Procrastination Busting Tips & Tricks

Why We Procrastinate

First, let’s talk about why procrastination happens. It’s not just about being lazy. There are usually a few common reasons:

• Overwhelm: Tasks feel too big or complicated.
• Fear of failure: We avoid tasks we think we might not do perfectly. (Guiltyyyyyyyyyyyy 🙋‍♀️)
• Lack of clarity: If we’re unsure about how to approach a task, it’s easier to put it off altogether.

The good news? Once you understand why you’re procrastinating, you can fix it! Below, I’m sharing the tips and tricks that have personally helped me, and they’ll help you, too.

1. Start with the “Why”

The first step is to get clear on why this task matters. If it doesn’t align with your business goals or move you forward, it might not be worth tackling right now.

Ask yourself:

• Why does this task matter to my business?
• How will completing it help me reach my goals?

If you’re struggling to connect a task to your goals, it’s probably time to let it go.

Or, if you’re like me and can’t bear to let it go, move it to your Pile-Up Zone (more on that below) to come back to later. Sometimes we hold on to tasks that seemed like a good idea at the time but no longer suit our business a year later. It’s okay to release them!

2. Task or Project?

Now that you’ve figured out the “why” behind a task, let’s dive into how to break it down into manageable chunks so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Many people add tasks to their to-do list that are really projects – things that take far more time and effort than a single task should.

For example:

• Task: Update website.
• But realistically, this is a project made up of many tasks, like:
  • Purchase domain
  • Decide on website platform
  • Create content, images, SEO, and set up analytics etc etc etc

When we label a project like “create new website” as a single task, it feels overwhelming, which leads to procrastination. So when you see something big like this on your to-do list, ask yourself: Is this a task or a project?

3. The DUSTY Method: Define Your Procrastination, Define the Task

When you find yourself procrastinating on a task or a project, it’s often because you don’t have enough information or direction. The key is to define the task clearly, and that’s where the DUSTY method comes in. It helps you pinpoint what’s really going on so you can move forward.

Ask yourself the following questions to define why you’re procrastinating:

Difficult?

The task feels too big or complex – you’re not sure where to start.

• Solution: Break it down into smaller, bite-sized steps. Start with just one action, no matter how small. If it still feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing or asking for help.

Undefined?

You don’t have clarity on what exactly needs to be done.

• Solution: Define the task clearly, breaking it into mini-steps. If you’re unsure, ask for help or get more information. Clarity is kindness – once you know what needs to happen, it’s easier to take action.

Scary?

Fear, anxiety, or stepping outside your comfort zone is holding you back.

• Solution: Acknowledge what makes it feel scary. Could you “buddy up” with someone for accountability? Breaking it down into smaller, less intimidating steps will help ease your anxiety.

Tedious?

The task feels boring or repetitive.

• Solution: Make it more enjoyable! Play music, work in short bursts using a timer, or batch similar tasks together. If you can, delegate the task to someone else.

Not Due Yet?

The task isn’t urgent, so you don’t feel pressure to start.

• Solution: Set a due date (even a self-imposed one), block out time in your calendar, or ask someone to hold you accountable.

Your procrastination might be caused by just one of these reasons or a combination. Define what’s really stopping you using the DUSTY method, and you’ll be able to move forward!

I was introduced to the DUSTY method by Think Productive and highly recommend their courses and books for becoming a productivity ninja.

Here’s a handy checklist to stick on a post-it note, in an app on your phone, or if you use a project management software – create a template for all new tasks. Remember the task may not be all 5 steps, it may simply not be due yet, so set a due date 😉

TASK NAME:
Difficult
Undefined
Scary
Tedious
Not Due Yet

Check out this YouTube video on my test presentation on the DUSTY method.

4. The Pile-Up Zone: Where Your Ideas Live Until They’re Ready

We all have ideas and tasks that pop up and feel important – but aren’t urgent or fully formed yet. Enter the Pile-Up Zone: a space where you can park those ideas so they don’t overwhelm you but still have a home for later consideration.

I first learnt this concept from Heidi Thompson of The Wedding Business Collective, and then as “Second Brain” through Think Productive, and I’ve added my own twist using the DUSTY method above to ensure each idea in my Pile-Up Zone has a clear “why” and “how.”

How to use the Pile-Up Zone:

• Outline the “Why” and “How” for each task or idea you place here.
• Does the task feel too big or undefined? Put it in the Pile-Up Zone until you have more clarity.
• Is the task important, but not due yet? Store it here, and schedule time to review it later.

This way, you can keep your main to-do list focused on what matters now while having a system to come back to ideas later.

Example: Let’s say you have an idea for a webinar series, but you’re not ready to start yet. Drop it in the Pile-Up Zone with notes on why it matters and how you’ll approach it – then review it when it’s time to move forward.

TIP: I use Asana as my project management tool. I add tags like “Marketing” so I can easily search for tasks related to specific areas. No more forgotten ideas!

5. The Procrastination-Busting Framework

Once you’ve determined why a task is important and defined your procrastination using the DUSTY method, it’s time to take action. Here’s a simple framework to help you move forward:

Step 1: Break it Down

Big tasks are overwhelming because they’re…big! Break the task into smaller, actionable steps. Start with the first step, no matter how small.

• Pro Tip: Write down the first 3 mini-steps you can take right now.

Step 2: Use the 15-Minute Rule

Feeling stuck? Set a timer for 15 minutes and commit to working on the task for that amount of time. When the timer goes off, you might find you’re in the flow and want to keep going. If not, no worries, you’ve still made progress!

Step 3: Prioritise with a Focus List

Not all tasks are created equal. Choose your top 2-3 priorities for the day that align with your goals, and focus only on those. By narrowing your focus, you’ll avoid overwhelm and make real progress.

6. Common Mistakes That Keep You Stuck

Some common traps to avoid when breaking out of procrastination:

• Trying to do too much at once: Focus on just a few important tasks each day.
• Waiting for the perfect time: There’s no perfect time – start now, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
• Not celebrating small wins: Recognise and celebrate your progress – no matter how small!

7. Bonus Tips for Staying on Track

• Time Blocking: Schedule specific blocks of time for your key tasks. Putting it in your calendar helps keep you accountable.
• The 2-Minute Rule: If something can be done in 2 minutes or less, do it immediately to stop small tasks from piling up.
• Batching Tasks: Group similar tasks (like replying to emails or scheduling social media) to build momentum and save time.
• Eat the Frog: Start with the task you’re dreading the most – it’ll feel like a weight lifted!
• Accountability: Find an accountability partner or make a date with yourself to stay on track.
• Celebrate Wins: No matter the size, especially when it’s something you’ve been procrastinating on!

8. Bonus Outsourcing Tips

If you’re thinking about outsourcing, here’s a handy framework to help you decide which tasks to delegate:

• Tasks you don’t have time for.
• Tasks you don’t enjoy.
• Tasks you aren’t skilled at.
• Tasks that are repetitive.
• Tasks that don’t drive revenue or aren’t the best use of your time.

No Time	Don’t Enjoy	Not Skilled	Repetitive	Non-money generating

TIP: Record yourself doing the tasks and talking through the process. When you’re ready to outsource, you’ll already have instructions ready to go!

Procrastination is something we all struggle with, but with the right tools (like the DUSTY method!) and a solid plan, you can overcome it and move forward. You’ve got this. Remember one small step at a time!

P.S. I’d love to hear which tips helped you the most! Got another tip that works for you? Share that with me, too here, I’m always looking for new ideas. 

Ready to Take it Further?