Leadership Tip

How to stop procrastinating

Procrastination might feel like an unavoidable part of modern life, especially when you’re juggling competing priorities, but it doesn’t have to run the show. The truth is, putting things off usually creates more stress in the long run, not less. If you’re ready to reclaim your time and energy, it starts with a few simple mindset and habit shifts. Try these three strategies to stop stalling and start making meaningful progress:

  1. Set clear deadlines. Map out your tasks with specific due dates. Use visual reminders like calendar alerts, digital to-do lists, or even a sticky note on your monitor to keep things top of mind.
     
  2. Ask for help. Ask a trusted colleague to check in on your progress or review your work. A little external accountability can be just the push you need to start.
     
  3. Shift your self-talk. Stop labeling yourself as a procrastinator. Instead, identify - and speak about - yourself as someone who takes action and follows through.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.


Looking for a speaker for your next event?
William Montgomery, our Founder and CEO, is available as a keynote speaker and event host. His experience as a speaker encompasses a wide number of audiences on a diverse array of subjects. He is also a volunteer for Speakers for Schools and Inspiring the Future.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Learn how to lead effectively

Gleaned from wisdom acquired by working with hundreds of highly successful leaders from the world of business, media and sport, our workshops are fortified with practical tips to help you better lead yourself, your team and your business.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 weekend habits of purposeful leaders

The most impactful leaders know that success doesn’t come from working around the clock - it comes from working with intention. And that includes how we spend our weekends. While weekdays often revolve around performance, the weekend is a chance to reset... read more

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

Leadership Tips

How to make your strategy stick with just one slide

If you can't explain your strategy simply, don't expect others to follow it. A single, well-crafted slide can bring clarity, alignment, and impact - whether you're presenting to your team or to stakeholders. One slide. Big impact. Keep it simple, clear,... read more

How to bring back the value of work

In the 1970s, not pulling your weight was frowned upon. I joined the Royal Navy in 1978 and served for nearly 30 years. Back then, effort, discipline, and purpose were part of the fabric of working life. Today, that sense of shared dignity has thinned.... read more

How to stop procrastinating

Procrastination might feel like an unavoidable part of modern life, especially when you’re juggling competing priorities, but it doesn’t have to run the show. The truth is, putting things off usually creates more stress in the long run, not less. If you’... read more