Overcoming Procrastination: Tips That Actually Work

Let’s have a real moment: Procrastination hits everyone. Even planner people. Even me. It’s not about being lazy—it’s usually about being overwhelmed, distracted, or just plain tired. The good news? We can work with that.

This isn’t a tough love productivity lecture. It’s a gentle, encouraging guide to help you stop avoiding that task (yes, that one) and start making progress—even if it’s just a little bit at a time.

Identify Your Procrastination Type

Step one: Figure out why you’re procrastinating. Here are a few common types:

• The Perfectionist: “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all.”

• The Overwhelmed: “There’s too much to do, so I’ll do none of it.”

• The Distracted: “I meant to do it, but then I was organizing my washi tape.”

• The Burnt Out: “I’m just... tired.”

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Self-awareness is powerful. I once avoided updating my budget for three weeks because I was afraid to see the damage. (Spoiler: It wasn’t that bad. Also, coffee counts as self-care.)

Break It Down (Smaller Than You Think)

Big tasks are scary. The trick? Go smaller. Like, tiny.

Instead of “Organize my whole office,” write:

• Declutter the top drawer

• Wipe desk

• Pick three items to toss

  
  

Use your planner to break down overwhelming tasks into the next smallest step. Trust me—it makes starting way less intimidating.

Add Accountability (In a Fun Way)

You don’t have to do it alone! Tell a friend, check in with your planner buddy, or post your to-do list on your IG stories. (Bonus: people will cheer you on.)

Use fun accountability tools like:

• Habit trackers

• Sticker rewards

• Share your wins on your Instagram feed (tag me @planning_with_sally if you want)

  
  

Sometimes, a little nudge from your community is all it takes.

The 5-Minute Rule

If you’ve been procrastinating on something, promise yourself you’ll do it for just five minutes. That’s it.

Set a timer. Start the task. More often than not, you’ll keep going.

Use your planner to:

• Highlight “quick start” tasks

• Add a 5-minute timer symbol to anything you’ve been putting off

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Starting is the hardest part—and five minutes is totally doable.

Eliminate “All or Nothing” Thinking

Perfection is the enemy of progress. You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to do it all right now.

Use sticky notes or headers in your planner that say things like:

• “Done is better than perfect.”

• “Small steps still count.”

• “One box checked = success”

  
  

Even a low-energy task like sorting your inbox for 10 minutes is a win.

Make Procrastination Work for You

Okay, hear me out—some forms of procrastination can actually be productive.

If you’re avoiding a big task, try doing something else that still supports your goals:

• Clean your workspace

• Organize your stickers (again)

• Plan out the week ahead

  
  

I even have a “Things I Do When I’m Avoiding Things” master list in my planner. It turns guilt into gentle redirection.

Create a Focus-Friendly Environment

Sometimes, procrastination is less about the task and more about your space.

Try:

• Setting a 25-minute Pomodoro timer

• Playing chill instrumental music

• Clearing your desk (just one corner counts!)

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In your planner, pick your Top 3 tasks for the day and block time for them. Use stickers or highlighters to make them stand out.

Need More Procrastination Help?

Need some motivation? Check out my YouTube video where I share the Anti-Planner, a wonderfully illustrated book that is jam-packed with tricks to get you out of that procrastination slump.

You’re Not Behind, You’re Restarting

Procrastination doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human.

The best part about planning? You get to turn the page and try again. Anytime. No guilt, no shame—just a fresh start (with cute stickers).

Next week’s post: “Spring Cleaning Your Planner Setup”