A Business Leader’s Guide to Unlocking Your Full Potential
Procrastination – we’ve all been there. You know you should be working on that project, tackling that task, or sending that email, but somehow, the temptation of checking your phone, tidying up your desk, or binge-watching the latest series wins. If you’re a business professional, you know procrastination is more than just a minor inconvenience – it can affect your leadership, your productivity, and ultimately, your bottom line.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. Procrastination isn’t some insurmountable obstacle – it’s simply a behavior that can be changed with the right mindset, tools, and strategies. And that’s exactly where I come in. Let’s reset the way we think about procrastination and make a plan to get you back on track.
The Procrastination Problem: What’s Really Going On?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why we procrastinate in the first place. For some, it’s a fear of failure; for others, it’s a lack of clarity or motivation. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of poor time management or the pressure of too many tasks.
The most common underlying belief around procrastination is this: “I’ll do it later.” We convince ourselves that we’ll eventually get to it, but as time passes, the task seems more daunting, and the pressure grows. The longer we wait, the less motivation we have to tackle it, and the cycle continues.
What we fail to realise is that procrastination is often a result of our own thinking. The story we tell ourselves about a task – whether it’s “this will be too hard” or “I don’t feel like doing it” – influences how we approach it. The meaning we attach to the task plays a crucial role in whether we take action or delay it indefinitely.
The R.E.S.E.T. Approach: How to Reset Your Thinking and Stop Procrastinating
I’ve spent years helping business leaders, teams, and individuals break through the mental barriers that hold them back. The solution lies in R.E.S.E.T.ing your thinking. That’s why I’ve developed the R.E.S.E.T. Your Thinking® approach. It’s designed to help you identify and overcome procrastination, and it all starts with shifting the way you view tasks and your ability to handle them.
Here’s how it works:
- R – Recognise the Root Cause: Start by identifying why you’re procrastinating. Is it fear of failure? A lack of clarity? A tendency to avoid discomfort? Understanding the root cause of your procrastination will help you address the issue head-on.
- E – Engage with the Task: Once you recognise the cause, it’s time to reframe the task. Engage with it by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This reduces the overwhelm and makes it feel less intimidating.
- S – Set a Plan of Action: Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get stuck in the “I’ll do it later” trap. Set specific, achievable goals with deadlines. Map out the steps you need to take and hold yourself accountable.
- E – Eliminate Distractions: We all know how easy it is to get sidetracked. Whether it’s your phone buzzing with notifications or a colleague popping by for a chat, distractions are everywhere. To stay focused, identify what distracts you most and eliminate those triggers. This might mean turning off notifications, creating a quiet space, or setting specific work hours.
- T – Take Action: Finally, the most important part – take action! Even if it’s just a small step forward, doing something is better than doing nothing. Progress builds momentum, and momentum crushes procrastination.
Exercise Time: Are You Procrastinating?
Want to see whether procrastination is a pattern in your life? Try these reflective exercises, based on my R.E.S.E.T. Your Thinking® approach, to help you uncover your procrastination habits and start breaking free:
1. Inductive Questions (To Recognise the Root Cause)
- What tasks have I been avoiding lately, and why?
- How do I feel when I think about these tasks? Am I overwhelmed, bored, or anxious?
- What beliefs or assumptions do I have about these tasks? Do I think they’ll be too difficult or that I’m not capable?
2. What Purpose Questions (To Engage with the Task)
- What is the purpose of completing this task? Why is it important for my business or personal growth?
- How would accomplishing this task move me closer to my goals?
- What will happen if I don’t complete this task? What are the potential consequences?
3. Keeping It Real Questions (To Reframe and Set Actionable Goals)
- What’s the smallest step I can take right now to begin working on this task?
- How can I break this task down into smaller, more manageable pieces?
- What would be a realistic timeline for completing each of these steps?
4. Necessity Questions (To Eliminate Distractions and Focus)
- What external distractions are getting in the way of my focus? Is it my phone, social media, or noise in the environment?
- How can I make my workspace more conducive to productivity?
- What are some boundaries I can set with others to protect my time?
5. Incisive Questions (To Take Action and Stay Accountable)
- What’s the very first action I can take to get started today?
