Are you ready to tackle life's big questions, like how to finally stop procrastinating and start taking action on your entrepreneurial dreams? If you're like me, you've probably been known to put things off until the last minute, only to find yourself scrambling to get it all done. But fear not, my friend! We will explore the world of procrastination planning and show you how to overcome the urge to procrastinate once and for all. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's dive in!
Hey, you! Yes, you, the one who's stuck in procrastination and feels like your life is on repeat. Do you wake up every day and feel like you're doing the same things over and over again, but expecting different results? Trust me, I've been there, done that. And let me tell you, it's not a fun place to be.
But, don't worry. I'm here to help you take a step back, breathe, and create a roadmap to where you're going. Let's tackle procrastination head-on and get you moving forward.
Procrastination – A Comfortable Rut
We all know that feeling of comfort, the one that's so inviting that it's hard to leave. That's precisely what procrastination feels like – a comfortable rut. We don't want to do the work because it's scary or overwhelming, and we end up staying in the same place, doing the same things, and expecting different results.
But guess what? It's time to snap out of it and do something about it. I mean, come on, let's be real here, you didn't come this far to only come this far, did you?
Let's dive a little deeper into what procrastination is and why people tend to procrastinate.
At its core, procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something that needs to be done. It can take many different forms, from putting off a work assignment until the last minute to avoiding that unpleasant phone call you know you need to make.
So, why do we procrastinate? There are many reasons, but one common thread is fear. We may fear failure, criticism, or simply the unknown. Sometimes we may even fear success and the pressure that comes with it.
Another reason we procrastinate is because we don't feel motivated or inspired. We may feel overwhelmed by the task at hand, or simply not interested in it. It's hard to summon the motivation to do something when we're not feeling it, right?
But, the problem with procrastination is that it can become a habit. We get used to putting things off until the last minute, and it can start to feel normal. But, it's important to remember that procrastination can hold us back from achieving our goals and reaching our full potential.
Are you ready to explore how to break the habit of procrastination and create a plan to move forward? Awesome, me too!
Why and How Do You Procrastinate And Avoid Planning?
So, you're stuck in procrastination, and it's making you feel like a hamster on a wheel. The first thing you need to do is figure out why and how you're procrastinating. Is it because you're feeling overwhelmed and out of control? Is it because some things seem too hard to accomplish?
Take some time to think about your triggers that put you into procrastination mode. For me, it's the feeling of not knowing enough, the constant need to learn more before taking any action. It's a slippery slope; before I know it, I'm stuck in the same place, doing nothing.
Create Your Wish List
Okay, so you know why and how you procrastinate. Now, it's time to get it all out of your head and create a wish list of everything you want to do. I know it can be messy, overwhelming, and downright scary, but trust me, it's worth it.
Take a deep breath, grab a pen and paper (or your favorite app), and write it all down. Don't worry about the order or the details at this point; just let your mind run free and put everything out there. Do a complete mind sweep of all the projects you’d like to do, you’re just not sure where to start.
Map Out a Plan of Action
Alright, now that you have your wish list, it's time to map out a plan of action. What's the one project you'd like to start with? When you create a roadmap of all the small steps that need to happen to make it a reality, your days go from unproductive to productive and doable.
But, let me tell you, if you’re not one to map out a plan this can feel daunting. It's like trying to put together a puzzle without knowing what the picture looks like. My advice? Take it step by step, and it'll come together.
Really, Still Not Sure What to Do?
With your list of everything that needs to be done, think through the order. I prefer to reverse engineer this process. I start with the end goal in mind and walk myself backward through all the steps I took to get to that point. It's like deconstructing a recipe to understand the ingredients and the steps required to make the final dish.
By working backward, you'll see a clear vision of everything that needs to be done. Initially, it may seem difficult, but trust me; everything will work out in the end.
Sometimes You Need A Starting Point To Stop Procrastination Planning
If you’re like so many of my clients, you may find it easier if the process is started for you. If this sounds you, here's a sample workflow for creating a new lead magnet, working backward from completion to idea:
- Completion: Finalize and promote the lead magnet
- Promote the lead magnet on social media, website, and email list
- Schedule a launch debrief meeting to discuss what worked well and what didn’t work well
- Collect and analyze metrics to measure the lead magnet's success
- Make adjustments as needed to improve future lead magnets
- Launch: Publish and distribute the lead magnet
- Test the lead magnet for usability and functionality
- Publish the lead magnet on your website or landing page
- Develop a plan to distribute the lead magnet to your target audience
- Design: Create an attractive and effective design for the lead magnet
- Determine the design elements needed to make the lead magnet visually appealing
- Work with a designer or use a design tool to create a polished final product
- Ensure that the design aligns with your branding and messaging
- Content: Write and develop the content for the lead magnet
- Develop an outline for the content and determine what needs to be covered
- Write, edit and proofread promotional material, such as social media posts
- Write, edit, and proofread the content for accuracy and clarity
- Idea: Brainstorm and plan the lead magnet concept
- Determine the problem your ideal client is attempting to solve
- Brainstorm potential ideas for the lead magnet
- Decide which one idea is aligned with your paid offer and the problem your ideal client is attempting to solve
By working backward from completion to idea, you can ensure your lead magnet is well-designed, effective, and aligned with your brand and messaging.
Little Side Note
“Entrepreneurship is about taking action, not putting it off until tomorrow.”
– Simon Sinek
Do You Know What You Need to Start?
Starting a new project can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Do you see how working backward is one of the best ways to gain clarity and create a simple system? By starting with the end goal in mind and mapping out all the steps required to achieve it, you'll have a clear vision of what needs to be done.
But don't stop there. Once you have your roadmap in place, it's important to double the time estimate for each small step. Trust me; it's better to overestimate than underestimate. This will give you a buffer in case things don't go according to plan (and let's be real, things rarely do).
Pro tip: when scheduling time in your calendar for tasks like social media or writing blog posts, be sure to double the amount of time you think it will take. This will give you a clearer picture of what's doable, and if everything goes smoothly, you'll have extra time to work on something else.
At the end of the day, the only person who can take control and move forward is you. You're the one in charge, so it's up to you to make things happen. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and take that first step towards creating a simple system that works for you. You've got this!
