questions:
Host Brian: When do you find yourself procrastinating the most?
Host Brian: What excuses do you usually make when putting things off?
Host Brian: How does procrastination affect your language learning journey?
Host Brian: Take a moment to reflect on these, and let's move on to our conversation.
3. MAIN CONVERSATION
Brian: Today, I'm joined by Sarah Thompson, a productivity coach with over 10 years of experience, and Mike Chen, a software developer who's been on a journey to overcome procrastination. Welcome to you both!
Sarah: Thanks for having me, Brian. I'm excited to share some insights today.
Mike: Hey everyone! Yeah, I've definitely had my struggles with procrastination, so I'm looking forward to this discussion.
Brian: Let's jump right in. Mike, what's your biggest challenge when it comes to procrastination?
Mike: You know, I tend to put things off until the last minute, especially when I'm facing a daunting task. I'll find myself killing time on social media or making excuses about why I can't start right away. It's like I'm dragging my feet on purpose.
Sarah: That's actually quite common, Mike. Many people fall into the trap of procrastination when they're overwhelmed. The key is to break down these big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Mike: But isn't that easier said than done? I mean, I've tried using to-do lists and setting deadlines, but I still end up burning the midnight oil to finish things at the last minute.
Sarah: I get that. Here's the thing - we often bite off more than we can chew. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, try the "two-minute rule": if something takes less than two minutes, do it right away. It helps you get the ball rolling.
Brian: That's interesting. How does this apply to language learning, Sarah?
Sarah: Well, instead of saying "I need to study English for two hours," which might feel overwhelming, start with "I'll review five vocabulary words" or "I'll listen to one short podcast episode." You're more likely to stick to these smaller commitments.
Mike: I've noticed that when I put something on the back burner, it just creates more stress later. But sometimes I feel like I need to wait for the "perfect moment" to start.
Sarah: That's the perfectionism trap! You need to jump in and accept that it won't be perfect at first. Remember, done is better than perfect.
Mike: I've also found that I tend to zone out when working on challenging tasks. My mind just wanders off.
Sarah: That's where the Pomodoro Technique comes in handy - work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It helps you stay on track without burning out. You need to strike a balance between pushing yourself and taking breaks.
Mike: I actually tried that last week, and it helped me power through a tough project. Instead of throwing in the towel when things got difficult, I kept going in small chunks.
Sarah: Exactly! And don't forget to pat yourself on the back when you complete these small tasks. Celebration reinforces good habits.
Brian: These are all great points. What about when motivation is low? How do you get back on track?
Sarah: Sometimes you need to shake things up. Change your environment, work in a different location, or find an accountability partner. The key is to take the plunge and start, even when you don't feel like it.
Mike: That's true. I've started working at a café sometimes, and just being around other productive people helps me buckle down and focus.
Sarah: Thanks for having me, Brian. I'm excited to share some insights today.
Mike: Hey everyone! Yeah, I've definitely had my struggles with procrastination, so I'm looking forward to this discussion.
Brian: Let's jump right in. Mike, what's your biggest challenge when it comes to procrastination?
Mike: You know, I tend to put things off until the last minute, especially when I'm facing a daunting task. I'll find myself killing time on social media or making excuses about why I can't start right away. It's like I'm dragging my feet on purpose.
Sarah: That's actually quite common, Mike. Many people fall into the trap of procrastination when they're overwhelmed. The key is to break down these big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Mike: But isn't that easier said than done? I mean, I've tried using to-do lists and setting deadlines, but I still end up burning the midnight oil to finish things at the last minute.
Sarah: I get that. Here's the thing - we often bite off more than we can chew. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, try the "two-minute rule": if something takes less than two minutes, do it right away. It helps you get the ball rolling.
Brian: That's interesting. How does this apply to language learning, Sarah?
Sarah: Well, instead of saying "I need to study English for two hours," which might feel overwhelming, start with "I'll review five vocabulary words" or "I'll listen to one short podcast episode." You're more likely to stick to these smaller commitments.
Mike: I've noticed that when I put something on the back burner, it just creates more stress later. But sometimes I feel like I need to wait for the "perfect moment" to start.
Sarah: That's the perfectionism trap! You need to jump in and accept that it won't be perfect at first. Remember, done is better than perfect.
