10 Tips To Stop Procrastinating

Procrastinating: that dreaded habit (yeah, it’s a habit!) all of us who are building businesses struggle with from time to time.

See, if you don’t have a boss, you don’t have to do the things you don’t want to do. And, let’s be real, it’s so easy to stay busy, anyway! There’s always an endless amount of things that need to get accomplished, right? But – are they the most important things to get finished RIGHT NOW?

In our heart of hearts, we know when we’re procrastinating.

Sure, maybe we’re busy – but not with the things we know will take our business to the next level. Those tasks are seldom sexy or fun! Or, maybe, those particular “to-do’s” are the ones you’re not good at. And who likes to do things they’re not good at?

Alas, 10 quick tips to help you overcome procrastination in your business.

Number one: Make a master list.

Oftentimes, we feel like we’re procrastinating on something – but we haven’t given it a name or a label or identified exactly what the project is. Hence, create a master list of everything that needs to be done. Then, zero in on what needs to be completed. Not on what’s easiest or exciting.

Number two: Identify items to put on hold.

Procrastination is when we know something needs to be done and we’re not doing it. What I’m asking you to do is to identify that thing you want to do but shouldn’t – right now. Delay the gratification until such time you’ve earned it.

This will help you stop procrastinating in the areas where you really do need to take control.

Number three: Prioritize stuff that will move the needle in the long game.

We often focus on those things that are going to give us quick wins right now. “I better come up with a hot Instagram post!” You can spend – I know you’ve done this, too – an hour (or more!) creating an IG post. Imagine if you took a few days off of Instagram and, instead, did mini projects that are more foundational.

Number four: Bite-sized duties.

Focus on those tasks you can finish up in about 10 to 20 minutes. For example, one of the items on your priority list could be to upgrade your email server. Reviewing or comparing, side by side, several different email management companies might be one of your 20 minute chores for the day.

For the rest of the week, you would dedicate one short task a day in relation to this specific email management project. This way, it’s not an overwhelming undertaking to complete in a day. But, rather, the whole thing is done in a week without ever feeling stressed about it.

Number five: Give important items a due date.

One of the reasons why we’re procrastinating is… we can. Seriously, though, who’s your boss? Who do you answer to? YOU.

Give yourself a deadline, tell somebody else about it, and then give that person permission to follow up with you! When you do this, you’ll get the job done.

Number six: Identify the behaviors you engage in when procrastinating.

I know what mine are. I organize. “Hmm, this junk drawer needs organization. Everything needs its own little compartment!” I get into this nesting mode and it helps my brain. It feels good. Like I’m being productive. When I catch myself doing this, I’ll stop and say to myself, “Is this something I really need to do or am I doing this because I’m avoiding that thing I know I need to do?”

For the crucial remaining 4 tips and CAN’T MISS personal anecdotes (with supportive examples) for each and every tip, you must catch my trending podcast on Build Your Tribe, titled:

How To Stop Procrastinating Now With 10 Simple Steps!

Isn’t it time you got your business off the ground? No excuses.

You got this. I believe in you.