As business owners, we wear a lot of hats. We juggle operations, strategy, people, and profit, all while trying to stay focused and productive. But let’s be honest: even the best of us procrastinate sometimes.
Here’s the truth I’ve learned through years of coaching: procrastination isn’t laziness or lack of discipline. It’s often a symptom of something deeper: fear, perfectionism, or misaligned priorities.
Why Do We Procrastinate? Let’s break it down:
Fear of the Unknown: New or unfamiliar tasks can feel intimidating. If you’ve never done something before, you might hesitate, hoping you’ll feel more “ready” later.
Perfection Paralysis: High standards can backfire. When you feel a task must be flawless, you may delay it until you think you have the time or energy to do it “right.”
Lack of Motivation: Not every task lights you up—and that’s okay. But if your to-do list is filled with energy-drainers, it’s no wonder you keep pushing things off.
What to Do Instead? Here’s how to shift from stuck to successful:
Chunk it Down: Break big tasks into smaller, bite-sized steps. Then just tackle the next right step, not the whole mountain.
Time-Block with Intention: Set realistic deadlines and protect time on your calendar for focused work. Don’t leave important tasks to fit “whenever.”
Skill Up: Don’t know how to start? Take a course, ask for help, or work alongside someone more experienced. Confidence grows with competence.
Delegate Without Guilt: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. If someone else can do it better or faster, hand it off and free yourself for more valuable work.
Procrastination is common. but it’s also manageable. When you get curious about what’s really going on beneath the surface, you’ll find better ways to stay on track and lead your business with clarity.
And if you’re ready to make real and lasting change, but don’t know where to begin (and perhaps you’ve been putting it off…) please reach out to us to schedule a call: paul@thebusinesstherapist.com
