Fiercely Kind Shifts to Get More Done (3 of 4): The Surprising Wisdom Behind Procrastination!

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This week we continue our look at Fiercely Kind approaches to stay motivated and achieve more, with the third of four bite-sized articles centred on “Create a Life You Love”—one of our 4Cs.

We all procrastinate. But often, the relief of avoiding something is quickly replaced by self-judgement.

But what if procrastination wasn’t the enemy? What if your procrastination was really your inner wisdom trying to tell you something?

Procrastination: Your Inner Wisdom in Disguise

These days when I notice I’m procrastinating, I don’t beat myself up—I get curious. I stop and take a closer look.

Because we never procrastinate without good reason.

And that reason is rarely laziness. Instead your procrastination is simply highlighting what isn’t working for you—and what help or support you need to move forward.

This is the gift of your procrastination

What if your procrastination was simply trying to give you an important message? What if the key to moving forward was to simply pay attention and listen?

Let’s explore!

5 Excellent Reasons You’re Procrastinating!

What’s your procrastination trying to tell you? Here are 5 messages your inner wisdom might be trying to share with you:

1) You need a break, to do less and/or rest

Do you have a project you keep putting off? Well, maybe it’s not about the project at all…

It’s hard for anyone to get to grips with a big project when we’re feeling tired, stressed, overwhelmed—and our creativity has deserted us!

Your procrastination might be the only way your brain can tell you, “I need rest!” (when you’ve been ignoring all the other signals).

Try asking:

How would you feel about this task if you were fully rested and had all the time and space you needed?
What do you need to do to take care of yourself? And when will you do it?

Because once you’ve honoured your need for rest, you’ll likely bounce back with the energy, enthusiasm and creative juice you need to move forwards.

2) You need to take care of your fears!

Fear is a perfectly valid response when we’re stretching outside our comfort zone! And even small tasks can trigger surprisingly big fears: failure, judgment—or just the unknown. So try this 3 step approach:

Step 1) Ask yourself:
- What am I afraid of? What are you not acknowledging? What might you be afraid or embarrassed to admit (even to yourself?)
- Then name that fear—however silly or minor it may seem.
Step 2) Get specific: What support do I need (from myself or others) to get moving again?
Step 3) Now make your fear-busting plan!

A small example could look like: you haven’t returned those shoes to the store because you’re worried the cashier would question your return and you’d feel foolish. Well, now you can make a plan! Perhaps you could ask a friend to go with you for moral support—and write out exactly what you need to say. Mission accomplished!

3) You’re missing crucial information or resources

Procrastination is sometimes your brain’s way of saying: I don’t have enough information to proceed!

It’s hard for anyone to take action when things are fuzzy. So try this:

Get specific about what’s missing: Stop and ask yourself:
- “What crucial details, clarity, resources or support do I need to move forwards?”
- Then make a list (and a plan to get it) of exactly what you need to move forward confidently.

Lean IN to your procrastination: If you’re the block, you may need to give yourself space and permission to procrastinate while you figure it out. Like Einstein playing his violin when he got stuck, strategic procrastination creates space for insights to surface. Go for a walk. Move your deadline out. In short, give yourself time and space to ponder, brainstorm—and allow the clarity you need to arise.

4) You’ve lost your “why”

Are you feeling frustrated? Is this task harder or taking longer than you thought? Are there more obstacles than you expected?

Your procrastination may be letting you know you need to re-connect to your motivation.

Explore the following:

First, can you reconnect with why this matters to you? Sometimes a really good “Why?” is all we need to overcome any obstacle!
Ask, “Does this goal still align with my values and who I am?” If not, you may need to let this goal go, or tweak it so it aligns with who you are.
Ask, “How have I made this unnecessarily complicated or difficult?” Then, what needs to change? What would make this simpler or easier?

5) Your assumptions are holding you back!

Lastly, are you procrastinating because you’re assuming a negative outcome? What faulty logic or negative assumptions are getting in your way?

If I apply for that pay-rise, I’ll just get rejected.
If I start that conversation, Paul will get angry.

Try asking:

What unpleasant result am I assuming if I achieve my goal, or take this step? What negative thing do I think will happen?
Once you have this information, you can question or challenge how you know this to be true:
- What evidence do you have this will happen?
- What’s a more helpful assumption that allows you to move forward?
- And if your concern is valid, how can you reassure yourself and prepare for that possibility?

How to use your learnings

Remember, your procrastination bears a gift: the message of what’s getting in the way and what you need!
Practice: Use the tips, ideas and questions above to observe and learn your procrastination patterns.
Finally, be Fiercely Kind: Approach your procrastination with curiosity instead of judgment. Use kindness to search out and cherish the wisdom in your resistance—and then bravely take action!

Wrap-up

So if you’ve been putting off something important, now you know there’s always a good reason!

To get it done, just imagine your procrastination as a kind and helpful messenger.

But remember: if you judge and criticise yourself, that message will stay hidden.

So stop, listen and remain open, curious and kind—and look for the GIFT underneath your procrastination!

What’s your procrastination trying to tell you?

For more inspiration, check out:

Bonus!

9 Questions to Help You Find the Gift in Your Procrastination!

Imagine your procrastination as a kind and helpful messenger. What is it trying to tell you?
How would you feel about this task if you were fully rested and had all the time and space you needed?
What are you afraid of? And what’s the fear underneath that? And underneath that? (keep asking until you get to a core fear—where you repeat the same answer 2-3 times).
What are you not acknowledging? What might you be afraid or embarrassed to admit (even to yourself?)
What information, resources, or support would make this task easier?
How could you hugely simplify this task?
Why am I doing this? What are the outcomes I’m looking for?
Does this align with my values?
What faulty logic or negative assumptions are getting in the way?

Image of mature woman with teapot, teacup, leaning on book, wearing glasses by pressfoto via Freepik