I almost started a Substack. In fact, I actually created a publication in my Substack account, and it has ZERO posts.
Why?
I wrote my first Substack post and sent it to my amazing writing group for review a few months ago. This was going to be one of my first few steps back into personal writing after a 2 1/2 year break from posting on my blog (read about it here) and a year+ break from writing for clients due to the season of life I was in. And yes, my writing was feeling more than a bit rusty. But still…I wrote that first Substack post. The topic? Habits, of course, which is one of my favorite topics to talk about to anyone who will listen.
I woke up earlier than usual one morning on a day that was jam-packed with things I needed to get done to look at the comments from my writing group because I was curious to see what they thought about this Substack post. One member lovingly pointed out that what I was writing could be a little overwhelming for anyone dealing with depression or anxiety or a rough season in life, and I realized she was 100% correct. It was a gentle reminder that things that might be easy for me might not be as easy for others. I suddenly had this fierce urge to fix the post right. now. So, I spent the next THREE hours fixing that post. I put off my workout, physical therapy exercises (I was still in the early days of recovering from shoulder surgery), scripture study, and so many other things that are a solid part of my morning routine and that were on my “must be done” list for the day.
As I neared the end of hour three, a realization hit me like a ton of bricks dropped all at once right onto my head. It was that painful.
I had just spent three hours on a post for a Substack that only the five members in my writing group would know about when I’d been having a hard time spending ANY amount of time on some goals that are important to me, like getting back to writing for this blog and on a dream project that I’ve been working on here and there for almost two years.
The problem wasn’t the three hours. The problem was what those three hours had replaced. What those three hours had cost.
→ Curious about this dream project? It’s one of those projects that’s so close to your heart you’re almost afraid to put your “baby” out into the world. Click here to read my dream project announcement. Interested in offering feedback and helping along the way? Let me know in a comment below, and I’ll add you to my team.
I saved what I’d written (that content might come in handy someday), put my laptop away, and got back to my usual morning routine, albeit a few hours later than usual. Which was so frustrating to me, but I had 100% done this to myself. Which was even more frustrating.
How often do we put off what’s most important for the way less important, maybe easier-to-accomplish shiny object that’s staring at us right now?
If I’m being totally honest, that maybe happens a little bit too often for me.
It’s a sneaky form of procrastination, my friends, a form of procrastination I like to call “Noble Procrastination,” where I’m not endlessly scrolling or doing any number of actual time-wasting activities but doing things that are, on the surface, important things. And it can suck the life out of our habits + goals if we let it.
Why We Procrastinate
Here’s where behavior science comes in: Procrastination usually isn’t laziness. More often, we’re avoiding something. Our brains naturally want to get far away from anything that feels uncomfortable or scary or too hard or overwhelming and move toward what feels safer, easier, or more immediately rewarding.
The tricky part? Sometimes that avoidance can wear a very productive disguise. Even a “noble” disguise.
Instead of working on what’s most important, I reorganize a closet. Get things ready to donate to charity. Check emails. Again. Empty the dishwasher. Do more research for my dream project instead of just doing the writing.
Or…
I spend three hours working on a post for a Substack that only my writing group even knows exists.
One thing I’ve learned is that when I catch myself getting caught in the “noble procrastination” rabbit hole, instead of asking, “Why am I so unmotivated?,” I try asking…
- What am I avoiding right now?
- Is this task unclear?
- Does it feel too big?
- Am I afraid to fail?
- Am I afraid to succeed?
Those seemingly simple questions often help me reconnect with what matters most.
And during those times when I’m tempted to nobly procrastinate…again, I remember these wise words from one of my favorite authors, Jon Acuff:
“Some beats none.”
Then I do “something,” even if that something is a teeny, tiny step towards achieving a goal. And usually, that tiny something is just enough to get me started, which is arguably the hardest part of accomplishing any goal. It’s also usually enough to send that noble procrastination packing. Until it decides to visit again. The struggle is real, my friends.
If you’re curious how this can work with your goals, doing “something” could be as simple as…
- Moving for five minutes.
- Eating a piece of fruit.
- Reading a verse of scripture.
- Drinking a glass of water.
- Breathing deeply for a few minutes.
- Sending a text to someone important to you.
- Reading a page of a book.
- Spending just five minutes on a goal—this one has worked like magic for me!
- And so on…
If you’re not already part of my community, I’d love to have you join me. I’ll even send you my FREE 5-Minute Miracle Habit Creation Guide to help you start building momentum with one simple step. Plus… you’ll get my biweekly newsletters filled with simple wellness tips, encouragement, and practical strategies to help you make steady progress—one small step at a time.
Join the Newsletter + Get My Free “5-Minute Miracle Habit Creation Guide” here.
Getting Back to What Matters Most
My Substack publication? It still has zero posts, and it’ll stay that way for now. Instead, I’m focusing on client writing work, writing this blog, working on my dream project, and sending out my biweekly newsletters.
What’s an important goal that seems to run up against noble procrastination? Leave it in a comment below, and then share the “something” you’re going to do to send that noble procrastination packing.
→ If you’re dealing with any form or type of procrastination, Jon’s latest book, Procrastination Proof, is a game-changer. Trust me on this. It’s become my go-to for staying productive and focused. Grab your copy here!
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