Mike: I've also found that I tend to zone out when working on challenging tasks. My mind just wanders off.
Sarah: That's where the Pomodoro Technique comes in handy - work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It helps you stay on track without burning out. You need to strike a balance between pushing yourself and taking breaks.
Mike: I actually tried that last week, and it helped me power through a tough project. Instead of throwing in the towel when things got difficult, I kept going in small chunks.
Sarah: Exactly! And don't forget to pat yourself on the back when you complete these small tasks. Celebration reinforces good habits.
Brian: These are all great points. What about when motivation is low? How do you get back on track?
Sarah: Sometimes you need to shake things up. Change your environment, work in a different location, or find an accountability partner. The key is to take the plunge and start, even when you don't feel like it.
Mike: That's true. I've started working at a café sometimes, and just being around other productive people helps me buckle down and focus.
4. VOCABULARY ANALYSIS
Host Brian : Let's break down some key expressions we heard in our conversation:
Host Brian:: First up, we have the phrase "Put things off". This just means delaying something. For example, “I tend to put things off until the last minute when I'm facing a big project."
Host Brian:: Next is "Killing time". This one’s for when you’re just doing random things to pass time while waiting. Like, “I end up killing time on social media instead of getting started right away.”
Host Brian:: Another one is "Dragging your feet". This is when you’re moving slowly or delaying something on purpose. For instance, “I’ll drag my feet when I’m not looking forward to a task, like cleaning.”
Host Brian:: Here’s a good one—"Fall into the trap". This means getting tricked into something, often by accident. For example, “It’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination when you’re overwhelmed by work.”
Host Brian:: Then there's "Burn the midnight oil". This is a phrase for working late into the night. For instance, “I often burn the midnight oil to finish projects on time.”
Host Brian:: Now, "Bite off more than you can chew". This means taking on too much. Like, “I’ve bitten off more than I can chew with this new project!”
Host Brian:: And then there’s "Get the ball rolling". It means to get something started. For example, “Writing down a to-do list helps me get the ball rolling.”
Host Brian:: Next, we have "Put something on the back burner". This one’s for when you delay handling something until later. For example, “I put my creative projects on the back burner during busy work seasons.”
Host Brian:: Then there’s "Zone out". That’s losing focus or concentration. Like, “I often zone out during long meetings.”
Host Brian:: "Power through" is another good one. This means continuing to work despite difficulties. “Last week, I had to power through a really tough project.”
Host Brian:: Here’s "Throw in the towel". This means to give up. For example, “I almost threw in the towel, but then decided to keep pushing forward.”
Host Brian:: And finally, "Pat yourself on the back"—it’s a way of saying to congratulate yourself. “Remember to pat yourself on the back when you finish small tasks.”
Host Brian:: Oh, and here’s one to wrap up—"Shake things up". This is about making changes to improve something. “When I get bored, I shake things up by working in a different location.”
Host Brian:: And lastly, "Buckle down". This is focusing and working hard. “When I’m in the zone, I can really buckle down and get things done!”
Host Brian:: There you go! Now you have some great vocabulary for tackling tasks and staying productive!
5. QUIZ TIME
Host Brian:: Time for a quick quiz! Remember, I'll reveal the answers at the end of the episode.
1. According to Sarah, what should you do if a task takes less than two minutes?
a) Put it on your to-do list
b) Do it right away
c) Wait until tomorrow
2. What technique did Sarah suggest for maintaining focus?
a) Working for 4 hours straight
b) The Pomodoro Technique
c) Taking long breaks
3. What did Mike find helpful for staying productive?
a) Working in a café
b) Sleeping longer
c) Avoiding deadlines
6. POST-LISTENING QUESTIONS
Host Brian:: Think about these questions:
Host Brian: Which strategies mentioned today could you apply to your own life?
Host Brian: How might changing your environment affect your productivity?
Host Brian: What small task could you start with today?
Host Brian: Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Experiment with different approaches and see what works best for you!
7. CONCLUSION
Host Brian: Before we wrap up, let's reveal those quiz answers:
1. The correct answer is b) Do it right away
2. The correct answer is b) The Pomodoro Technique
3. The correct answer is a) Working in a café
Host Brian : Don't forget to download your free PDF vocabulary list from our website. It includes all the expressions we covered today, plus extra examples and practice exercises.
