Stop Procrastinating: It's Time to Take Action on That Thing You've Been Putting Off
We’ve all been there. That one thing — a goal, task, or dream — that lingers in the back of our minds. The thing we know we should do, but keep pushing off until tomorrow, next week, or some vague "better" time. Maybe it’s launching a business, starting a fitness journey, writing a book, or even just decluttering your space. Whatever it is, procrastination has a way of stealing time, energy, and even our sense of accomplishment.
But here’s the truth: The perfect time will never come. There will never be a magical moment when everything aligns and it suddenly feels easy to take that step. What’s waiting for you is something much more powerful — the moment when you decide that now is the time to act. Let this be that moment.
1. Recognize What's Holding You Back
Before you can overcome procrastination, it’s important to understand what’s causing it. Often, procrastination is rooted in fear — fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of the unknown. Sometimes, it's perfectionism, where we tell ourselves we can't start until everything is just right. Other times, it’s simply feeling overwhelmed by the size of the task.
Take a moment to ask yourself: What’s really holding me back? Once you recognize the underlying cause, it becomes easier to address it head-on.
2. Break It Down Into Small, Manageable Steps
One of the biggest reasons women procrastinate is because the task seems too daunting. When we think about a big goal, it can feel overwhelming, causing us to freeze and delay taking action. But what if you broke that big goal down into smaller, bite-sized steps?
Instead of thinking about the entire project, focus on just the first step. Then the next. And the next. Breaking things down makes them more manageable and less intimidating. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.
3. Shift Your Mindset from Perfection to Progress
Perfectionism often fuels procrastination. We tell ourselves we won’t start until we can do it perfectly. But perfection is an illusion — there’s no such thing as the perfect time, perfect conditions, or perfect outcome. What matters most is progress.
Shift your mindset to embrace progress over perfection. Even a small, imperfect action is better than doing nothing at all. And with each step, you’ll build momentum and confidence, making it easier to keep going.
4. Visualize the Rewards of Taking Action
Procrastination often keeps us focused on the discomfort of doing the work, not on the rewards of completing it. But what if you shifted your perspective? Instead of focusing on the effort required, imagine the sense of relief, accomplishment, and pride you'll feel once it's done.
Take a moment to visualize how completing this task will benefit your life. How will it feel to finally check it off your list? How will it bring you closer to your goals? Visualization can be a powerful motivator to help you push past procrastination and start moving forward.
5. Forgive Yourself for Delaying — and Start Fresh
It’s easy to beat ourselves up over procrastination, but self-criticism often leads to even more delay. Instead, practice self-compassion. Understand that it’s okay to have procrastinated in the past — what matters is what you choose to do now.
Forgive yourself for any delays, let go of the guilt, and start fresh. Every day is a new opportunity to take action, no matter how many times you’ve postponed it before. What’s important is that you choose to move forward today.
6. Create Accountability
One of the most effective ways to overcome procrastination is to build accountability into your plan. When you share your goal with someone else — a friend, mentor, or even an online community — you add an extra layer of motivation. Knowing someone else is watching your progress can help push you to take that first step.
Set a deadline for yourself and share it with someone who will hold you accountable. You’ll be more likely to follow through if you know someone else is expecting results.
7. Celebrate Every Milestone
It’s important to celebrate progress, no matter how small. Each step you take toward your goal is a victory. Whether it’s finishing a chapter of your book, booking that fitness class, or cleaning out a single drawer, take a moment to acknowledge your success.
Celebrating each milestone keeps you motivated and reminds you that you’re capable of achieving more. The more you celebrate progress, the more driven you’ll be to continue.
8. Remember: The Best Time to Start is Now
There will always be reasons to delay — life is busy, and the timing never feels perfect. But if you keep waiting, the opportunity to make progress slips away. The best time to start is now, even if it feels like you’re not fully ready.
Taking action doesn’t mean you have to have it all figured out. It means you’re willing to move forward, even if it’s imperfectly. The courage to start is what matters most.
Conclusion: Your Future Self Will Thank You
Think about how much better you’ll feel once you’ve taken action on that thing you’ve been putting off. Imagine the pride and relief you’ll feel when you can finally say, “I did it.” Your future self is waiting on the other side of that task, ready to celebrate your success.
So, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and take the first step today. It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be now. The life you want is built on the actions you take, one small step at a time.