Putting things off feels harmless, but it adds up. Every week you delay fixing your marketing, your numbers or your systems is a week of missed opportunities. To beat it, be honest about why you're avoiding the task, break it into small steps, put each step in your diary with a deadline, and get someone to hold you to account. Imperfect action beats waiting for the perfect moment.
"I'll deal with that next week"
How many times have you said it? It might be fixing your marketing, getting clear on your numbers or building the systems you know the business needs.
Putting things off is comfortable. It lets you stay in "getting by" mode. But every week you delay is a week of missed opportunities, wasted money and potential left on the table. Before you know it, weeks turn into months, and the big thing you meant to do is still gathering dust.
What it cost one client
One of my clients was running a successful business turning over seven figures, but they felt stuck. There was no clear direction for growth, no tracking of marketing spend and no idea what was actually working. Decisions were made on gut feel, not data.
When they finally stopped putting it off, here's what we did together:
- Got clear on the numbers. We tracked every pound spent on marketing and linked it to leads and sales, so they could see exactly what was driving growth.
- Made the CRM work properly. They had one, but it wasn't being used well. We set it up so no leads slipped through and the team could follow up properly.
- Focused the marketing. Instead of spending on every channel, they put more into the ones proven to work best.
With clear systems, real data and a focused plan, they started attracting more of their most valuable customers and building momentum.
How to stop putting things off
1. Be honest about why
Awareness comes first. Are you avoiding the task because it feels overwhelming? Are you worried it won't work? Or do you just not know where to start? Be really honest with yourself.
2. Break it into small steps
Big tasks are daunting. Break them into smaller chunks and put each one in your diary. That gives you a clear route to follow. I do this with all my own tasks.
3. Set deadlines and find an accountability partner
Give each small task a deadline. Then find someone to check in with: a business partner, your other half or a business coach. It works wonders for keeping you on track.
4. Don't wait for perfect
Perfection is the enemy of progress. You don't need it all figured out to start. Imperfect action beats waiting for a perfect moment that may never come.
Start with your to-do list today: break it down and get it in the calendar. Then imagine what one month of focused action could do for your business. To find the time, see how to find 90 minutes a day.
Frequently asked questions
Why do business owners procrastinate? Usually because a task feels too big, they're worried it won't work, or they're not sure where to start. Being honest about which it is helps you fix it.
How do I stop procrastinating on big business tasks? Break the task into small steps, put each step in your diary with a deadline, and ask someone to hold you to account.
Want help getting it done?
Book a free strategy call and we'll pick the one thing you've been putting off and make a plan to get it done.