Procrastination: What Have You Been Putting Off?

by Sherri Frost

What is it you know you must do and have been putting off? Whatever it is will weigh on your mind until it gets done. Is it something to move your business forward? Maybe it’s something that you need to do for your family. You know what it is. For me, it’s my taxes! No, I still haven’t filed my taxes this year. Once again, procrastination has reared its ugly head and I got an extension. Of course it still needs to be done.

I know, once it’s done, that I will instantly feel better. The cloud will lift and I will feel energized. So why don’t I take action now? Sometimes we wait for someone else to do it. Sometimes we wait until it gets so bad we can’t stand it anymore. Then we get in a mad frenzy, running around trying to get it done at the last minute.

To make things happen, we must take action. Actually, we are always taking action. Napping in a hammock is an action. Is it the one that will get the results you want? Be willing to take the action that will be the most useful in getting what you want.

Do you find yourself checking your email one more time or getting another cup of coffee? There are different reasons we don’t get moving. What is your real reason? Stop and give it some thought. Is it that you don’t know how? Is it that you don’t want to? It may be that there are fears holding you back.

Sometimes the fear of success holds us back. With success comes increased responsibility. What if we can’t handle it? Sometimes it’s the fear of failure. The uncomfortable feeling of self-doubt shows up and we say ‘Why even bother?’

The hardest part is to just get started. Once we do, we usually find that it isn’t as bad as we thought it would be. My son used to spend half an hour complaining about taking out the trash and then only five minutes actually taking out the trash. If it’s something you can delegate, then do so.

Begin with the end in mind and make it a priority! Instead of thinking of all the tedious steps it will take, think about what it will feel like to have the job completed. Once you get it done you know you will feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Set yourself up for success by focusing on that feeling.

To keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result is just plain crazy. Sometimes we need to stretch out of our comfort zone by trying something different. Once you get started, the momentum will grow and with your renewed focus, you will recognize the opportunities as they come along.

Your Assignment to get past procrastination:
What are the three things you must do today? Write your top three priorities on a post-it note and keep it in your wallet. What are the action steps you must take to make it happen? Keeping it close at hand will help you focus on it throughout the day.

Work out a system that works for you. Why struggle? My clients generally find that having a system helps get things done. The system must work for you and your schedule. Make it a no-brainer that is easy to follow, one step at a time.

Celebrate the successes! Acknowledge each little success as they happen and you will begin to feel the pride and sense of accomplishment that comes with it.

Don’t put it off anymore! No more excuses!


Sherri Frost, is a Success Coach with Pro Power Services, Inc. in Parkland, Florida, http://www.ProPowerNow.com. Sherri is also on the leadership panel for Mommy Mentors Women’s Business Mastermind Group, http://www.mommymentors.com/. Mommy Mentors is a resource for all mothers to find support, inspiration and information, both in business and life. Sherri can be reached at sherri@propowernow.com.

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