I LOVE working for myself and everything entrepreneurship. I’m also FIERCELY independent and really want to live an intentional and purposeful life. But, not going to lie, “procrastination” is my kryptonite.
Procrastination TRULY is my arch-nemesis.
I have so many awesome ideas that never get executed and projects that get started, but never finished.
Then there’s those “things” we know we NEED to do (for me that’s bookkeeping, social media and cleaning out the garage), but our brains do everything in it’s power to stop us from doing the all those “things”.
And the task list of “things” just grows and grows until I get to a point where I start procrastinating about said task list and avoid it like the plague.
Sound familiar?
“Procrastination” is BEAST and one serious A-Hole … pardon my French!
But I am determined for it to not be a personality trait or part of my identity.
I believe I CAN beat it … and you can too.
So let’s stop ending the day feeling defeated and wondering where our time even went.
The best version of ourselves is ITCHING to be unleashed.
Let’s tackle procrastination, without shame or guilt, but with PRACTICAL strategies that leave you wondering why you ever let it control you.
Are you ready? Let’s SLAY that Procrastination Beast.
The Procrastination Beast: Why It Feels So HUGE
This isn’t just about wasted time. Procrastination robs you of your dreams, your peace and yes, your full potential.
Have you ever made a list at the start of the day, determined to tackle those mission-critical tasks, only to end up lost in a swirl of distractions — emails, calls, social – only to ask: What have I done all day?
Yup … that’s me … world’s worst procrastinator.
But here’s what I learned – you can transform from chronic procrastinator into a SUPER producer.
Not overnight, but through small, consistent changes stacked day after day.
Here’s my biggest lesson – YOU DO NOT NEED another productivity hack, “to-do” app or project management system.
I’ve wasted so much valuable time and energy going down the rabbit hole of testing different tools hoping it will be the silver bullet that solves all my productivity problems.
What it really came down to for me, was simply a new way of SHOWING UP for myself.
Procrastination Buster #1: Positive Self-Talk
Words matter.
But your words, the ones you say to yourself on repeat … they shape your reality.
I used to say “I have to do this” or “I should work on that.”
Guess what? That’s the language of oppression and it sparks rebellion — even against yourself.
Now flip it. Use agency. “I CHOOSE to do this.”
Even if it’s as boring as bookkeeping or as big as launching a new business.
When you state “I choose to…”, you turn obligation into empowerment.
It’s a subtle but POWERFUL mental shift. Start catching yourself every time you spin up “I have to” or “I should.”
Swap in “I choose.”
Procrastination Buster #2: Focus on Starting, Not Finishing
Finishing is beautiful, but it’s also SO overwhelming.
Staring down the barrel of hours (or days) of work can paralyse anyone.
SO shrink the task. Stop telling yourself you have to “finish” and simply just choose to START.
Even for five minutes.
Tell yourself … “I choose to start for five minutes.” That’s it. No pressure to finish.
Often, you’ll look up and realise you’re 27 minutes deep and flying.
And if you do stop after five? Celebrate your momentum — you’re building a new habit, and that’s real progress.
Procrastination Buster #3: The 60 Second Reset
Your mind is a stupid poo poo (yes, that’s a scientific term) and it will fight you.
Anxiety, distraction, that itch to check Instagram? It’s all normal when we have so much stimuli screaming for our attention.
So I have introduced a “60 Second Reset” technique every time set sit down to get shit done.
Here’s how to do it:
- Close your eyes.
- Take a deep breath in for five seconds, saying “relax” to yourself.
- Breathe out for seven seconds.
- Repeat five times and that’s 60 seconds!
The aim is to intentionally be present, reset and start relaxed, with your mind clear of distractions.
If you start to get distracted again (and you will), repeat the process.
Not going to lie, there are times when I have so many “things” competing for my attention, I might need to do this every five minutes.
However, the more I do this, I feel like I’m forming a habit where my brain knows I need to focus.
Think of this as building your “focus muscle”.
The more you do it, the stronger focus will be.
Procrastination Buster #4: Time Blocking
Let’s ditch the old productivity metrics.
Enter Time Blocking – 30 minutes of work with ZERO distractions.
Not 29 minutes and a sneaky peek at socials.
A FULL, undistracted 30. Slip up? No shame — just reset.
Put your phone on silent. Turn off notifications. Close down all browser tabs. Put the cats in another room … LOL.
I even close windows and doors sometimes if there are noise distractions outside.
Basically remove any possible source of distraction that can take you away from your 30 minutes of getting the “thing” done!
Start with one 30 minute Time Block a day.
Then grow to two, then three. But four to six is where MAGIC happens.
By tracking your Time Blocks, you get undeniable proof of progress. Imagine what your business, your project, your DREAM would look like with three hours of laser focus a day.
And it’s TOTALLY achievable.
Procrastination Buster #5: Guilt-Free Play — My Secret Productivity Fuel
Peak productivity isn’t about hustling 24/7.
You absolutely need REST, play, and things to look forward to.
I try to schedule guilt-free time weekly – exercise, coffee with a friend, a spa day — whatever lights you up.
When your brain knows “playtime is booked,” it’ll focus better, push harder, and relax deeper.
Nourish yourself with guilt-free breaks, and watch your output soar.
YOU Are the Architect — Are You Ready to Break the Cycle?
Others might tell you to manifest or meditate your way through procrastination.
And yes, these do play a role in priming your mindset to slay that procrastination beast.
But I am also a big believer that it’s a CHOICE.
We need to make a conscious choice to take ACTION.
No one is going to do it for us. We all have limiting beliefs, fears and reasons that cause us to procrastinate … even if we’re unaware of what they are.
At the end of the day, we need to empower ourselves to take action and break the cycle of procrastination.
Are you bold enough to take the first step?
Because with bold action, come bold change … well that’s what I keep telling myself anyway, HUH.
Seriously though … I have been implementing these five techniques for a while now and sometime don’t even realise I am doing it.
Whenever I feel myself slipping back into procrastination mode, I check myself and make a conscious choice to start these habits again.
Don’t you think it’s time to make a shift too?
The only thing standing between you and your best self is the next step you take.
Step into your remarkable. The world is waiting.
FAQs
1. I still feel overwhelmed even after starting. What should I do?
Just focus on taking the next tiny step. If you get stuck, use the 60 Second Reset technique. Repeat as needed — each time you do, you’re building your focus muscle!
2. How many Time Blocks should I aim for daily?
Start with just ONE. You can scale up as you get consistent. Even three Time Blocks (90 minutes of deep focus) a day can change everything.
3. What if I backslide into old habits?
That’s totally normal. Progress isn’t linear. Reset, use positive self-talk, and keep moving forward — consistency beats perfection.
4. Does guilt-free play really make a difference?
Absolutely. Scheduling play creates something to look forward to, reduces burnout, and drives better focus during work time.
5. Can these strategies work for creative, non-linear work?
Yes! Whether you’re crunching numbers or dreaming up new ideas, focus, agency, and structured breaks unleash your zone of genius.
You’ve got this. Your potential is non-negotiable. Let’s make the extraordinary your new normal.
