**When I sent out a 30-second survey to my email list a month ago I got some surprising results.
A huge percentage of people claimed that their biggest business-related issue was procrastination, productivity and focus.
A lot of folks have very limited time to work on their online business – and an equal percentage felt like they simply weren’t utilizing their time efficiently, leading to stress and feelings of overwhelm.
I know exactly how this feels and what people are going through… because, shocker, I experience procrastination and periods of low productivity ALL THE TIME.
I feel the guilt and the shame that comes along with sitting down at a computer and not being able to produce a word of copy – or even motivate myself to do "easy" things like reply to emails or check in with my bookkeeping team.
In other words, these are real problems that affect real entrepreneurs at every level of the game.
- There’s the issue of procrastination which I’ve simplified in my mind to mean the times when I struggle to start working or keep working (which is also a lack of "focus").
- Then there’s the issue of productivity–when I’m not productive I’m moving slowly and not outputting much.
A lot of solopreneurs don’t realize that there’s a difference between procrastination problems and productivity problems and working to solve each independently makes it easier.
That’s probably because both issues result in the same outcome – less money (because you don’t start working or output enough) and more stress.
They both result in a solopreneur who is always worried about money, can’t unwind at the end of the day and can’t simply enjoy his or her time with the family.
It’s a constant battle in your mind. First you say, "I need more time to work!" and then you get some time and do nothing with it.
I’m describing my own experiences if you can’t tell.
So over the next couple weeks I’d like to tackle what’s worked for me, personally, when I’m able to be productive and when I’m able to kill procrastination.
For example, in 2024 there are things I’ve done to help with my procrastination and productivity that have led to all-time highs in output and revenue.
There are still issues of procrastination and unproductiveness that I encounter DAILY, but with time they’ve begun to fade. (Your first lesson: there’s no magic switch to kill procrastination overnight – at least I haven’t found it yet.)
I’d like to show you some of the strategies I’m using but I’m asking that you give me grace and understand that I am not perfect in any way, shape, or form. I’m a work-in-progress just like you might be.
I’ll kick off tomorrow’s discussion talking about things that have helped my speed and output (aka productivity) and then we’ll transition to talking about the big toughy – procrastination – next week.
This will be a fun and challenging couple of weeks but I’m looking forward to the discussion.
I’ll talk to you tomorrow!
– Derek**