Scaling a startup to 4.2 million users is no small feat, and it's a journey that can teach you a lot about procrastination. Discover how this challenge can reshape your understanding of productivity, time management, and the power of decisive action.
What I learned about procrastination while scaling my startup to 4.2 million users
The reasons we avoid completing a task are extremely personal, and commonly touted “productivity hacks” don’t always cut it
- There are 2 types of founders: VC-backed founders vs. bootstrappers who build their startups without any outside funding
Are bootstrappers more likely to procrastinate?
VC-backed founders may have a slight psychological advantage when compared to bootstrapping counterparts: The pressure that comes with taking someone else’s money.
- Conversely, the bootstrapper must learn how to push through procrastination without the motivating force of a ticking clock and a room full of unhappy investors.
Fail fast, fail often
We’re afraid of failing
- While some founders cope by taking shortcuts, others stall out due to perfectionism
- During the early days, it wasn’t uncommon for him to spend a ridiculous amount of time on tasks that didn’t really matter
- Meanwhile, he missed out on opportunities to grow his customer base, forge business partnerships, and help even more organizations enhance their productivity with user-friendly forms
The real reasons we procrastinate
There was always a reason for my procrastination
- Once I had identified the real problem – that was causing the feeling of avoidance
- I could develop an appropriate plan of action to reclaim my productivity
- Productivity hacks are only effective when we know why we’re avoiding something in the first place
We dislike the task itself
The most common reason for procrastination may actually be disliking the task at hand.
- In such instances, Heidi Grant recommends using something she calls “if-then planning.”
- Identify the specific steps needed to complete a task and – most importantly – where and when you will do it.
Create systematic behavioral changes that correspond with “small wins”
Create your own way to celebrate small milestones
- Every task should be accompanied by a trigger – and the easier the trigger, the better.
- Once you’ve completed the task, Fogg urges you to celebrate in a predetermined manner.
We’re not sure where to start
Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel uncertain when beginning something new.
- Brainstorm with mentors, advisors, and friends how to best prioritize your time. The more systems we put in place, the less we find ourselves procrastinating.
