453: Stop Procrastinating

In this Episode:

In this episode of the Achieve Results Now podcast, Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt address the common issue of feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating on large tasks, often stemming from the mistaken belief that we need to feel motivated before starting. They challenge the idea of waiting for motivation, asserting that taking immediate, small actions is the true path to progress.

They propose three actionable steps to overcome this inertia:

1. Identify Your One-Minute Miracle

When faced with a daunting task, the goal is to pinpoint the absolute smallest action you can take that will take less than one minute. This isn't about making significant progress, but about breaking the mental barrier of starting. Examples include opening a document, picking up one piece of trash, or finding a phone number. The hosts emphasize that this tiny "win" creates momentum, often leading to continued action. The key is to avoid assigning perceived "difficulty" to these micro-steps.

2. Focus on Starting, Not Finishing

A major source of overwhelm is the pressure to complete the entire task. Instead, shift your mindset to simply focus on initiating the task. Give yourself permission to work on it for a short, set time (e.g., 5-10 minutes) or tackle only the easiest part first. The hosts cite the "Couch to 5K" program as an excellent example of how incremental, focus-on-starting steps can lead to significant long-term achievements, often by making the initial steps feel "too easy" to build confidence and momentum.

 

3. Schedule Your Tiny Start

Don't leave your initial small actions to chance. Actively schedule your "tiny start" into your calendar or set reminders. Treat these short commitment times (even 5-10 minutes) with the same importance as any other appointment. This accountability ensures that you actually do the small steps, maintaining consistency and momentum. The hosts suggest flexibility, understanding that life happens, but emphasizing that scheduling these small, regular efforts is crucial for building long-term progress