The Discipline Dilemma: Overcoming Procrastination in Business and Life

Have you ever watched a couple dance and thought they don’t work together? One is too tall. One is too clumsy. Perhaps it appears they are each dancing to a different song.

Or imagine the desk of someone you know who is very organized, then opening a drawer to find a pile of disorganized files and unfinished tasks.

The dance and the desk are good analogies for the paradox between discipline and procrastination, especially when the traits belong to the same person. I’ve been navigating these nuances for a few months and embodying them for most of my life. Today, let's delve into the distinctions, and if you see yourself as a disciplined procrastinator, like me, you might find some valuable insights.

Several years ago, I remember learning about a local triathlon and thought, I can do that. I knew how to swim, run, and bike. How hard could it be to combine all three? I found a coach who created a routine to help me prepare for the upcoming race. I was rigorous with the routine. I never missed a 5am swim or a long bike ride on weekends. I usually worked out twice each day and kept track of everything I ate and drank and printed my heart rate for each workout. I still have the binder I made! I have similar stories of discipline from earning professional designations to rarely missing 10,000 daily steps in the past 10 years.

What discipline! I plan, organize, and follow through using a structured approach with set deadlines.

Yet, I am the same person who will delay tasks, sometimes until the last minute, I can struggle with prioritization, and I have a non-medical syndrome called “shiny squirrel” that can pull me away from important work. This lack of discipline can cause undo guilt and stress, especially as an entrepreneur who recently launched a new business venture.

Is it normal to embody both characteristics? Absolutely!

But it’s equally important to strike the right balance between discipline and procrastination. Embrace your disciplined side, but also recognize that occasional procrastination isn’t necessarily harmful. As you analyze why you procrastinate, try and understand the root cause. Is it due to perfectionism, fear of failure, or lack of interest?

Here are some simple steps that help me move forward in a direction of better discipline:

• Start each day with intention, writing down tasks in manageable chunks and checking off each as they are accomplished.

• Set realistic deadlines. Don’t write down on Monday what you know will take all week to achieve.

• Use focus time – like the Pomodoro technique or the focus time option in Office365. That means put away the phone and close down social media and email.

• Find an accountability buddy – human or tech based. If you lean more toward the disciplined side, you might be good with a simple tech badge to acknowledge a job well done (if you have a Peloton, it’s a simple blue dot). If you struggle with discipline, you may need a human to help keep you going. As a business coach, it’s one of my most important services.

Remember, you are not alone. Many successful people grapple with this paradox. With the right mindset, strategies, and support system in place, you can navigate this journey with confidence and clarity. As a business coach, I can guide you every step of the way—together, we'll turn obstacles into opportunities and unlock your true potential.