Do you ever procrastinate even when you know how much better you’ll feel once the thing is done? But you still delay it, avoid it, and find multiple excuses to do it at a better time. Over the last couple of weeks, I found myself in exactly that place. I dug my heels in about completing a task that had been sitting on my to-do list. The interesting part? It wasn’t a complicated task; in fact, it would take less than a minute. All I had to do was make a phone call. But in my mind, it had grown into something much bigger than it actually was. If you’ve ever been stuck in that strange space of knowing what you should do and still not doing it, you’re not alone. It happens to all of us. If procrastination is your frequent fallback, then I want you to know that it doesn’t make you lazy or unproductive; it just means learning certain skills and unlearning limiting beliefs. In this week’s blog, I share how procrastination is a signal to grow, accept, and become more resilient over time.
Not too long ago, I came across a potential business opportunity. It was something worth exploring, and I knew that. The next step was to figure out the logistics: finances, timing, and what the next moves would be. I did what any organized person would do: I blocked time on my calendar to work on it; however, when the reminder popped up, I looked at it and ignored it.
A few days passed, but the reminder sat there unopened. Eventually I decided that I simply didn’t want to deal with it that week. All the while, a voice in my head kept saying, “You should strike while the iron is hot.” Regardless, no amount of internal pressure made me take action. I pushed the reminder out for a few more days. I figured that I would get to it when I felt “ready.” Whatever that means.
Lo and behold, when the reminder came up again, the same pattern repeated. At least this time I admitted something to myself: I was uncomfortable with what I had to do. Even though the only step I had to take was making a phone call to ask a simple question. That call would determine whether the opportunity was even viable. It was a one-minute task. Yet I avoided it like the plague.
Eventually, something nudged me to act. One of those nudges came from someone very dear to me: my husband. I hadn’t even told him about the opportunity because I knew he would ask questions: What did I think about it? Had I taken any steps yet?
One afternoon, I finally mentioned it to him. Then I walked away to do something else. When I came back, he asked casually, “Did you make the phone call?” I made a face and walked away again. I assure you that I can act maturely when needed, but this wasn’t one of those moments. The next time I returned, he glanced at my phone, and somehow, almost without thinking, I did what I had been avoiding for weeks. I made the call.
And you know what? It was painless. Within a minute, I had my answer. That particular plan wasn’t an option, but I suddenly felt clearer and less confused about how to move forward.
I still forget that I don’t need to do hard things alone. Sure, making that phone call for someone else might not have been hard, but it was for me. Sometimes what we need isn’t more willpower; it’s support. Even something as simple as another person’s presence can help us move past the discomfort of the moment and toward the clarity we’re seeking.
Later, when I reflected on why I had procrastinated so much, something else came to mind: I was searching for answers that simply weren’t available. I wanted certainty about things that were inherently uncertain. Instead of focusing on the small, concrete step in front of me, I was trying to control outcomes that I had no control over. And because I couldn’t predict every possible outcome, I stayed stuck.
This is one of the biggest traps that leads to procrastination: the desire to control uncertainty. When we fixate on getting the perfect answer or the perfect plan, we end up taking no action at all.
Something else that gave me the nudge I needed was my continuing education. I’m always looking for ways to grow as an entrepreneur and improve my craft. So, I regularly invest time and money into learning resources. Ironically, the same week I was avoiding that phone call, I listened to a webinar on non-digital marketing. The core message was simple and familiar: building awareness for a service-based business comes down to conversations and community. In other words, connection, which was exactly what I had been avoiding.
The message was loud and clear. Why was I letting go of opportunities to connect with more people and potentially touch more lives simply because the first step felt uncomfortable? The webinar reminded me that every role has aspects we enjoy more than others. Nevertheless, the parts we avoid can often be reframed, practiced, and even made enjoyable over time.
Ultimately, what we consume shapes how we think. If you surround yourself with resources that align with your values—books, podcasts, mentors, meaningful conversations—they can help you move through the areas where you tend to get stuck. Notice I said values, not goals. Goals can motivate us for a while, but values are what sustain us. We’re far more likely to do difficult things when they align with what truly matters to us.
An earlier version of me would have berated myself for procrastinating. I would have labeled myself lazy or irresponsible and spiraled into harsh self-talk. This time, I practiced what I’ve been working on for some time: self-compassion. So, I got curious.
Instead of attacking myself, I gently asked myself what was holding me back. The answer didn’t appear immediately. It took a few days of reflection to understand the deeper cause. That’s the nature of self-inquiry. Sometimes your nervous system needs time before it’s ready to reveal the truth. Compassion and curiosity create space for insight. Criticism only creates more resistance.
As a health coach, my work centers around helping clients create positive behavior changes. I take that responsibility seriously because there is nothing more gratifying than seeing someone recognize and act on their potential. That also means practicing what I teach.
I’m human. I’m a work in progress, and life has a way of giving us opportunities to practice exactly what we share with others. This experience felt like a small detour, but it was also a powerful reminder: none of us are above the work of becoming better.
Regardless of our role, age, or accomplishments, we are all climbing an infinite ladder of growth. Each rung offers another insight, another chance to evolve.
Procrastination takes many forms, and when we procrastinate, we tell ourselves stories:
“I’m lazy.”
“This is too hard.”
“I’m not good at this.”
“What if it doesn’t work?”
But often, those are not facts. They are interpretations shaped by fear, uncertainty, or past experiences. The next time you have a bout of procrastination, instead of attacking yourself, try something different.
Step back and look at the facts and ask yourself what you need in that moment to take the next (small) step. Because moving forward rarely requires superhuman willpower. More often, it requires understanding. Sometimes the smallest action, like a one-minute phone call, can break the cycle and move you toward clarity.
As always, I am here to support you all the way. I hope you keep in touch with your stories, thoughts, and feedback. If you wish to learn more, please stop by www.imperfectbodies.com. Lastly, if you enjoyed this information, then please share it with others.
My 5-minute guide for when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or lost. Reset your energy and reconnect with yourself. Bonus audio guide included. Available here: Energy Guide
All the best,
Chaitni