Host Brian : Remember, overcoming procrastination is a journey, not a destination. Keep practicing these strategies, and you'll see improvement in both your productivity and your English skills.
Host Brian : Until next time, this is Brian reminding you to learn everywhere and speak everywhere!
Vocabulary Table
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Sentence | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put things off | Phrasal Verb | To delay doing something | "I always put my homework off until Sunday night." | Postpone, delay |
| Killing time | Phrase | Doing unimportant activities while waiting | "I was killing time at the airport by reading magazines." | Pass time, waste time |
| Drag one's feet | Idiom | To deliberately delay | "Stop dragging your feet and start the project." | Stall, delay |
| Fall into the trap | Phrase | To be deceived by something problematic | "Don't fall into the trap of checking social media while studying." | Get caught up in |
| Burn the midnight oil | Idiom | Working late into the night | "She was burning the midnight oil to finish her presentation." | Work late, overstudy |
| Get the ball rolling | Idiom | To start something | "Let's get the ball rolling on this project." | Begin, initiate |
| Zone out | Phrasal Verb | To lose focus | "I started to zone out during the long meeting." | Space out, lose focus |
| Power through | Phrasal Verb | To continue despite difficulties | "Just power through the last few exercises." | Persevere, persist |
| Shake things up | Phrasal Verb | To make changes to improve a situation | "We need to shake things up in our daily routine." | Change, alter |
| Buckle down | Phrasal Verb | To focus and work hard | "It's time to buckle down and study for the exam." | Focus, concentrate |
EXERCISE
EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instruction: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words
Brian: Today, I'm joined by Sarah Thompson, a productivity coach with over 10 years of experience, and Mike Chen, a software developer who's been on a journey to overcome (1). Welcome to you both!
Sarah: Thanks for having me, Brian. I'm excited to share some (2) today.
Mike: Hey everyone! Yeah, I've definitely had my struggles with procrastination, so I'm looking (3)______ to this discussion.
Brian: Let's jump right in. Mike, what's your biggest (4)______ when it comes to procrastination?
Mike: You know, I tend to put things off until the last minute, especially when I'm facing a (5)______ task. I'll find myself killing time on social media or making excuses about why I can't start right away. It's like I'm dragging my feet on purpose.
Sarah: That's actually quite common, Mike. Many people fall into the trap of procrastination when they're (6). The key is to break down these big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Mike: But isn't that easier said than done? I mean, I've tried using to-do lists and setting (7), but I still end up burning the midnight oil to finish things at the last minute.
Sarah: I get that. Here's the thing - we often bite off more than we can chew. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, try the "two-minute rule": if something takes less than two minutes, (8)______ it right away. It helps you get the ball rolling.
Brian: That's interesting. How does this apply to (9), Sarah?
Sarah: Well, instead of saying "I need to study English for two hours," which might feel overwhelming, start with "I'll review five vocabulary words" or "I'll listen to one short podcast episode." You're more likely to stick to these smaller (10).
Mike: I've noticed that when I put something on the back burner, it just creates more stress later. But sometimes I feel like I need to wait for the "(11)" to start.
Sarah: That's the perfectionism trap! You need to jump in and accept that it won't be perfect at first. Remember, done is better than (12).
Mike: I've also found that I tend to zone out when working on challenging tasks. My mind just wanders off.
Sarah: That's where the (13)______ comes in handy - work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It helps you stay on track without burning out. You need to strike a balance between pushing yourself and taking (14).
Mike: I actually tried that last week, and it helped me power through a tough project. Instead of throwing in the towel when things got difficult, I kept going in small chunks.
Sarah: Exactly! And don't forget to pat yourself on the back when you complete these small tasks. (15) reinforces good habits.
Brian: These are all great points. What about when (16)______ is low? How do you get back on track?
Sarah: Sometimes you need to shake things up. Change your environment, work in a different location, or find an (17)______ partner. The key is to take the plunge and start, even when you don't feel like it.
Mike: That's true. I've started working at a café sometimes, and just being around other (18)______ people helps me buckle down and focus.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 2: True, False, Not Given
Instruction: Read each statement carefully and mark it as True, False, or Not Given based on the conversation.
