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Darlene Hawley

Top tips to avoiding procrastination

Anyone else wake up a little off this morning. With the time change last night I was wide awake until after midnight and then over slept this morning. I told myself oh the sun is just coming out I have an extra hour of sunlight and sleep and rolled over and went back to sleep. When I should of got my butt out of bed. I lost sleep last night, not gained it.

Well I don’t know about you but when my morning is rushed it kind of sends me into a crazy tail spin. I ran through a shower, threw on clothes, packed my daughters lunch and grabbed her a waffle as we raced out the door to rush into school just in the nick of time. And guess what we made it. Woo.

Business can be like that sometimes, you set out a plan for what you want to accomplish for the day, week or even year and time goes fast, you procrastinate, get side tracked…. squirrel and before you know it you feel rushed an overwhelmed.

The best ways you can avoid procrastination is to set yourself up for success by making a list and staying organized. One word of advice, follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Sweetie). If your organization set up is to complicated, it just becomes another stress point and something you will want to avoid.

Here are a few tips that work for me.

1. Make a list of what needs to get done. Nothing fancy, open up notes on your phone scribble on a piece of paper. Doesn’t need to be in any particular order at first but be clear on what needs to be handled that day.

2. Now Prioritize the list. I like to arrange them by what is most important or timely. And then check them off as you go. Nothing feels more accomplished than crossing an item off your list when you have completed.

3. Grab a journal to write your thoughts or ideas in. I make a page for ideas and long term planning. That way I can add to my short daily lists as I decide to start working on a new project and I don’t lose any of my brilliant ideas.

4. Break it down. A lot of goals take more than one step. So break it down into bit sized pieces and check them off your list as you go this will help you stay focused.

5. Schedule it. Add it to your calendar with a day and time you will work on it. You wouldn’t cancel on a friend that you have a coffee date with to catch up with…so don’t cancel on yourself either. Your time is precious and by setting a specific time and date to work on your list you will get more accomplished and goals will be met when they are supposed to.

Stop making excuses for why you can’t get it done and start focusing on all the reasons you must make it happen today!


What will you do today to reach your goals?

I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.

10 Effective Communication Tips

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Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.


My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.


Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.


Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.


Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

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