What REALLY Happens When You Procrastinate #FiguringOut40

I can’t be the only person who has notebooks and notepads full of tasks on a to-do list that –  I have not done. It’s even more evident to me this year because I’m “trying” to clean up my desk and there are notes every.friggin.where. Some of them I misplaced. Others I just pushed aside. I paused this weekend to think about What REALLY Happens When You Procrastinate. It’s not just about pushing paper or notes around your desk. Even productive people procrastinate. But we are limiting ourselves and our opportunities when we do it.

What REALLY Happens When You Procrastinate is….

You’re showing that you’re not managing your time well. I’m so guilty of this. I’d be a lot more productive if I turned off TMZ and the Wendy Williams Show. This week I’m going to do a test. Cut the shows and see how much more productive I am. Remember, I went to LA in 2013 and took the TMZ Tour?  Yes, the gossip is fun and easy to watch. But it’s not helping me earn any money or move further in life.

You’re making TOO BIG A DEAL out of it. When I finally buckle down and do what I’d procrastinated about, I find that it took a fraction of the time I estimated it would. So I’m always reminding myself to just buckle down and do the work. Back in 2010 when I was in the midst of writing my e-book, Use What You Know: A Business Idea Guide for Moms, I was overwhelmed at the idea of interviewing the featured mompreneurs, while balancing the demands of a toddler. When my “business mom” helped me break everything down into smaller steps – it suddenly seemed surmountable. Not only did I write it and pre-sell copies before the release date, I was also featured on Good Day Atlanta for a story about mompreneurs. One of my go-tos now to get things done, like graphic designer, is FIVERR.com. You can hire qualified professionals to do darn there everything for $5!

You’re showing you don’t have faith in yourself. As confident as I am with all of my journalism experience, every once in awhile I think – what if I let someone down? Branding Coach Jai Stone share so many inspiring “get out of your own way” quotes when you follow her on twitter @JaiStone or visit her site JaiStone.com. I asked her what she’d share for this post:

You’re afraid to make a mistake. Mistakes are part of life. In my 41 years, I have made more personal and professional mistakes than I can count on your hands and mine – together. I’ve been dragging my feet on some changes I’d like to make here on the show. I go back and forth in my mind on how it’s going to look to you and debating on whether it’s a mistake. But in the end – who cares. Unless it’s something permanent and affects your health, most decisions can be changed if you realize it’s a mistake.

See even more of my mid-life journey from #FiguringOut40.

My word for 2015 is INTENTIONAL. I want to plan and execute. Yes, the Universe can send amazing gifts and opportunities my way. But how much more kick butt could it be if I wrote my own plan and put it into motion!

Do you have notebooks and lists everywhere of things you should do – but don’t? One tool I plan to use to be more productive is Evernote because it allows you to keep your notes, slides and images in one place. It’s accessible on the site and through the Evernote app.