The thief of time
Ruth Smith • May 11, 2026
Procrastination
I should probably be writing a proposal right now.
Or finishing two workshops.
Or replying to emails.
But instead… I’m writing this blog.
Because something shinier popped up on my to-do list and suddenly this felt easier.
And that’s the thing about procrastination, it rarely looks like 'doing nothing'.
It looks like:
• putting the washing out because the sun is shining
• tidying something that didn’t need tidying
• replying to messages
• starting something that feels productive… just not the important thing
Procrastination is something most of us struggle with at some point.
At its core, it often comes from feeling overwhelmed, fear of not doing something perfectly or simply not knowing where to start.
And if I’m honest… today I’m feeling a bit of all of that.
We tell ourselves we work better under pressure. Sometimes we do. But often it just creates unnecessary stress, anxiety and that creeping feeling of 'I should have started this sooner.'
Tomorrow becomes next week.
Next week becomes 'I’ll sort it soon.'
To manage it, I always encourage clients to break things down into small, clear steps because big tasks feel heavy when they’re all sitting in your head at once.
So, I’m practising what I preach.
Highlighter out.
Priorities clearly marked.
Deadlines visible.
And I’ve done something simple that helps more than it should. I’ve physically moved myself away from distractions.
My office is next to the kitchen, so I’ve brought:
• a flask of coffee
• water
• and snacks
So I don’t 'accidentally' end up in the kitchen doing the washing instead of the work.
And here’s your reminder too:
Just because something feels easier or shinier… doesn’t mean it needs doing right now.
Not everything belongs on the list.
And please don’t add things to your to-do list just so you can cross them off...we’ve all done it 🙈
Be kind to yourself.
Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It just means you’re human, overwhelmed or tired. Or all three!
Right… headphones on, feel-good music on and I’m starting the first workshop.
No more shiny distractions 💛
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