#57 "Why Do I Keep Putting it Off?"--Let's Talk About Procrastination.

How many times have you said, “I’ll start tomorrow”… only to watch tomorrow come and go?

Whether it’s finally decluttering the closet, writing that book you’ve dreamed about for years, starting a side hustle, or even just making that overdue doctor’s appointment — procrastination has a sneaky way of slowing us down or stopping us in our tracks altogether.

Let’s be honest — at this stage of life, we’ve already handled A LOT. Careers, kids, caregiving, marriages, divorces, menopause, transitions, and just… life! So why is it that, despite all our experience and wisdom, we still find ourselves stuck in procrastination? Let’s break it

down together.

Why We Procrastinate: It’s Not Laziness

It’s easy to label ourselves as lazy or unmotivated, but the truth is, procrastination is rarely about discipline. It’s usually rooted in deeper emotional, psychological, and environmental factors. Here are some of the root causes:

1. Emotional & Psychological Factors

• Fear of failure: “What if I try and it doesn’t work?”

• Fear of success: “What if I succeed and can't keep it up?”

• Perfectionism: “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all.”

• Low self-esteem: “Who am I to think I can do this?”

  
  

2. Cognitive Factors

• Difficulty with planning, focus, or decision-making.

• Overwhelm from too many tasks or unclear priorities.

• Mental fatigue — which is very real, especially as we juggle midlife changes.

3. Behavioral Patterns

• Long-standing habits of avoidance or distraction.

• Associating tasks with stress or discomfort.

• Prioritizing short-term relief (scrolling, Netflix, snacking) over long-term rewards.

4. Environmental Factors

• Disorganized spaces (clutter is a major energy-zapper).

• Lack of support or accountability.

• Constant interruptions — hello, caregiving and family needs!

10 Strategies to Overcome Procrastination

The good news? You’re not powerless here. With a little compassion and the right tools, you

can get unstuck and start making real progress. Here are 10 strategies that actually work:

1. Start Small, Really Small

Break the task down until it feels laughably doable. Not “write the book,” but “open the laptop.” Momentum builds fast once you begin.

2. Set a Timer

Use the Pomodoro technique — 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. It makes starting feel less intimidating.

3. Create a “Done” List

Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, list what you have accomplished. It builds confidence and keeps you moving.

4. Check Your Self-Talk

Catch those inner voices saying “I can’t” or “It won’t matter.” Replace them with “I’m learning” or “One step at a time.”

5. Make It Enjoyable

Light a candle, play music, pour a favorite tea. The more pleasant the environment, the easier it is to dive in.

6. Get an Accountability Buddy

Call a friend, text your sister, or tell your partner, “I’m going to work on X for 30 minutes — check in with me later!”

7. Use Visual Reminders

Sticky notes, vision boards, calendar alerts — whatever keeps your goals visible and top of mind.

8. Limit Distractions

Put your phone in another room. Turn off notifications. Set boundaries with family if you need 30 minutes of quiet.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

Beating yourself up doesn’t work. Encourage yourself the way you would a dear friend — with grace, humor, and kindness.

10. Connect to Your “Why”

Why does this matter to you? Reconnecting to your purpose turns chores into stepping stones toward your dream life.

Let’s Be Real — and Gentle with Ourselves

We’ve earned the right to pause — but not to quit on ourselves. So, if you’ve been putting something off — that passion project, a health goal, a simple but necessary task — you’re not alone. You’re not behind. And you’re not broken. You’re just human. And today — not tomorrow — is a beautiful day to take one small step. We’ve still got so much life to live, my friends.

Let’s stop waiting for the “perfect” time and start honoring ourselves right now.

Thanks for reading today! I would love to hear how you combat procrastination. Be sure to leave a comment below.

I want to invite you to sign up for my newsletter!  I have so many exciting things coming up and by signing up for the newsletter, you’ll get exclusive content, more ideas on how to embrace your creativity and build a growth mindset, and a front-row seat to all my latest projects, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and special announcements. I’d love for you to be part of this journey and share in the creativity! Get it HERE.