How to avoid procrastination and grow

Even when you would rather watch someone else live their life on YouTube

Been there – bought the t-shirt. We all know the feeling: something you need to do – write that thing, pick back up that project, acknowledge that email – but somehow you end up elbow-deep into a Doritos share bag or watching video essays about how teenagers are making millions in 25 minutes using AI.

We are real here though: procrastination is not to be confused with laziness – it’s avoidance with branding.

So until you learn to work with your brain and stop yelling at it, you will remain on the circular journey of current progress instead of actually growing.

The goal here is to actually avoid procrastinating without self loathing and start to take ownership of the direction of your personal growth. A journey that doesn’t make you roll your eyes.

So What Exactly is Procrastination?

A lot of people thing that this is a time management issuse. It’s actually an emotional regulation issue.

Task Too Big? Too Vague? Too Boring? Too likely to expose you as a fraud (hello imposter syndrome)

Growth begins when you learn to act despite your discomfort – you can’t avoid it until it and expect motivation to make a magic appearance.

Break It Until It’s Boring

Most people have a ‘dream’. They don’t call it a goal because to them it sounds terrifying.

“Start writing your novel” is terrifying.

But “Open Google Docs or Word and write one bad paragraph about anything you like” is manageable.

Here you are tricking your brain. By making these small steps and gaining momentum, you brain can’t say “That’s too much”, and so it stop resisting and you can make some progress.

Set Low Commitment – Really Low

Just get started for 5 minutes – Forget about trying to finish the whole thing.

5 Minute Timer
10 Minute ‘Test Run”
15 Minute Sprint mind dump with zero expectations

Most action I find easiest when already in motion. The start is the hard part – the rest is gravity! My Dad always says the hardest part about going to the gym is putting your trainers on.

Allow Yourself To Be Curious About Resistance

Back to the self loathing part – do not start blaming yourself – instead, ask:

Can I see what I am actually avoiding here?
What emotion is underneath this delay?
If I just try, what is the worst that can happen?

I suspect you will discover that you are not lazy at all. If anything, you are probably just scared of looking stupid. (By the way, this is universal).

Growth will come from awareness – not shame.

Building a Mini Momentum Loop

Want to build consistent momentum without the BS:

Write tomorrow’s first 5 minute task at the end of your day.
Start with the number one task – nothing else
Celebrate starting – even if you didn’t finish. Celebrating the small wins is critical.

Repeat. That’s how habits stick – pattern beats perfection. Like the old saying, an idiot with a plan can beat a genius without one. Im not calling you an idiot by the way, hopefully you see the sentiment and encouragement to dive into the above points.

Use the Right Tools (and Ditch the Wrong Ones)

You need to build systems that you can rely on as you cannot simply rely on motivation.

Set timers

Use templates (like our Momentum Starter Kit) for printable structure

Block your distractions

Plan your breaks, not just your tasks

Close the 47-tab productivity dashboard. It’s only now delaying you from action.

How Does This Build Real Growth?

Growth is not always going to feel inspiring. Often is is more of:

Doing those boring tasks that you have been putting off
Saying “I’ll try” instead of “I am going to wait until I feel ready
Showing up with 70% instead of having to feel 100%

Growth is consistency under imperfection. That’s it.

Now You Know How to Avoid Procrastination and Grow

Make your tasks tiny – aim for laughably small

Use time limits and take action, do not wait for motivation

Get curious about the things that you are avoiding

Concentrate on building systems, not random bursts of energy

Measure your growth by action, do not try to be a perfectionist

Want Help to Actually Achieve This?

Download the free Momentum Starter Kit – includes printable worksheets:

Triage where you are getting stuck
Build some momentum in under 10 minutes
Get clear on your next micro-step