Uncover the Secrets to Stop Procrastination

Breaking Free from Procrastination: A Personal Story and Guide to Take Action After 50

As women over 50, we’ve seen it all—life’s ups and downs, successes and failures, and the constant juggling of responsibilities. But one thing I’ve learned is that no matter how much experience we accumulate, procrastination can still sneak into our lives, holding us back from achieving our goals.

The definition of procrastination is thinking about what you want and need to do, then writing it down and not doing it.

Rose Lyles

Like many women in this stage of life, I found myself procrastinating more often than I liked. There were always reasons: too many things to do, not enough time, or feeling overwhelmed by all the changes and transitions happening around me. But it wasn’t until I took a step back and examined why I was procrastinating that I began to truly uncover the secrets to stopping it—and it’s a journey that has been both enlightening and empowering.

My Struggle with Procrastination

It wasn’t always this way. I used to be the type of person who thrived on productivity. I’d meet deadlines, manage my household, and balance work and personal life with grace—at least most of the time. But as I got older, the demands of life changed. Perhaps it was the shift in focus from career-driven goals to personal growth and reinvention, or the subtle changes in my energy levels. Regardless, I found myself procrastinating more than I ever had before.

There were projects I had been dreaming about for years, like writing a book, learning a new skill, or traveling more. But each time I thought about starting, I’d get stuck in a loop of hesitation and doubt. I told myself, "I’ll start tomorrow," or "I need to be in the right mindset first." And of course, tomorrow never came.

What Changed?

The turning point came when I realized that procrastination wasn’t just about poor time management or laziness—it was about something deeper. It was fear. Fear of failure, fear of not being good enough, and, for me, a fear of not being able to meet the high expectations I had set for myself. At this stage in life, I wanted to do things right. I wanted to be perfect. But that mindset only held me back.

Your Power Shift Protocol™

  • Recognize that procrastination stems from fear, not laziness

  • Transform your to-do list into a "done" list mindset

  • Break large goals into 25-minute focused segments

  • Replace perfectionism with progress-focused thinking

  • Build in accountability through partnerships

Once I acknowledged this, I knew I needed to make some changes. Overcoming procrastination wasn’t about finding the right time or waiting for some magical burst of motivation—it was about taking small steps and shifting my mindset. Here’s what helped me—and what could help you too.

1. Breaking Tasks Into Small, Manageable Pieces

I started to break down large, overwhelming tasks into smaller chunks. When I thought about writing a book, for example, the idea of sitting down and completing an entire manuscript felt impossible. But when I focused on writing just one paragraph a day, suddenly it didn’t seem so daunting.

Breaking things down into small pieces gave me a sense of control and made progress feel attainable. Over time, I realized that every small action was adding up, and before I knew it, I had written chapters I’d been dreaming about for years.

2. Shifting from a "To-Do" List to a "Done" List

For years, I kept the traditional "to-do" lists, which often led to feelings of inadequacy. Tasks would pile up, and I’d feel bad for not getting them all done. But then I discovered the power of a "done" list. Every time I crossed something off, instead of just moving to the next task, I paused to reflect and celebrate that small win.

When I made this simple shift, I began to feel more accomplished. I realized that I was making progress every day—even if the steps were small. This not only boosted my confidence but also kept me motivated to continue.

3. Setting Time Blocks and Taking Breaks

Another strategy I used was setting specific time blocks to focus on tasks, without the pressure of perfection. At first, I would sit down to work on a project and instantly feel overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done. But when I began using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break), it felt more manageable.

I would set a timer, work for 25 minutes, then take a short break—though my dog, Zurri, has her own ideas about timing! Just when I'm in deep concentration, she'll place her chin on my laptop or drop her favorite toy in my lap, giving me those irresistible begging eyes. I've learned that sometimes the best "Pomodoro timer" has four legs and a wagging tail.

When Zurri isn't "scheduling" my breaks, I might enjoy a cup of tea, take a short walk (usually with my furry timekeeper), or have a quick chat with a friend. These interruptions—both planned and puppy-induced—keep me refreshed and help maintain my focus without burning out.

They've taught me that sometimes the best productivity hack is knowing when to pause and pet the dog.

Uncover the Secrets to Stop Procrastination by Rose Lyles - Age with Power News

4. Embracing Imperfection: "Done Is Better Than Perfect"

Perfectionism had always been my biggest obstacle. The more I wanted something to be perfect, the more I found myself putting it off. It wasn’t until I fully embraced the mindset of "done is better than perfect" that things started moving.

There’s a real freedom in accepting that it’s okay not to get everything right the first time—or the second time. Whether it’s starting a new hobby, learning a skill, or tackling a project, what matters is that you make progress, not that you get everything perfect. For me, that mindset shift was a game-changer. It allowed me to take action without fear of failure.

5. Practicing Self-Compassion

I had to learn to be kinder to myself. Like many women, I’ve been my harshest critic. But instead of berating myself for procrastinating, I started practicing self-compassion. If I missed a deadline or took longer than I planned to finish a task, I would tell myself, “It’s okay. You’re doing your best, and you can try again tomorrow.”

This shift in my internal dialogue has been incredibly healing. It allowed me to move past guilt and shame, which are often part of the procrastination cycle. When I was kinder to myself, I could finally push through the feelings of self-doubt and fear that had held me back for so long.

6. Accountability and Support

One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is finding an accountability partner. I reached out to a close friend who shared similar goals and we began checking in with each other regularly. Knowing that someone else was aware of my progress and rooting for me made all the difference.

Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a support group, sharing your goals with others makes them feel more real and achievable. The encouragement and positive reinforcement helped keep me on track.

7. Celebrating Small Wins

Finally, I began celebrating every little victory, no matter how small. Whether it was finishing a chapter in my book, signing up for a new class, or simply staying on track for a week, I made sure to celebrate. These moments of acknowledgment helped me see how far I’d come, and they motivated me to keep going.

Your Age with Power Advantage™

  • Deeper self-awareness helps identify true procrastination triggers

  • Years of experience provide better priority-setting abilities

  • Emotional maturity supports stronger self-compassion

  • Established networks offer ready-made accountability partners

  • Life wisdom enables more realistic goal-setting

Conclusion: Embracing Progress, Not Perfection

Procrastination doesn’t have to be an ongoing struggle. For women over 50, the key is to start small, be kind to yourself, and embrace progress over perfection. I’ve learned that taking imperfect action, being accountable, and breaking tasks into manageable pieces can make all the difference.

If you're struggling with procrastination, know that you’re not alone—and it's never too late to change your habits. Whether it's tackling long-held goals or simply managing day-to-day tasks, you have the power to stop procrastination and make meaningful progress.

Uncover the Secrets to Stop Procrastination by Rose Lyles - Age with Power News

It’s a journey that I’m still on, but every step forward feels empowering. And I believe you can uncover the same freedom and confidence on your own path. Take that first step—no matter how small—and start uncovering the secrets to a life of action and fulfillment.

About the Author

Rose Lyles is CEO of D'Vacor Graphics & Entertainment and former Executive Producer of California Black Expo. A seasoned business leader with over 20 years in strategic development, event management, and digital solutions, she empowers organizations to achieve sustainable growth.

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