1. Sarah has over 5 years of experience as a productivity coach.
2. Mike has a perfect record of meeting deadlines.
3. Sarah suggests the Pomodoro Technique as a way to avoid burnout.
4. Mike finds that changing his location helps him concentrate better.
5. Brian suggests trying the "two-minute rule" to avoid procrastination.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 3: Multiple Choice Questions
Instruction: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the information from the conversation.
1. What is one of Mike’s main challenges with procrastination?
a) Lack of resources
b) Waiting for the perfect moment
c) Forgetting tasks
d) Working too fast
2. What technique does Sarah suggest for handling smaller tasks?
a) Five-minute rule
b) To-do list method
c) Two-minute rule
d) Perfectionism strategy
3. How does the Pomodoro Technique work, according to Sarah?
a) Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break
b) Work for 15 minutes, then take a 10-minute break
c) Complete tasks immediately if they’re under two minutes
d) Spend an hour on each task before taking a break
________________________________________
EXERCISE 4: Matching Information
| Phrase | Speaker |
|---|---|
| I put things on the back burner. | Mike |
| Break tasks into manageable chunks. | Sarah |
| Start with five vocabulary words. | Sarah |
| I tend to zone out on tough tasks. | Mike |
| Celebrate when you complete small tasks. | Sarah |
EXERCISE 5: Sentence Rearrangement
Instruction: Rearrange the jumbled sentences to form coherent statements related to the conversation.
1. To back put when burner Mike things on the, stress creates later it.
2. Tries but done perfectionism is better trap he avoid than the perfect.
3. The manageable breaking tasks into chunks suggests Sarah smaller.
4. Pomodoro Mike the to used tackle week last technique.
5. Sometimes productive a around being other helps cafe Mike people focus.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 6: Choose the Correct Word
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the options provided.
1. Mike says he often finds himself ______ (avoiding / tackling) tasks until the last minute.
2. Sarah suggests that breaking tasks into smaller, manageable ______ (bits / chunks) can help.
3. The "two-minute rule" can get the ball ______ (rolling / starting) on smaller tasks.
4. Sarah mentions the Pomodoro Technique for maintaining ______ (focus / progress).
5. Mike works at a café sometimes to ______ (improve / encourage) his focus.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 7: Sentence Reordering
Instruction: Put the sentences in the correct order to recreate a summary of the conversation.
1. Mike explains that he often puts tasks off and ends up using social media to procrastinate.
2. Sarah suggests the "two-minute rule" to help with smaller tasks and advises celebrating small accomplishments.
3. Sarah explains the Pomodoro Technique as a strategy for managing focus and preventing burnout.
4. Mike and Sarah discuss the common challenges of procrastination and strategies to overcome it.
5. Mike mentions that working in a café helps him focus when motivation is low.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 8: Paraphrasing Practice
Instruction: Rewrite each of the following statements from the conversation in your own words. Try to capture the same meaning but use different phrasing.
1. "I tend to put things off until the last minute, especially when I'm facing a daunting task."
2. "The key is to break down these big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks."
3. "Sometimes I feel like I need to wait for the 'perfect moment' to start."
4. "Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break."
5. "I've noticed that putting something on the back burner just creates more stress later."
________________________________________
EXERCISE 9: Opinion Writing
Instruction: Based on the conversation, write a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) sharing your own opinion on whether using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or the two-minute rule can effectively reduce procrastination. Support your response with reasons.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 10: Dialogue Completion
Instruction: Complete the conversation by filling in the blanks for possible responses. Use the context from the conversation to guide your answers.
1. Brian: "How does the 'two-minute rule' help with productivity?"
Sarah: "It helps because ______."
2. Mike: "But I still feel like waiting for the perfect moment to start."
Sarah: "Waiting for the perfect moment is a trap because ______."
3. Brian: "What advice would you give for people who have low motivation?"
Sarah: "One good strategy is to ______."
4. Mike: "The Pomodoro Technique really helped me last week."
Brian: "That’s great! How did it help you ______?"
5. Sarah: "Remember to celebrate small tasks."
Mike: "I’ll try that! Maybe it will ______."
