Why I Stopped Feeling Guilty About Procrastination — And What I Do Instead

Let me be honest with you: I’ve struggled with procrastination.And if you're anything like me, you probably know that frustrating feeling when you put something off—and then beat yourself up for it later.

But lately, I’ve been trying something new. Something simple. Something that actually works.

Whenever I find myself procrastinating, I don’t just sit there and feel bad about it anymore. I grab my notebook, take five minutes, and write three things:

1. What I was supposed to be doing

2. What I was doing instead

3. How I felt about the task I was avoiding

Sounds basic, right? But it’s changed the game for me.

Understand the “Why” Behind the Delay

This little habit has helped me dig into the real reasons I avoid certain tasks. Here's what I discovered:

• I didn’t want to build my student scheduleWhy? Because I had taken on too many people. I didn’t want to admit that I had to delay some students from starting right away. That felt like failure—even though it wasn’t. It was just reality.

• I hated doing taxesNot because they’re hard. But because paperwork is draining for me. And as a business owner, I usually owe taxes. There’s nothing fun about seeing money go out instead of coming in.

But once I saw why I was avoiding these tasks, something amazing happened:I could address the underlying issue.Not just push myself harder—but work smarter.

From Guilt to Growth: The Power of Self-Awareness

In Ranger Regiment, we were constantly taught to assess the situation, identify the problem, and act decisively.

This is no different.

Your procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s communication. It’s your brain saying, “Something’s off here.”

By taking a few minutes to write it down, you move from guilt to clarity. From stuck… to strategic.

What I Use (And Recommend)

This whole process started with a simple notebook. Not a fancy app. Not a complicated system.

Just pen, paper, and honesty.

Here’s what I personally use and recommend:

• Moleskine Classic Notebook – Sleek, durable, and the perfect size for everyday carry

• Pilot G2 Gel Pens – Smooth writing, long-lasting, and reliable for daily use

• The 5-Minute Journal – If you want guided prompts to stay consistent

If you want to start this habit, any notebook will do—but having one you actually enjoy using helps make the habit stick.

Leadership and Procrastination: A Preview from My Upcoming Book

In my upcoming book, Flight Plan for Leadership, I talk a little about procrastination.

In a chapter called “Do the Hard Thing First”, I explore how true leaders build trust—with others and with themselves—by consistently acting even when it's uncomfortable.

Leadership isn't about pretending to have it all together. It's about recognizing your sticking points, adjusting, and executing with integrity.

Final Takeaway: Procrastination Is a Signal, Not a Sentence

Next time you find yourself putting something off, don’t go down the guilt spiral. Take a breath. Open your notebook. Ask yourself:

• What am I avoiding?

• Why am I avoiding it?

• What’s one thing I can do to move forward?

And then? Do it. Even if it's small. Especially if it's hard.

You’ll be amazed how quickly momentum builds.

Thanks for reading!If you enjoyed this post and want to keep improving your mindset, leadership, and habits, be on the lookout for my upcoming book: Flight Plan for Leadership – coming soon.

Until then—take command of your time, your mindset, and your life.

Affiliate Tools Mentioned in This Post:

• Moleskine Classic Notebook

• Pilot G2 Gel Pens

• The 5-Minute Journal

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These tools support the mission—and they’re the same ones I use daily.)