4 Smart Ways to Postpone Procrastination (So You Can Actually Get Things Done)

We’ve all been there. You tell yourself you’ll go for that run tomorrow. You stare at a blank screen instead of starting your business plan. You swear you’ll get serious about that dream project “next week.”

Procrastination is one of the most powerful and persistent obstacles to progress. It’s sneaky, it’s convincing – and it often dresses up as “I’m just not ready yet.”

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be perfectly ready. You just have to start. And thankfully, there are practical ways to outsmart the delay monster.

Here are four effective (and doable) ways to delay your procrastination just long enough to get things done –plus examples and exercises to help you take action right away.

1. Do It Now – Even If It’s Ugly

Why it works: Action breaks the spell of inertia. Often, just starting creates momentum and reduces the mental resistance.

Example:
You’ve been meaning to record a promotional video for your business, but you keep putting it off because the lighting isn’t perfect, or you want to lose 5kg first. Instead, just grab your phone, record a rough draft, and treat it as a rehearsal.

Quick Exercise:
Pick a task you’ve been avoiding. Set a 5-minute timer and start it now. Your only job is to work on that task for those 5 minutes. You can stop after that – but chances are, you won’t want to.

2. Break It Down into Baby Steps

Why it works: Big tasks feel overwhelming. Small steps feel doable – and completion gives your brain a boost of satisfaction.

Example:
You want to launch a podcast, but don’t know where to start. Break it into mini-tasks:

Choose your podcast name
Brainstorm 5 episode ideas
Write a 1-minute intro
Research free recording software

Each task becomes a simple win.

Quick Exercise:
Take one big task and break it into 5 smaller steps right now. Write them down. Which one feels easiest? Start with that.

3. Ask: Is This Even Worth Doing?

Why it works: Chronic procrastination around a task may mean it’s not aligned with your values or goals. Sometimes, quitting is the best move.

Example:
You’ve been putting off joining a business networking group. You realise deep down it doesn’t resonate with your style – you prefer building relationships 1-on-1 or through online communities.

Quick Exercise:
Think of one thing you’ve been procrastinating on for weeks or months. Ask:

Why do I really want to do this?
Would it matter if I never did it?
Is there a different way to reach the same goal?

Give yourself permission to release one task today that no longer serves you.

4. Build Your Support Squad

Why it works: Accountability, encouragement, and shared effort reduce isolation and make big tasks feel manageable.

Example:
You’ve been avoiding writing blog posts for your business. You find an accountability partner who agrees to check in with you every Monday. Suddenly, you're producing consistent content – because you’re not doing it alone.

Quick Exercise:
Who could you ask for help, feedback, or accountability?

A friend?
A coach or mentor?
A colleague?
A virtual assistant?

Reach out to one person this week and ask for support. Even just telling someone your goal can increase the likelihood you’ll follow through.

Final Thoughts: Start Before You’re Ready

You don’t have to be “in the mood” to take action. You just have to start. Use these tools –start small, get support, question your priorities – and you’ll begin to replace procrastination with real, measurable progress.

Progress beats perfection. Always.

Categories: : Motivation