Schmidt: No Time Like the Present 

Do it now. Whatever it is that you are procrastinating on, do it now. If it’s procedures you were going to write, or web updates you wanted to make, start moving on it. Maybe it’s as simple as a changing a light bulb or returning a call that’s plaguing your to-do list, just get it done. Your task list will never truly be over as an entrepreneur, so don’t allow it to get so long it’s unmanageable. Start moving on the things you’ve pushed off and ignored. Life’s short. The time to get busy making things happen is now!

Use Time Wisely

Procrastination is not in my personal dictionary. Growing up, my family was obsessed with time, so that meant never being late for anything, and being overly prepared for everything. There was no late-night cramming sessions to make sure things got done. There were no last-minute projects or papers, and no requesting extensions. My job, per my parents, was to be a functioning member of society that was timely and excellent in all I did, so that’s what I strived to do. While this wasn’t the worst lesson to learn as a young child, I learned a more valuable lesson alongside it as I grew: Most people are their own worst enemy simply because they wait too long to “get it done.”  That lag in personal production costs people their moments of greatness, promotions, opportunities, and mental freedom. I bypassed people far more talented than I was simply because I showed up early and met deadlines. I determined long ago I wasn’t going to let my success be held captive to time. I was going to use time to my benefit.

A Eureka Moment

One afternoon, I sat in a stale boardroom listening to a speaker try to make time blocking sound exciting, when my attention was piqued. The speaker said, “The quickest way to get something done is to get it done NOW.”  That resonated as loudly then as it does now inside my head. I subscribed to that ideology, so I listened closer. When an email comes in, answer it. When that call comes, answer it. Don’t hesitate. People move on quickly, so if you want a new client, more cars, or different opportunities, don’t push off communications. Never underestimate the power of timely connection. As quickly as someone finds you, they can find someone else. I don’t remember much more about that training. However, the simple practice of “do it now” continues to be a key factor for me both personally and professionally.  

Start Small

If getting motivated to move is difficult, and you don’t know where to begin to make the most progress, find someone to encourage you and hold you accountable on your journey. Maybe it’s a coach, a friend, a partner. Whoever it is, make it someone that you can be vulnerable in front of—someone who you’re ok winning and losing in their presence. Someone you can share details and dreams with. I don’t think humans are supposed to travel alone on the path to success, so find someone you can power walk with. A power partner if you will. Focus on making a step to accomplish just one small thing a day so it’s not overwhelming, and it’s rewarding. Small efforts often lead to great change, so start small. Pick up the phone, do the task, build the momentum, and you’ll find it gets easier to keep going with your life lists. But you must get started, and there is no time like the present.