Make Time for Success with Dr. Christine Li

Dr. Christine Li

Make Time for Success is a podcast designed for busy people who are ready to improve not just their productivity, but also their self-esteem and self-confidence. If you’re looking for the secrets to making productivity feel light and easy rather than something you want to run from, this is the podcast for you. In each episode, psychologist and Procrastination Coach Dr. Christine Li shares effective tips and strategies to help you start building your most joyful, creative, and abundant life. Episodes will include interviews with guest experts who have made the breakthrough to living life fully, as well as stories and reflections from Dr. Li’s own life and work. You’ll hear lessons from Dr. Li’s book, “5-Minute Self-Discipline Habits: Stay Motivated, Cultivate Good Habits, and Achieve Your Goals” and learn how to use the S.M.A.C.K. Solution, a mixture of mindfulness and anxiety-reducing strategies, to keep your fears quiet and your goals in sharp focus. You’ll discover that when you remove the mental, emotional, and physical barriers that are blocking you from getting things done, you'll be able to create more time to excel and thrive. When you listen to the Make Time for Success podcast, you'll soon see what it feels like to have your motivation and energy skyrocket! *THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN OR HEARD FROM DR. CHRISTINE LI OR THIS PODCAST.

  1. Why Perfectionism Is a Hidden Danger for Your Productivity

    2D AGO

    Why Perfectionism Is a Hidden Danger for Your Productivity

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. Episode 276 of the Make Time for Success podcast kicks off a 3-week miniseries exploring hidden patterns that drain time, energy, and progress. In this episode, host Dr. Christine Li dives deep into perfectionism, revealing how it can secretly sabotage productivity by fueling control, avoidance, and exhaustion. She shares insights on why striving for perfect results often leads to mental fatigue, procrastination, and lost opportunities, and offers practical strategies to help listeners step back from perfectionism, reclaim their energy, and get work done with greater ease. The episode encourages embracing progress over perfection and reconnecting with genuine satisfaction and self-esteem in your work and life. Timestamps 00:00:00: Dr. Christine Li introduces the miniseries and today's topic perfectionism.00:01:04: Dr. Christine Li shares her background and podcast purpose.00:01:47: Perfectionism's impact on productivity begins.00:03:23: Fears driving perfectionism are discussed.00:04:31: Negative consequences of perfectionism outlined.00:06:51: Signs of perfectionism in work habits explained.00:09:07: Mindset shifts to let go of perfectionism offered.00:13:09: Detaching self-worth from work and focusing on progress.00:14:34: Final advice and preview of next episode.To get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/perfectionism To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

    17 min
  2. Breaking the Shopping Addiction: A Marketer’s Journey to Mindful Consumption with Crystal Chen

    MAR 19

    Breaking the Shopping Addiction: A Marketer’s Journey to Mindful Consumption with Crystal Chen

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. In this episode of the Make Time for Success podcast, host Dr. Christine Li sits down with former product marketer and creator of the Slow Buy Club, Crystal Chen, to explore the psychology behind shopping addiction and mindful consumption. Crystal Chen shares her personal journey from being a career marketer and self-described shopaholic to developing strategies for breaking cycles of overconsumption, decluttering, and rebuying. Together, they discuss how marketing targets emotional pain points, what drives shopping behavior, and how we can reclaim our focus and intentionality. If you've ever struggled with impulsive buying or want to foster a healthier relationship with your stuff, this episode offers practical insights and tools for positive change.   Timestamps [00:00] Dr. Christine Li introduces the episode and Crystal Chen[03:24] Crystal Chen shares her background in marketing and shopping addiction[07:41] Emotional drivers behind her shopping habits[12:31] Crystal Chen's turning point and the origin of the Slow Buy Method[14:33] Explanation of the 5-question Slow Buy Method[21:08] Why it’s important to remove marketing context from shopping decisions[22:06] The story behind starting her TikTok channel[23:40] In-store anecdote about witnessing shopping compulsion in someone else[30:23] Personal decluttering journey and lessons learned[32:09] The concept of "chucker’s regret" and how to avoid it[34:05] Object relationship ladder—processing attachment to things[40:09] Free resources and Slow Buy Club info[41:29] Episode wrap up and closing remarksTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/slow To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab  Connect with Us! Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab                       Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPCrystal Chen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@slowbuyclub

