Written by Martha Maria Smith, Bilingual Coach
Martie Smith's Journey as a Resilience Ambassador began in Colombia and highlights her steadfast strength and adaptability, from her service in the US Air Force to becoming a Radiation Therapist and a certified personal trainer at 62. An internationally acclaimed author and poet Laureate, she mentors young individuals and shares her expertise.
I’ll never forget, way back when, I used to watch friends launch projects. I would dream about doing it too, stopping the delays and starting to thrive: proven ways to crush my procrastination and ignite my potential.
Are you ready to banish procrastination and unlock your full potential? Discover practical tips and mindset shifts to help you act now, reclaim your focus, and thrive in every area of life.
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Why overcoming procrastination matters
Are you tired of watching opportunities pass you by while you promise yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow”? Chronic procrastination doesn’t just slow your progress; it can also undermine your confidence, productivity, and long-term success. Fortunately, you have the power to change that story starting today.
I’ll never forget the day I watched a friend launch a project I’d dreamed about for months. My heart sank, not because I didn’t want him to succeed, but because I’d had the same brilliant idea first. I took copious notes and half-heartedly planned, waiting for the “perfect” time to act. That time never came, and I had to watch someone else run with my concept. If you can relate, keep reading to learn how to stop procrastinating and finally embrace your potential.
Procrastination’s sneaky hold on you
1. Paralysis by overthinking
Have you ever spent hours, or even days, dreaming up the ideal circumstances before you start? Overthinking might feel like “careful planning,” but it often keeps you spinning your wheels without moving forward.
2. Short-term comfort, long-term regret
Telling yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” can feel good in the moment. However, this short-term comfort leads to a lingering sense of stress and guilt when tasks remain unfinished. Over time, it chips away at your self-confidence and motivation.
3. Lost momentum
That electric rush you feel at the start of a new project can disappear. Procrastination extinguishes it. Every time you stall, you must rebuild that excitement and drive from scratch, wasting valuable time and energy.
How missed chances ripple through your life
Next year, when you are looking back on today, will you wish you had acted sooner? Each delay can mean losing a dream job to another candidate, missing an opportunity to launch a side hustle, or never connecting with someone who could have become a close friend or mentor.
But here’s the hope: The moment you decide to act, you begin to rewrite your future. You open yourself to opportunities you never knew existed. It’s as simple as shifting your mindset from “someday” to “right now.”
6 ways to crush procrastination and reclaim your focus
1. Reframe your mindset
Swap “I have to” for “I get to.” When you view tasks as privileges instead of burdens, you tap into gratitude, and gratitude fuels motivation like nothing else.
2. Start small (But start now!)
Huge goals can be overwhelming. Instead, break them into tiny, manageable steps. Even one small action, such as writing a single paragraph or sending a quick email, sparks momentum and builds confidence.
3. Use the 5-second rule
Count down: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, then move. This approach interrupts hesitation before your brain has a chance to conjure excuses. It is a powerful technique for battling self-doubt.
4. Set a timer
Work in focused bursts, such as 25 minutes of work followed by 5 minutes of rest, also known as the Pomodoro Technique. Racing against the clock helps you stay laser-focused, and short breaks prevent mental fatigue.
5. Reward yourself
Finished a task you have been dreading? Celebrate your win with something small and satisfying, like a cup of coffee, a quick walk outside, or even a high-five with a friend. Positive reinforcement motivates you to keep going.
6. Surround yourself with action-takers
The people around you affect your mindset and actions more than you think. Spend time with folks who challenge you, inspire you, and remind you of your capabilities. Their energy will keep you moving forward.
Make it personal
Take a moment to identify the one thing you’ve been putting off. Is it starting a side hustle, updating your résumé, or enrolling in a class that excites you? Ask yourself why you keep postponing it. Are you worried about failing, or are you holding out for some mythical “free time”?
Now, recall a moment when you defied hesitation, when you made a bold move despite feeling nervous. How incredible did that feel? Use that memory as proof that you’re capable of growth and transformation. Each small victory strengthens your mindset and empowers you to tackle bigger goals.
A heartfelt reminder of hope and gratitude
As you stand on the cusp of creating a brighter future, practice kindness toward yourself. Acknowledge every lesson learned, every moment of clarity, and each obstacle you’ve already overcome. Let gratitude spark hope in your heart, especially on days when you stumble. Remember, setbacks don’t define you; your resilience does.
Your next move
Here’s your challenge: Pick one task you’ve been delaying and tackle it today. Not tomorrow, not next week. Today. Maybe it’s as simple as making a phone call or sending an introductory email to a potential mentor. The key is proving to yourself that you can act before procrastination takes hold.
Procrastination doesn’t have to shape your story. You hold the pen in this chapter of your life. One small step can send ripples of positive change through your personal and professional future, unlocking growth, connections, and opportunities you never saw coming.
Join the movement
Let’s take this journey together. Share your breakthroughs on social media with hashtag ItsNowOrNever to spread the word and keep each other motivated. You’ll discover how contagious action and positivity can be when we stand together against procrastination.
Your future self is cheering you on, celebrating your courage to break free from “maybe later.” This moment is your chance to embrace your potential and step boldly toward the life you’ve been dreaming about.
You’ve got this, and you deserve every success that follows.
Read more from Martha Maria Smith
Martha Maria Smith, Bilingual Coach
Martie Smith's journey as a Resilience Ambassador began in Colombia and highlights her unwavering strength and adaptability. She exemplifies resilience from her service in the US Air Force to becoming a Radiation Therapist and certified personal trainer at 62. As an internationally acclaimed author and poet, Martie mentors young individuals, sharing her expertise and spreading messages of hope and resilience globally as a captivating speaker.