________________________________________
EXERCISE 11: Word Match
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Procrastination | Delaying or postponing tasks |
| Two-Minute Rule | Completing tasks that take less than two minutes |
| Pomodoro Technique | Working in timed intervals with short breaks |
| Perfectionism | Wanting tasks to be flawless before starting or finishing |
| Accountability Partner | A person who helps keep you responsible and on track |
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. procrastination
2. insights
3. forward
4. challenge
5. daunting
6. overwhelmed
7. deadlines
8. do
9. language learning
10. commitments
11. perfect moment
12. perfect
13. Pomodoro Technique
14. breaks
15. Celebration
16. motivation
17. accountability
18. productive
EXERCISE 2: True, False, Not Given
1. False (Sarah has over 10 years of experience as a productivity coach)
2. False (Mike struggles with meeting deadlines)
3. True
4. True
5. False (Sarah suggests the two-minute rule, not Brian)
________________________________________
EXERCISE 3: Multiple Choice Questions
1. b) Waiting for the perfect moment
2. c) Two-minute rule
3. a) Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break
________________________________________
EXERCISE 4: Matching Information
Phrase Speaker
"I put things on the back burner." Mike
"Break tasks into manageable chunks." Sarah
"Start with five vocabulary words." Sarah
"I tend to zone out on tough tasks." Mike
"Celebrate when you complete small tasks." Sarah
________________________________________
EXERCISE 5: Sentence Rearrangement
1. When Mike puts things on the back burner, it creates stress later.
2. Perfectionism is a trap, but done is better than perfect.
3. Sarah suggests breaking tasks into smaller manageable chunks.
4. Mike used the Pomodoro technique last week to tackle a project.
5. Being around other productive people helps Mike focus at a café.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 6: Choose the Correct Word
1. avoiding
2. chunks
3. rolling
4. focus
5. improve
________________________________________
EXERCISE 7: Sentence Reordering
1. Mike explains that he often puts tasks off and ends up using social media to procrastinate.
2. Sarah suggests the "two-minute rule" to help with smaller tasks and advises celebrating small accomplishments.
3. Sarah explains the Pomodoro Technique as a strategy for managing focus and preventing burnout.
4. Mike and Sarah discuss the common challenges of procrastination and strategies to overcome it.
5. Mike mentions that working in a café helps him focus when motivation is low.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 8: Paraphrasing Practice
1. "I usually delay tasks until the last moment, especially when they're overwhelming."
2. "The important thing is to divide big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces."
3. "Sometimes, I feel like I should wait for the 'ideal time' to start."
4. "Work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break."
5. "I’ve found that pushing something aside just makes it more stressful later."
________________________________________
EXERCISE 9: Opinion Writing
No answer key for this exercise, as responses will vary depending on individual opinion.
Example Answer:
In my opinion, drinking alcohol can be both good and bad, depending on how it’s consumed. Moderate drinking in social settings can help people relax and connect, which has positive social benefits. However, if it’s used to cope with stress or is consumed excessively, it can lead to health issues and negatively impact one's life. Like most things, balance is key, and being aware of the risks and limits is essential for responsible consumption.
________________________________________
EXERCISE 10: Dialogue Completion
1. Brian: "How does the 'two-minute rule' help with productivity?"
Sarah: "It helps because it allows you to tackle small tasks immediately, so they don’t build up."
2. Mike: "But I still feel like waiting for the perfect moment to start."
Sarah: "Waiting for the perfect moment is a trap because it can delay progress indefinitely."
3. Brian: "What advice would you give for people who have low motivation?"
Sarah: "One good strategy is to change your environment or find an accountability partner."
4. Mike: "The Pomodoro Technique really helped me last week."
Brian: "That’s great! How did it help you stay focused without getting burned out?"
5. Sarah: "Remember to celebrate small tasks."
Mike: "I’ll try that! Maybe it will help me stay motivated to keep going."
________________________________________
EXERCISE 11: Word Match
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Procrastination | Delaying or postponing tasks |
| Two-Minute Rule | Completing tasks that take less than two minutes |
| Pomodoro Technique | Working in timed intervals with short breaks |
| Perfectionism | Wanting tasks to be flawless before starting or finishing |
| Accountability Partner | A person who helps keep you responsible and on track |
