Procrastination Isn’t the Problem – It’s a Clue

Most high-achieving women have been taught that procrastination is a problem. A flaw. A shameful habit they need to “fix.” But what if that story is entirely false?

We spend so much time and energy trying to “get over” procrastination. We’re told to just “do the thing” by productivity guru’s or that if we can’t take the action that we “don’t want our goals badly enough.” Yet, if it was truly that easy… wouldn’t we have made the change by now instead of fighting with ourselves endlessly? We’re smart, capable individuals who have overcome so much in our lives. 

Which has led me to explore the question: what if procrastination is not the problem—but simply a clue to a deeper issue? In this podcast episode, we’re going to explore this together and identify the real issue because procrastination is not the problem… it’s a symptom of something deeper.

Listen to the full episode here:

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The Truth Behind “Lazy”

In September 2023, I lost 15 pounds in two weeks. Not because I was dieting or detoxing, but because my body literally stopped processing food. I had just produced my biggest-ever event, and in the days that followed, I couldn’t bring myself to show up in my business. I spiraled into avoidance, retreating from my goals despite the pressure to perform.

And I shamed myself hard for it. Until I realized something: procrastination isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal.

Procrastination Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

We’re conditioned to see procrastination as laziness, a time management issue, or a lack of drive. But that’s not the truth.

Procrastination is not the problem. It’s a symptom of something deeper. Just like a fever signals an infection, procrastination signals misalignment, fear, identity conflict, or overwhelm.

Understanding this changes everything. Instead of trying to “push through,” we start asking better questions. And those questions lead us to the root.

Four Hidden Causes of Procrastination

1. Misalignment

Procrastination often shows up when we’re trying to force ourselves to take actions that don’t align with who we are. Maybe it’s a business strategy that gives you the ick, or a goal you set out of obligation, not desire.

Ask yourself: Is this action aligned with who I am and what I want?

2. Fear

Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of judgment. Fear of visibility. Procrastination may be trying to protect you from perceived danger. Your brain doesn’t differentiate between emotional and physical threats—it just hits the brakes.

Ask yourself: What am I afraid might happen if I do this… or if I succeed?

3. Overwhelm and Lack of Clarity

When your big goal feels like climbing Kilimanjaro in flip-flops, it makes sense that your brain freezes. Too many steps, no clear starting point, and a paralyzed nervous system? Classic procrastination territory.

Ask yourself: What is one small, imperfect step I can take today?

4. Identity Conflict

You can’t act like your future self if your current self-image says, “That’s not me.” Procrastination arises when your internal identity doesn’t match the identity needed to take aligned action.

Ask yourself: Who do I need to become to take this action?

Procrastination Is Feedback. Now What?

Once you understand that procrastination is not the problem, you can begin to decode it with curiosity and compassion—not judgment.

Here’s how to move from frozen to forward:

1. Identify the root cause. Use the four causes above as a checklist.

2. Regulate your nervous system. Use tools like breathwork, grounding, or EFT to calm your body.

3. Shift your perspective. Reconnect to your “why” and visualize the identity of your future self.

4. Take a tiny, laughably small action. Momentum builds from movement, not perfection.

Rewire Resistance at the Root

If you’re ready to stop managing procrastination and start healing it, hypnosis can help. I created a subconscious tool to rewire resistance in less than 30 days. It takes under 15 minutes a day and includes daily accountability.

No more treating the symptoms. Let’s pull the pattern out at its root.

Get started at briseely.com/procrastinate.

Because procrastination is not the problem. It’s the clue your next level is calling.

———-

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

🔥Visit https://briseeley.com/free to get free access to DEFY REALITY: The Female Entrepreneur’s Guide to Achieving Her Audaciously Ambitious Goals.

🔥Join the free entrepreneurial community at https://briseeley.com/community for opportunities to connect with powerful women aiming towards big dreams and visions.

🔥Subscribe to the Big Goal Energy podcast for more upcoming episodes and valuable wisdom.

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