Because “Someday” Isn’t a Strategy
Let’s be honest… as business owners, we’re no strangers to getting things done. After all, you didn’t build your business by sitting around waiting for things to happen. But sometimes, even the most driven among us find ourselves stuck in the “I’ll do it later” loop.
The good news? Procrastination isn’t a character flaw – it’s often a sign that you’re trying to do too much yourself. Let me share a story from the book 10x is easier than 2x that changed how I think about procrastination entirely.
Linda, a real estate entrepreneur, found herself constantly putting off strategic growth opportunities. Not because she wasn’t motivated, but because she was drowning in daily operations. Her breakthrough came when she stopped trying to master productivity and instead mastered delegation.
By bringing in her brother-in-law Brad to manage her businesses, she created what Dan Sullivan calls a “Self-Managing Company.” The result? She grew from managing one office to overseeing 28 offices with 5,000 agents and $14 billion in annual revenue.
The lesson? Sometimes the best productivity hack isn’t a hack at all – it’s finding the right support. But while you’re building that support system, here are some practical strategies that actually work:
10 Game-Changing Strategies (That Actually Work)
1. Convert Your “To-Do” List into a “To-Start” List
- Instead of writing “Launch new service,” try “Draft service outline”.
- Break overwhelming projects down into bite-sized first steps
- Pro tip: If your task list makes you want to hide under your desk, it’s probably too ambitious.
2. The “2-Minute Rule” (Your New Best Friend)
- If it takes less than two minutes, do it now.
- Quick wins create momentum.
- Warning: May result in accidentally becoming more productive than intended
3. Temptation Bundling (or “Making the Boring Stuff Better”)
- Listen to your favourite business podcast while updating your spreadsheets
- Take your strategy planning to your favourite cafe.
- Find your productivity “treats” (No judgment if it’s fancy coffee)
4. Eat That Frog (Before It Eats Your Day)
- Tackle your biggest task first thing.
- Schedule challenging tasks for your peak energy time.
- Your future self will thank you (probably with more coffee)
5. The Pomodoro Technique (Because Time Boxes Are Your Friend)
- Work in focused 25-minute sprints.
- Take actual breaks (scrolling social media doesn’t count).
- Build momentum through small victories.
6. The “Do Nothing” Alternative
- Choose between your task or literal boredom.
- No distractions allowed.
- Amazing how appealing work becomes when the alternative is staring at a wall!
7. Milestone Magic
- Break big projects into celebration-worthy chunks.
- Track progress visibly.
- Small wins lead to big victories.
8. Calendar It Like You Mean It
- If it’s not scheduled, it’s not real.
- Treat task blocks like client meetings.
- Your calendar should reflect your priorities, not just your meetings.
9. The Power of Partnership
- Share your goals with your team or Virtual Business Manager.
- Let your VBM create accountability systems that work.
- Remember: You don’t have to do everything alone (Who Not How!)
10. Create a “Not-To-Do” List
- Identify and eliminate time-wasters.
- Delegate tasks that don’t need your unique expertise.
- Focus your energy on what truly moves the needle.
Here’s what most productivity articles won’t tell you
The most successful business owners aren’t necessarily the ones who’ve mastered productivity – they’re the ones who’ve mastered delegation. Linda’s story proves this. She didn’t overcome procrastination by forcing herself to work harder. She overcame it by recognising that her highest value wasn’t in doing everything herself – it was in leading and growing her business.
This is where having the right support system becomes your secret weapon against procrastination. Whether it’s a Virtual Business Manager (Who) or the right systems in place (How), delegation isn’t just about getting things done – it’s about freeing you to focus on what truly matters.
Consider this: Every minute you spend procrastinating on tasks that could be delegated is a minute you’re not spending on growing your business. Your time is better spent on strategic thinking and growth opportunities (freedom to lead!), not getting caught in the weeds of day-to-day tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You’re Wondering)
Q: Help! My to-do list is longer than my holiday wish list. Where do I start?
A: Begin with impact. Which task, if completed, would make other tasks easier or unnecessary? Start there. Better yet, review your list with your team to identify what you can delegate.
Q: How do I know what to delegate when everything feels important?
A: If someone else can do it 80% as well as you, delegate it. Your unique value isn’t in doing everything – it’s in leading and growing your business. Let your team or VBM handle the rest.
Q: What about the strategic tasks I can’t delegate?
A: Break them down into smaller pieces and schedule focused “strategy blocks.” Even 30 minutes of uninterrupted strategic thinking can move mountains.
Q: How do I maintain momentum once I get started?
A: Build success into your system. Use your team for accountability, celebrate progress, and keep your goals visible. Sometimes the best motivation is seeing how far you’ve come.
Q: What if I try these tips and still procrastinate?
A: Experiment with different combinations. Some strategies, like accountability or the “eat the frog” method, may work better for you than others.
Q: How can I maintain long-term focus?
A: Regularly revisit and refine your systems. Incorporate weekly reviews to adjust your approach as needed.
Remember: Progress over perfection.
Start small, delegate smart, and focus on what truly matters. The best time to start isn’t tomorrow – it’s now.
(And if you’re reading this while procrastinating on something else, we won’t tell. But maybe it’s time to find your Brad?)