    43 min
  3. Breaking Through Excuses: Practical Tips for Taking Action

    MAR 12

    Breaking Through Excuses: Practical Tips for Taking Action

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. In this motivating solo episode, Dr. Christine Li tackles the universal struggle of resistance and procrastination. Whether you find yourself saying, "I don’t have enough time," or hesitating to pursue your goals, this episode explores the real reasons behind resistance and offers down-to-earth strategies to get back in action. Dr. Christine Li breaks down what resistance truly is, explains the difference between real and imagined roadblocks, and shows you how to handle emotional and logistical barriers. Plus, she shares practical tools for shifting your mindset, scheduling your goals, and overcoming the urge to avoid important tasks. Walk away inspired to shorten the space between intention and achievement, and ready to crush your goals—one small action at a time. Timestamps 00:00:00: Introduction to episode and its focus on resistance00:01:00: Dr. Christine Li introduces herself and the show’s goals00:02:11: Defining resistance and its impact00:03:10: "Where your nose is pointing" analogy for procrastination00:04:53: The energy drain of chronic resistance00:06:08: Declutter closet example—spotting “I don’t have time” resistance00:07:23: Actual roadblocks vs. emotional resistance00:08:28: Strategies: Scheduling and creating detours00:09:54: Emotional resistance: anxiety, overwhelm, and perceived risks00:12:05: How emotions keep us from acting, even on small tasks00:13:18: Empowerment and reminder that you’re in control00:14:00: The benefit of investing a small amount of time to get big returns00:15:31: Final encouragement, worksheet offer, and wrap-upTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/resistance/ To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

    17 min
  4. How to Increase Your Productivity Without Raising Stress Levels

    MAR 5

    How to Increase Your Productivity Without Raising Stress Levels

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. In this episode, Dr. Christine Li shares five powerful strategies for boosting productivity without increasing stress. Drawing on her experience as a psychologist and procrastination coach, Dr. Li guides listeners through mindset shifts and actionable tips to help break free from resistance, balance process with progress, and transform self-doubt into confidence. The episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to accomplish more while feeling less overwhelmed, all delivered with Dr. Li’s signature warmth and encouragement. Timestamps 00:00:00: Dr. Christine Li welcomes listeners, introduces the episode’s main topic, and sets the tone for stress-free productivity.00:01:18: She begins sharing her thoughts on how to increase productivity without raising stress levels.00:03:13: Strategy 1: Learn to resist your resistance by writing down your goals, your sources of resistance, and your next action steps.00:06:29: Strategy 2: Shift your mindset to see time as an ally, not a constraint. Focus on how you use your time productively.00:07:49: Strategy 3: Balance your process with progress. Avoid overthinking and take action to move work forward.00:10:49: Strategy 4: Productivity can heal self-doubt by providing evidence of your capabilities and growth.00:12:37: Strategy 5: Fall in love with yourself; let go of negative self-talk, and affirm that you are "good enough."00:15:33: Dr. Christine Li offers a free productivity download and wraps up the episode with encouragement and links for listeners.To get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/rocket To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

    17 min
  5. Calm the Nervous System: Mindset Hacks for When Life Feels Like Too Much

    FEB 26

    Calm the Nervous System: Mindset Hacks for When Life Feels Like Too Much

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. In this episode, Dr. Christine Li shares four mindset hacks designed to help you create and maintain a sense of calm, especially when life feels overwhelming. Drawing inspiration from real-life questions and examples, Dr. Christine Li walks listeners through practical strategies for shifting out of patterns of panic, anxiety, and stress. She discusses the importance of changing the stories we tell ourselves, learning to accept circumstances as they are, trusting that we can get through challenges, and using our mindset to guide ourselves to success. The episode includes relatable stories and a motivational example from figure skater Alyssa Liu to illustrate how these mindset shifts can lead to more confidence, joy, and productivity in everyday life. Timestamps 00:00:00: Introduction to calm mindset hacks00:00:57: Dr. Christine Li’s background and purpose of the podcast00:01:40: TikTok inspiration; addressing panic00:02:42: Mindset Hack #1: Change your story to reduce panic00:06:59: Mindset Hack #2: Practice acceptance00:11:20: Mindset Hack #3: Trust you’ll overcome challenges00:12:29: Mindset Hack #4: Use your mind to move past fear00:14:30: Alyssa Liu’s comeback story as an example00:17:50: Episode wrap-up and worksheet invitationTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/calm To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

    20 min
  6. 7 Proven Strategies to Beat Procrastination and Reclaim Your Time

    FEB 19

    7 Proven Strategies to Beat Procrastination and Reclaim Your Time

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. In this episode of Make Time for Success, host Dr. Christine Li shares 7 powerful strategies to help you break free from procrastination and reclaim your time. Inspired by Procrastination Week and the transition to the Lunar New Year, the episode is all about letting go of old habits that hold you back and stepping boldly into a more productive, meaningful life. You'll learn practical tips like how to confidently say no, build buffer time into your schedule, manage your nervous system, ask for help, track your time mindfully, and focus on work that truly matters to you. Dr. Christine Li offers a gentle, supportive approach designed to help you feel more empowered, less overwhelmed, and excited to make the most of your time. Timestamps 00:00:00: Introduction and overview of episode (host Dr. Christine Li)00:01:13: Dr. Christine Li introduces herself as a psychologist and procrastination coach00:01:56: Announcement of the 7 strategies to rescue time from procrastination00:03:25: Strategy 1: Get good at saying no00:04:36: Strategy 2: Avoid filling all blank spaces in your calendar00:05:38: Strategy 3: Prioritize your nervous system00:07:33: Strategy 4: Choose calm over panic—look for alternative approaches00:08:52: Strategy 5: Ask for help wherever possible00:10:16: Strategy 6: Track your time usage—includes mention of free download00:12:11: Strategy 7: Do meaningful work that aligns with your values00:13:11: Encouragement to use the strategies and reach out via Instagram00:13:43: Outro and ways to connect/follow the showTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/time To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

