NOW & LATER: How to Break Free from Procrastination and Distractions
When you hear "Now & Later," does your mind jump to the candy? Well, this post isn’t about sweets—it's about something that might be weighing you down: procrastination. Let’s explore which type of person you are: Do you handle things immediately (Now), or do you tend to put things off (Later)?
Think about this: Do you rush to buy things impulsively but hesitate to book important appointments? Do you put off enrolling in a course to improve yourself? And what about spending time with loved ones—do you do it now, or let time slip away? Imagine how your life could improve if you became more focused, built deeper connections, and took control of your day by managing distractions.
In this blog, I’ll share my own challenges with procrastination, along with expert tips for conquering distractions and sharpening your focus so you can live more intentionally.
My Personal Battle with Procrastination
I’ve struggled with procrastination for a large part of my life. When I was younger, I tackled homework immediately—never took it home because I finished it before leaving school. Somewhere along the way, though, I started waiting until the last minute.
I remember taking an online course that required me to write eight 4-page essays. I didn’t just procrastinate—I waited until the very last day to write all of them! It was a stressful scramble, and I needed help to finish. There have also been times when I couldn’t complete a task because I waited too long, and an emergency came up.
Does this sound familiar? Like when you feel a little under the weather but put off seeing a doctor until your condition worsens? Or delaying a visit to a loved one, only to lose the chance?
I’ve managed to get things done under pressure, but it always comes with a cost—anxiety and stress. I used to tell myself I worked better under pressure, but I’ve learned that’s a false narrative. Through reading, listening to high performers, and working with a Life Coach, I’ve discovered life is far more enjoyable when you plan ahead.
What High Performers Do Differently
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from experts like Brendon Burchard is that high performers prioritize planning. They are laser-focused on their dreams and ensure their goals are bigger than their distractions, drama, or discouragement. So, ask yourself: What are your current distractions?
For a long time, mine were TV and sleep. Now, it’s more about social media and avoiding uncomfortable tasks by staying busy with other, easier activities. And if I continue like this, I’ll never reach my full potential.
Another key lesson I’ve learned is that someone else’s emergency doesn’t have to be mine. I don’t need to operate on everyone else’s schedule. When I fail to plan, I end up living according to other people’s agendas. At some point, you need to commit to yourself!
For instance, I used to put off medical appointments due to time and money constraints. By the time I finally went, I had a backlog of health issues. Now, I’ve learned to address problems as they arise. Similarly, I had difficulty staying connected with loved ones. My Life Coach helped me realize that if these people are important, I needed to schedule time with them.
Brendon Burchard also taught me that my issue wasn’t consistency—it was commitment. I was more committed to my distractions than to my dreams, allowing my distractions and drama to derail me. Once I made my goal to live life with intention a priority, things began to shift.
Practical Tips
Planning
Write down your top 3 priorities for the next day the night before.
Create a shared calendar with important people in your life.
Schedule quality time with others and yourself.
Focus Time
Set a timer for a focused period (e.g., 25 or 50 minutes) to concentrate on one task.
Block this time off in your calendar and treat it like an appointment.
Set a clear intention for what you want to accomplish and how you want to feel.
Break Time
Take mental and physical breaks every 50 minutes of work.
Practice mental exercises like meditation or grounding.
Try physical activities like an infinity walk or progressive muscle relaxation.
Living with Intention
Since becoming a Life Coach, my personal growth has skyrocketed. I’ve realized that planning my day and managing distractions not only helps me accomplish more, but it also allows me to live with greater intention.
I challenge you to start planning your days with purpose. Live fully, embrace focus, and reduce distractions. If you’re ready to break free from procrastination and live a more fulfilled life, click the link below—I’d be honored to help you on your journey.
https://llfully.com/shunta-montgomery/
Your Coach,
Shunta’
