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Overcoming Procrastination as a Tech Entrepreneur

18 views 7:31 pm 0 Comments January 31, 2025

Let’s face it: if you’re a tech entrepreneur, procrastination is probably your most loyal sidekick. It’s right there, lingering, whispering sweet nothings like “Don’t bother working on that app; check your email instead.” Ah yes, the seductive allure of procrastination. It’s a thing, and if you’re not actively overcoming procrastination, you’re probably sliding into that dark pit where deadlines don’t exist, and your product is nothing more than a twinkle in your eye. 

But don’t worry, you’re not alone. We all fall for it. Now, let’s talk about how to stop being a slave to it.

Why Do We Do It?

You’d think a tech entrepreneur, someone who lives in a world of deadlines, milestones, and launch dates, would be immune to procrastination. But no. The tech world is a minefield of distractions. Every time you sit down to code, design, or make an important business decision, there’s always something else that needs your attention. A new tool to check out. A new gadget to play with. That social media feed calling your name. Let’s face it: it’s not even a choice anymore; it’s an addiction.

The truth is, procrastination in tech entrepreneurship often masks deeper issues. You’re overwhelmed. The task feels too big, too complicated, or too boring. The longer you delay it, the more it festers in the back of your mind like an unresolved bug in your system. And yet, instead of fixing it, you keep circling around it, distracting yourself with anything that feels easier or more enjoyable.

Overcoming Procrastination: The “Just Do It” Trick

You’ve heard it a thousand times. “Just do it.” That catchy Nike slogan? It’s actually the answer to your procrastination problem, but only if you stop overthinking it. Here’s the kicker: doing something—anything—breaks the cycle. Start with a small task. Write a sentence, code a line, set up a meeting. Even if it’s utterly insignificant, taking action breaks the spell. Remember: action isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum.

For a tech entrepreneur, overcoming procrastination isn’t about magic. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other, even if you’re walking at a snail’s pace. The trick is to start with something small. You know, that “easy” task you’ve been ignoring for weeks. That 15-minute fix. Once you’ve done that, you’ll realize something: you can keep going. Momentum is powerful.

Cut the Drama, Cut the Distractions

Are you really a tech entrepreneur if you’re not constantly battling distractions? It’s an ongoing battle, and if you’re serious about overcoming procrastination, you need to set boundaries. Social media? Block it. Email? Only check it once a day. Those cat videos? We both know what happens when you click on one, and then 30 minutes later, you’re on YouTube watching a documentary about otters. 

Yes, the distractions are endless, and they will always be there to drag you into procrastination’s clutches. That’s the world we live in, my friend.

So, take control of your environment. Create designated “work times” and protect them fiercely. Let your phone die for a few hours. Set your computer to “do not disturb” mode. Use productivity apps if you must, but don’t be fooled by the shiny promises of new tools. They’re just another way to distract you from actually doing the work. Procrastination loves them. If your goal is to succeed as a tech entrepreneur, it’s time to break free.

ATTENTION SPOILER!

In my experience as an entrepreneur, I found that my “why” helps me overcome any form of procrastination.

If we have the vision and goals set and we want them bad enough, we need to resort to them when we feel attacked by the evil procrastination demon.

In addition, it is easy to fall into the opposite trap: to overcome procrastination we bury ourselves into work. The thin is, both discipline to complete our daily tasks and personal life balance are crucial to succeed in the long marathon of entrepreneurship.

Learn more in our articles “How Not to Start a Small Business” and “Worchaholic no more: Life-Work Balance for Entrepreneurs”,

Get Comfortable with Imperfection

As a tech entrepreneur, you’re often building from scratch. Maybe you don’t know exactly how to solve a problem yet. Maybe your idea isn’t fully fleshed out. You might even be terrified of failure. But guess what? The only way forward is to get comfortable with imperfection. When you’re stuck in the loop of procrastination, you’re usually chasing perfection that doesn’t exist.

Instead, focus on progress, not perfection. 

It’s about moving forward—even if your work isn’t flawless. Does it really matter if your MVP looks like a kid’s doodle? As long as it works? Get used to launching early and iterating fast. You can fix things along the way. 

Procrastination thrives in the illusion of perfect outcomes. Overcoming procrastination, on the other hand, thrives on experimentation and action. Fail fast, learn fast, and keep moving.

The Hard Truth About Procrastination

Here’s the punchline: procrastination isn’t going anywhere. As a tech entrepreneur, you’ll always have days when you’d rather do anything else than work. But the longer you let procrastination take control, the more you risk your business. Tech startups are built on action. Without action, you’re just a dreamer. So, stop fantasizing about the perfect product or launch and just get your hands dirty.

Overcoming procrastination isn’t about waiting for inspiration or motivation. It’s about forcing yourself to do it when you’d rather do anything else. It’s about pushing through the discomfort. Remember, the worst thing you can do is nothing. 

The real work begins the moment you start. And no, it won’t be easy. But you’re a tech entrepreneur. This is your job. To sit in front of your computer, to push past that procrastination, and to build something—anything—today.

In Conclusion: Wake Up and Smell the Hustle

If you want to be a successful tech entrepreneur, you have to face the fact that procrastination isn’t a minor setback; it’s the enemy. Don’t waste another minute being overwhelmed by it. Overcoming procrastination doesn’t require some deep, philosophical revelation; it requires grit, discipline, and the willingness to fail. So, get off your butt, pick up that task, and start chipping away at it. Because the only thing standing between you and your success is your ability to stop procrastinating. Go ahead, make the most of this moment. The clock is ticking.

If you are a tech-entrepreneur struggling to build a marketable product, email me at info@engineeringsuccess.co.uk.  Tell me your biggest challenge and I will be happy to help you.

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And of course, keep reading our articles!

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