    15 min
  7. 10 Powerful Strategies to Overcome Overwhelm in Stressful Times

    FEB 12

    10 Powerful Strategies to Overcome Overwhelm in Stressful Times

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate? In this episode, Dr. Christine Li shares 10 (plus a bonus!) effective strategies to help you break free from overwhelm and regain your sense of calm and control. Drawing from her experience as a procrastination coach and her work with Success Lab members, Dr. Christine Li walks you through practical tips—including understanding what overwhelm really is, taking action in small steps, practicing self-compassion, leveraging meditation and tapping, connecting with supportive groups, and even bringing more fun into your routine! Whether you're juggling too many responsibilities or just feeling stuck, you'll find actionable ideas to help you reset and move forward with confidence. Timestamps 00:00:00 – 00:01:12: Dr. Christine Li introduces the episode and shares personal feelings of overwhelm. 00:01:32 – 00:02:13: Dr. Christine Li introduces herself and her approach. 00:02:14 – 00:03:25: Explains why the topic was chosen; introduces first tip about understanding overwhelm. 00:03:25 – 00:04:47: Focus on what you can control. 00:04:48 – 00:06:57: Calling back your energy and maintaining boundaries. 00:06:57 – 00:08:32: Take action with small steps. 00:08:32 – 00:09:23: Make a clear plan. 00:09:24 – 00:10:12: Practice grace and self-compassion. 00:10:13 – 00:12:30: Use tapping and meditation for stress relief. 00:13:37 – 00:14:19: Celebrate small actions and progress. 00:14:19 – 00:16:57: Shorten the gap between decision and action. 00:16:57 – 00:19:13: Overwhelm is a signal, not a solution; connect with supportive groups. 00:19:14 – 00:19:48: Bonus tip: bring more fun into your process. 00:19:49 – end: Recap, encouragement, and how to get the free download. To get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/winning To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach The Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

    22 min
  8. How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Guilt: Insights from Allison Ly

    FEB 5

    How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Guilt: Insights from Allison Ly

    Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks. In this episode, Dr. Christine Li talks with mental health therapist and coach Allison Ly about how to set healthy boundaries—especially for adults with immigrant parents. Drawing from personal and professional experience, Allison Ly explains why boundary-setting is often challenging in immigrant families. The episode features practical advice for tuning into your own needs, navigating family pushback, and handling guilt, highlighting that boundary-setting is a gradual process that strengthens relationships rather than weakens them. By sharing strategies and resources—including her "Say No" cheat sheet—Allison Ly offers listeners a pathway to healthier, more peaceful family dynamics. Timestamps 00:00:00 – 00:02:44: Dr. Christine Li introduces the episode, guest, and upcoming event.00:02:49 – 00:04:14: Formal welcome and start of discussion on boundaries.00:04:15 – 00:08:34: Allison Ly on boundary challenges in immigrant families.00:08:44 – 00:12:49: Examples and personal experiences with boundaries.00:12:50 – 00:16:22: Handling pushback and emotional awareness.00:16:59 – 00:29:08: Gradual boundary change and effects on relationships.To get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/sayno Join Allison's live workshop on February 26th at 11 am PST Adults with Immigrant Parents: The Key to Stop People Pleasing and Spiraling in Guilt: https://heyallisonly.com/secret To sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP For more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Gain Access to Dr. Christine Li’s Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibrary To work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/lab Connect with Us! Dr. Christine Li Website: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lab                       Simply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPAllison Ly Website: https://www.heyallisonly.comPodcast: https://www.heyallisonly.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyallisonlyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyallisonly

    30 min

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5
out of 5
121 Ratings

About

Make Time for Success is a podcast designed for busy people who are ready to improve not just their productivity, but also their self-esteem and self-confidence. If you’re looking for the secrets to making productivity feel light and easy rather than something you want to run from, this is the podcast for you. In each episode, psychologist and Procrastination Coach Dr. Christine Li shares effective tips and strategies to help you start building your most joyful, creative, and abundant life. Episodes will include interviews with guest experts who have made the breakthrough to living life fully, as well as stories and reflections from Dr. Li’s own life and work. You’ll hear lessons from Dr. Li’s book, “5-Minute Self-Discipline Habits: Stay Motivated, Cultivate Good Habits, and Achieve Your Goals” and learn how to use the S.M.A.C.K. Solution, a mixture of mindfulness and anxiety-reducing strategies, to keep your fears quiet and your goals in sharp focus. You’ll discover that when you remove the mental, emotional, and physical barriers that are blocking you from getting things done, you'll be able to create more time to excel and thrive. When you listen to the Make Time for Success podcast, you'll soon see what it feels like to have your motivation and energy skyrocket! *THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN OR HEARD FROM DR. CHRISTINE LI OR THIS PODCAST.

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