“I’ve always had a passion for A&R ... but I need to break this cycle of procrastination” - Ask Emmy #13

A Senior A&R Manager contending with the constant lure of procrastination is ready to break free and hit her stride in the high-stakes music industry.

Dear Emmy,

I’ve been working as a Senior Manager in A&R for several years now, and I absolutely love what I do. I’ve always had a passion for discovering new talent and guiding artists through the creative process. I thrive on the excitement of the music industry and the fast-paced environment that comes with it. But there’s a problem that I’ve been struggling with for far too long, and it’s starting to affect both my work and my confidence—I’m a real procrastinator.

It’s frustrating because I’m ambitious, driven, and genuinely care about my artists and my team. But when it comes to certain tasks, especially the ones that feel daunting or don’t have immediate deadlines, I find myself putting them off again and again. I’ll tell myself I’ll get to it tomorrow, but tomorrow turns into next week, and before I know it, I’m scrambling to meet deadlines or making excuses for why something hasn’t been done.

I know that this habit is holding me back from being as effective and successful as I could be. It’s not that I don’t want to do the work—I do. But there’s this underlying fear of failure or not getting it perfect that causes me to delay starting. The ironic part is that once I finally sit down and get to work, I usually do well, and I’m left wondering why I didn’t just start sooner. But by then, I’ve already caused myself unnecessary stress and missed opportunities to shine.

I’m tired of this cycle of procrastination, and I’m ready to break free from it. I want to be the kind of leader who tackles challenges head-on and follows through on my commitments without hesitation. How can I overcome this procrastination habit and start working in a way that reflects my true potential?

My thoughts…

Your passion for your work and dedication to your artists and team shine through. It’s clear that you’re not just doing a job—you’re living a calling. Yet, this struggle with procrastination is not about laziness or lack of care; it’s about something much deeper.

Procrastination often masks two underlying fears: the fear of failure and, paradoxically, the fear of success. You hesitate because you care so deeply about doing well. The weight of that care can make even starting feel monumental. But here’s the truth: starting isn’t about perfection—it’s about movement.

So, let’s shift the narrative.

Reframe procrastination as a signal: Instead of seeing it as a flaw, recognise it as a messenger. It’s telling you something: perhaps you’re overwhelmed, uncertain, or holding yourself to impossible standards. What is procrastination trying to teach you?

Shrink the task: A daunting task often feels like having a mountain to climb. I always ask my clients on From Dusk Till Dawn: what’s the bridge you need to build now to take you to where you want to go? Break it down and start stacking. Focus on one small, doable action—draft an outline, write one email, make one call. Completion thrives on momentum.

Embrace imperfection: You don’t need to be perfect to begin. The best work emerges not from flawless starts but from the courage to iterate. What would it look like to give yourself permission to create a messy first draft? Magic emerges in those flawed beginnings.

Anchor in your ‘why’: When the fear of failure creeps in, reconnect with your purpose. You’re not just checking tasks off a list—you’re shaping the careers of artists, building dreams, and influencing culture. Revisit your younger self… why did she want to do this? What would she say to you now? Let her passion fuel your courage to act.

Celebrate starting, not just finishing: Each time you begin, reward yourself. Acknowledge the small victories. Over time, these moments will reinforce a new identity: one of a leader who acts, even when the path feels uncertain.

Remember, the very fact that you’re reflecting on this shows your commitment to growth. This cycle of procrastination doesn’t define you; it’s simply a pattern ready to be rewritten. And you already have the tools within you to do it.

Emmy.x