Why you're sabotaging yourself and how to stop

How Procrastination Takes Many Shapes

A few weeks ago, I realized that I've connected with great people over the last year and have yet to invite them to this community. I kept putting that off as I thought it would take too long to sort through business cards and contacts from past events and networking groups. Finally, I did it in 90 minutes. But that was it, less than 2 hours that I had been postponing for months. I was both excited and disappointed; why had I waited so long? So here I am, thinking about how procrastination pops up in client sessions and how it affects our lives.

My client was building arguments for why he hadn't had a difficult conversation with a colleague. They had conflicts in the past, and now the relationship was almost non-existing, despite their project requiring close collaboration. I asked...

"That sounds very reasonable, is that a fact or an excuse?"

He didn't take long to reply, "It's definitely an excuse." So what is the cost? Well, low energy and motivation, sub-par performance, and an impact on the entire team's culture, as they see these two leaders not get along. But it may be hidden. Sometimes we may not see the impact clearly, and taking action... takes a back seat.

I've seen this in myself when I need to make that decision, sit down to run my numbers, avoid that call, or ask questions to develop an in-depth understanding of a situation. And all of these have impacts on my business and in my life. And I see it in my work with clients, where we sometimes identify those actions being ignored, those "frogs," set them as focus and realize a week later that they're still in the "to-do" column.

So what's the solution? Well, taking action, isn't it obvious? Mmh... If only it were so simple. Lately, what has worked for me is:

1. Think about what's at stake. If I don't send that proposal this week, I may lose the opportunity to work with a fantastic client.
2. What's the simplest way I can approach this? Breaking down that task I fear into a simple trigger gets me to start.
3. Identify, prioritize and schedule the task. I know what to do, but I "never find the time." Bullshit, it's just that I never put it in the calendar, and that needs to change.

What are you procrastinating? How are you tripping your future self by not "doing the thing"? What action can you take today? Let me know!

Featured Business Spotlights

Chantal Ingram, Flourish and Bask | Make customers, not sales! (and pivot quickly)

In our conversation, I was impressed with how Chantal took action by starting her business and then shaped it into something different by listening to her customers. One of my favourite quotes is: "Look at the trends and change with them."

Peter Lazar, Pavement | Build a stable business, not a flashy one

In this interview, Peter called out resilience as the key to success, and he described how he believes in building a robust and steady business even if it takes longer. What led him to action? Solving a problem he had at some point!

Free Know-Hacks! (tips, resources or quotes we love)

1. Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy | This book begins with the goal of identifying "The Frog," that critical, most of the time uncomfortable task that moves the needle, and getting it done as you start your day. It walks through 21 ways to stop procrastinating, with priorities as a cornerstone.
2. Inside the mind of a master procrastinator | In this "greatest hits," entertaining TED talk, Tim Urban explores the brain of a procrastinator, and it resonated too much with me.

Upcoming events

5 Ways to Grow YOUR Profits | December 15th, 3:00 pm EST

GrowthCLUB, plan your next 90 days! | January 13, 9:00 am EST

On the Streets of Halton

The local Chambers are holding their final networking events as the year ends. On Wednesday, December 14th, you can attend After 5 events in Oakville, Burlington and Milton. Which one will you join?

Signing off...

As business leaders, we may feel we never have enough time to complete the essential things. I'm happy to chat and identify your "frog" and how you can "eat it."

If you know someone who is continuously struggling with procrastination, feel free to share this newsletter.