Do You Suffer From Procrastination?
I’ve spent hours staring at a blank screen, convincing myself I was waiting for the right moment. Maybe you’ve done the same—telling yourself you’ll start after one more coffee or when you feel more motivated. But deep down, you know it’s not about timing or inspiration.
It’s procrastination.
I used to think procrastination was just a bad habit, something I could fix with more discipline. But over time, I realised it’s not just about time management. It’s about fear, self-doubt, and sometimes perfectionism.
Two books changed how I saw it: Atomic Habits by James Clear and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. They didn’t just offer tips. They helped me understand why I procrastinate and how to stop.
Hey, this isn’t advice from someone who has it all figured out, ok? It’s an honest reflection from someone still learning, just like you.
What Procrastination Feels Like
Procrastination isn’t laziness. It feels heavy, like a weight in your chest.
It’s knowing you should start but feeling stuck. It’s guilt when you choose distractions over progress. You promise to start tomorrow, but tomorrow never feels right.
I remember an important presentation I had to prepare. I had weeks to do it, but I kept putting it off. I organised my desk, cleaned the house, and even rearranged my bookshelf. Anything but the actual work. The night before it was due, I stayed up until 3 AM, feeling stressed and disappointed in myself.
Why do we do this?
Why We Procrastinate
Procrastination isn’t about avoiding work. It’s about avoiding feelings.
- Fear of Failure: What if it’s not good enough?
- Perfectionism: If it can’t be perfect, why start?
- Feeling Overwhelmed: The task feels too big.
- Lack of Clarity: Not knowing where to begin.
When I read The War of Art, it hit me. Steven Pressfield talks about “Resistance,” the force that keeps us from doing meaningful work.
Resistance isn’t just procrastination. It’s fear, doubt, and distraction. It’s the voice that says, “You’re not good enough,” so why try?
For the first time, I realised I wasn’t lazy. I was scared.
How Small Changes Helped Me
That’s where Atomic Habits helped. James Clear explains that success isn’t about big changes. It’s about small, consistent actions. My problem wasn’t that I didn’t want to work. I made the first step feel too big.
Clear’s advice was simple: “Don’t focus on goals. Focus on systems.”
Instead of setting a goal like “write a presentation,” I created a simple system:
- Open the document every day, even if I don’t write.
- Write just one sentence. That’s it.
It sounds silly, but that one sentence often turned into more. Starting was the hardest part. Once I began, it got easier.
Clear also talks about the 2-minute rule. Make the first step so easy you can’t say no. Want to run? Put on your shoes. Want to write? Open the document. That’s how habits grow. One small step at a time.
How I Broke the Cycle
- Naming the Problem: I called it what it was—Resistance. Saying, “That’s Resistance talking,” helped me see it as something I could fight.
- Lowering the Bar: I stopped trying to be perfect. I just aimed to make progress. One sentence, one step, one small win.
- Creating Simple Triggers: After my morning coffee, I opened my laptop. No debating. Just doing.
- Forgiving Myself: When I slipped, I didn’t beat myself up. I just started again. Missing one day isn’t a failure. Giving up is.
The Emotional Side of Procrastination
What surprised me most was how emotional procrastination is. It’s not just about productivity. It’s about trust! Trusting yourself to show up.
Every time I broke a promise to myself, it hurt. But I rebuilt that trust every time I showed up, even for two minutes.
There’s a quote from The War of Art that stuck with me:
“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will give you every excuse. It will never stop. But you can.”
Resistance never goes away. But you don’t have to let it win.
If You’re Reading This While Procrastinating…
I get it. Maybe you’re avoiding an email, a project, or a hard conversation.
Maybe you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start.
But here’s the thing: the perfect moment doesn’t exist. There’s only now.
So do one small thing.
Open the document.
Write one sentence.
Take one step.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done.
My Final Thoughts
Procrastination isn’t a flaw.
It’s a signal that something matters to you. That you care. That’s not a weakness.
That’s being human.
But you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this.
Not tomorrow. Not later.
Now!
Can I help?