Why Am I Procrastinating?

“I don’t have time.”

It’s a phrase that we say without thinking – especially when life is full of work, family, and all the invisible responsibilities that make it to the to-do-list. But sometimes if we’re honest? It’s not really about time. It’s about procrastination.

Not the kind when you’re scrolling endlessly or bingeing on Netflix for no reason. But the kind where your brain knows you want something – maybe even need it – and still…you freeze. Delay. Avoid.

The Truth About Procrastination

Most of us think procrastination is about being lazy or disorganised. But for women, especially ambitious, caring, emotionally intelligent women – it is often something much deeper.

We procrastinate because:

• We’re afraid we’ll get it wrong.
• We’re overwhelmed by all the steps and don’t know where to start.
• We’re perfectionists in disguise, waiting until we feel ‘ready’.
• We’re emotionally tired from holding it together for everyone else.

And deep down, some us fear what happens if it works – will we have time for it all? Will people expect more? Will we burn out again?

What I’ve Noticed In Myself

I’m currently on a 2 week break from teaching – a golden window to pour energy into my coaching business. But I haven’t. Not the way I’d planned.

Ok, I’ve done a few things:

• Created a new Facebook group
• Posted content
• Worked on my Digital Marketing course

But mostly? I’ve procrastinated.

And that’s been hard to admit – especially when coaching is something I love, something I want to make my main career focus and income stream. I know I’m good at it. I know it changes lives. But here’s what I’m realising:

The procrastination isn’t coming from fear – it’s coming from overwhelm.

It’s so much easier to lean into teaching because that’s what I know. I’m confident there. I’m an expert.

But when it comes to running a business? I’m still learning. I’m not just stepping into a new role – I’m stepping into a whole new identity.

It’s not the coaching that’s overwhelming. It’s the business side. It’s the marketing.

It’s figuring out how to get myself out there, how to build momentum, how to connect in a way that’s feels authentic and effective.

There’s just so much to think about. And it’s hard to know where to start.

So…Why Do We Procrastinate?

Because building something that matters feels vulnerable.

Because doing work that’s personal means putting yourself out there.

Because when your juggling a job, a family, a vision, and your own needs – it’s a lot.

Procrastination is often your nervous system trying to protect you from discomfort. But protection isn’t the same as peace. And over time, avoidance starts to feel worse than the action you were avoiding.

What Can Help Overcome Procrastination?

The next time you find yourself asking ‘why am I not doing more?’, try gently shifting the question. Here are some more helpful thoughts and actions to guide you forward:

• What’s one small, doable action I can take today?
• What am I avoiding , and what might I be afraid it means about me?
• If a friend was confiding in me about this, what would I tell her?

Remind yourself – “I don’t have to do it all. I just have to do one small thing.” Clarity comes from movement, not from overthinking.