1. Start with Empathy – the Right Tone & Timing

What to Do	Why it Works
Pick a calm, private moment –‑ no deadlines, no distractions.	People are less defensive when they don’t feel “caught” or judged.
Use “I” statements –‑ e.g., “I’ve noticed you’re struggling to start tasks and I’m worried because I care about you.”	Keeps the focus on your concern, not on his flaws.
Validate his experience –‑ “I understand how overwhelming it can feel.”	Acknowledgement reduces resistance and opens dialogue.

 Procrastination is often an emotion‑regulation problem, not laziness ¹⁰.

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2. Help Him See the Underlying Issue

1. Explain the root cause –‑ Share that difficulty starting tasks can stem from anxiety, perfectionism, or attention challenges rather than a lack of willpower ¹⁰.
2. Connect it to his goals –‑ Ask, “What would you like to achieve if you could focus better?” ³
3. Show concrete examples –‑ “When you break a big project into 5‑minute chunks, it feels less scary and you can actually start” ⁶.

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3. Highlight the Benefits of Professional Help

• Practical skills: Therapists teach task‑structuring, emotional reframing, and coping strategies that show results in weeks ¹.
• Identify hidden factors: A professional can screen for ADHD, anxiety, or depression that may be driving the procrastination ⁷.
• Personal growth: Seeing a therapist is a sign of strength and self‑care, not failure ⁸.

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4. Make the First Step Low‑Commitment

Action	How to Present It
Try a single 30‑minute introductory session	“What if we treat it like a coffee chat with a specialist? No long‑term commitment.”
Use tele‑therapy or a short‑term coach	Virtual sessions feel less intimidating and can be scheduled quickly.
Combine with a free resource –‑ Watch a short video on focus hacks together (e.g., Mel Robbins) 4 before the appointment.

Reducing perceived risk makes the “first door” easier to open ⁸.

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5. Offer Tangible Support

1. Research together –‑ Compile a short list of local therapists who specialize in executive‑function or CBT ⁷.
2. Handle logistics –‑ Book the first appointment, arrange transportation, or cover a session fee if possible.
3. Accompany him –‑ Offer to sit in the waiting room or be on the call for moral support ².
4. Provide a “starter kit”:
   • Goal‑clarity sheet (what he wants, why it matters)
   • Task‑breakdown worksheet (split a project into 5‑minute steps)
   • Sample therapist directory

Removing practical barriers dramatically raises the chance he’ll follow through ⁷.

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6. Use Concrete, Small‑Scale Successes

• Pick one stuck task and break it into 3‑5 micro‑steps.
• Set a micro‑deadline for the first step (e.g., “Spend 5 minutes gathering materials”).
• Celebrate the win and discuss how it felt.

Small victories build momentum and demonstrate that change is possible ⁶.

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7. Involve a Trusted Third Party (If Needed)

• Ask a close friend, partner, or another family member he respects to echo the same supportive message.
• A neutral voice can reinforce the idea without sounding like “nagging” ².

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8. Keep the Conversation Ongoing – Patience & Persistence

• Check‑in after a week: “How did the first session go? Anything that stood out?”
• Avoid ultimatums; instead, keep the door open: “Whenever you feel ready, I’m here to help.”
• Model the behavior: Share your own experiences with therapy or productivity tools to normalize the process ⁸.

Consistent, gentle encouragement sustains motivation without creating backlash ².

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9. Summarized Quick Checklist

1. Talk with empathy –‑ “I care about you.”
2. Explain procrastination ≠ laziness ¹⁰.
3. Link help to his personal goals.
4. Offer a low‑risk trial session.
5. Provide practical tools (task‑breakdown, goal sheet).
6. Help find and book a therapist; accompany him if needed.
7. Celebrate small wins and revisit progress.
8. Stay patient, keep the dialogue open.

By combining empathy, clear information, low‑barrier steps, and concrete support, you create a supportive environment that makes professional help feel both attainable and worthwhile.

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