- Who can I share my goals with to hold myself accountable?
- How will I celebrate each small win along the way to keep my momentum going?
The Consequences of Procrastination: It’s More Than Just Wasted Time
When procrastination becomes a habit, the consequences are far-reaching. For one, it undermines your ability to deliver on deadlines. As a business leader, this can harm your reputation, damage relationships with clients, and reduce team morale. The longer you procrastinate, the more pressure builds, leading to rushed work, mistakes, and poor decision-making.
The risks of procrastination extend beyond just your business. It also takes a toll on your personal well-being. Constantly deferring tasks can lead to anxiety, stress, and a sense of dissatisfaction. Over time, this mental burden can reduce your overall productivity and happiness.
Procrastination and Leadership: How It Affects Your Team
Whether you’re a small business owner or running a startup, leadership isn’t just about managing a big team. Even if you’re a one-person operation, you’ve still got a team – whether it’s a web designer, a virtual assistant, or a contractor who helps you with specialised tasks. Your habits as a leader still have a direct impact on the people you work with.
When procrastination becomes a habit, it sends a message that it’s okay to delay important tasks. This can subtly influence others, even if they aren’t directly under your management. For example, your web designer or business partner may start adopting a similar wait-and-see approach, which can create delays, confusion, and even missed opportunities.
Great leaders, no matter the size of their team, model effective time management, focus, and a proactive mindset. When you stay focused and tackle tasks head-on, you set the standard for those around you, whether they’re employees or external collaborators. On the flip side, if procrastination becomes your norm, it can ripple through your network, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of accountability.
Strategies to Combat Procrastination: Practical Tips for Busy Professionals
Now that we’ve R.E.S.E.T. the way we think about procrastination, let’s dive into some practical strategies to stay focused and on task:
- The 2-Minute Rule: If a task can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately. It’s amazing how many small tasks pile up over time. This simple rule helps you clear your to-do list and maintain momentum.
- Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for specific tasks. By focusing on one task at a time, you eliminate the urge to multitask, which can lead to procrastination.
- Use a Timer: Set a timer for 25-30 minutes and work solely on one task. Take a short break afterward, then repeat. This technique – known as the Pomodoro Technique – can help you stay focused and productive.
- Accountability Partner: Find someone to check in with on your progress. This could be a colleague, mentor, or business coach. Knowing you have to report back keeps you motivated to stay on track.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step forward is a victory, and acknowledging your accomplishments helps reinforce positive habits.
The Bottom Line: Stop Letting Procrastination Steal Your Success
Procrastination isn’t the enemy – it’s simply a behavior that can be changed with the right mindset and strategies. By recognising the root cause of your procrastination, R.E.S.E.T.ing your thinking, and applying actionable strategies, you can break the cycle and unlock your full potential as a business leader.
Don’t let procrastination stand in the way of your success. R.E.S.E.T. your thinking®, take action, and start making progress today.
Ready to Take Control?
If you’re ready to stop procrastinating and take your productivity to the next level, I’m here to help. Check out my resources for more tools and strategies, or contact me for a consultation. Let’s R.E.S.E.T. your thinking® and unlock the success you deserve.
Feel free to share this blog with your network and start a conversation on how we can all improve our focus and productivity!
Let’s Work Together to Overcome Procrastination
Procrastination is not just about productivity; it’s about unlocking the confidence, clarity, and focus to lead effectively and achieve your goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or a professional balancing multiple responsibilities, addressing procrastination is a game-changer. Together, we will tackle the barriers holding you back and develop a personalised action plan for success.
What’s Your Next Step?
Let’s put theory into practice. Here’s what I challenge you to do right now:
- Identify a Task: Choose one thing you’ve been procrastinating on.
- Apply R.E.S.E.T.: Go through the framework step by step – Recognise, Engage, Set, Eliminate, Take.
- Take Immediate Action: Commit to spending just five minutes on this task today. Let momentum build from there.
Share your progress in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear how you’re taking steps toward a procrastination-free future!
Remember: Procrastination doesn’t define you – your actions do. Take that first step now, and let’s R.E.S.E.T. your thinking® to unlock your true potential.
I trust this has been useful and that it brings some value and insights and maybe leads to some action and change around this topic for you.
