05 May Mindset Mastery: The 6 Stages of Procrastination (and How to Break Free)
Image via @ chibird.tumblr.com
I have something I need to admit: I absolutely despise doing paperwork of any kind. It doesn’t matter if it’s incoming mail that needs sorting, business expenses that need logging, or just reorganizing a simple file drawer. If it involves piles of paper, it bores me to tears and drives me nuts.
My brain loves me, and it will find any pleasure possible to help me avoid paperwork. If the birds are chirping outside my bedroom window, then off I go to take a walk. Dry soil in one of my hundred plants? Off I go to water and mist them all. Anything to avoid doing what I know I need to do.
I suspect your brain is a lot like mine constantly seeking pleasure and avoiding discomfort. That’s just how we’re wired, which is why I love this little cartoon.
But here’s what I’ve learned: procrastination isn’t just laziness. It’s often a well-disguised protection mechanism designed to help us avoid fear, uncertainty, or perceived failure.
This week, let’s walk through the 6 subtle stages of procrastination so you can start to notice where you might be getting stuck.
6 Stages of Procrastination
1. The Spark of Intention
You start with a great idea. A new goal. A task you’ve been meaning to tackle. It feels energizing…for a moment.
2. The Overwhelm Bubble
Then you start overthinking. It’s too big. Too boring. Too complicated. Suddenly you’re mentally exhausted before you begin.
3. The Rationalization Phase
“I’ll do it after lunch.” “I work better under pressure anyway.” Sound familiar? We start justifying the delay.
4. The Distraction Detour
Instead of taking the next small step, we check email. Scroll. Clean. Nap. Garden. Call it “productive procrastination.”
5. The Guilt Loop
Now the task still isn’t done and we feel worse than before. The brain that sought pleasure now fuels shame and stress.
6. The Crash or Rush
We either push through in panic at the last minute, or we give up entirely. Neither of which feels good or sustainable.
Sound familiar? I bet it does…
Mindset Mastery: Ask Yourself A Question
We all procrastinate but understanding these stages can help you interrupt the cycle and start taking action.
When you know what stage you’re in, you can ask two important questions:
- What’s the smallest possible step I can take right now to move forward?
- What’s really behind my resistance? Is it fear, fatigue, or a need for support?
Inside The Seva Circle, we take these reflections seriously because how we use our time is how we shape our lives.
That’s why I host Focus & Flow virtual co-working sessions two Mondays a month. It’s your dedicated time to reset your week, work with your brain—not against it—and finally make progress on those tasks you keep postponing.
Your Next Inspired Step: Break Free From Procrastination Today
If you’re ready to stop circling the drain of delay and start showing up for the goals that matter, come sit with us inside The Seva Circle.
We’re here to help you move forward with compassion, clarity, and accountability.
Let’s turn procrastination into progress. One step at a time.
Join me in the The Seva Circle today at 12 noon EST → Just click the link below to get free instant access to the video link to join.
Because remember Reader, procrastination is not a time problem, it’s a clarity problem.
You have the power to get clear, get going, get free.
Take Your Next Inspired Step Now
Be well, be love(d), and be good to yourself,
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