If there’s anything in the world I could confidently call myself an expert at, it would be procrastination. How did I earn such a title, you may ask? Well, let’s just say I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the ancient arts of Tetris, Solitaire, and other “Office” classics. If procrastination were an Olympic sport, I’d have at least made it to the podium—if I ever wouldn’t have been too lazy to qualify.
But here’s the thing: procrastination is normal. More or less.. We’ve all been there—putting off editing that annoying batch of photos, avoiding emails, or convincing ourselves we’ll “start tomorrow.” Most of us aren’t the productivity superheroes we read about in magazines. You know the ones: Jeff Bezos wakes up at 4 a.m., runs a marathon, works a 12-hour day, and somehow still has time to play with his kids, attend to his spouse’s every need, and do charity work. Forget that. Most of us are juggling jobs, rent, family, and everyday chaos—and that’s fine.
This article isn’t about becoming one of those mythical superhumans. It’s about small, realistic steps to help you overcome procrastination without feeling overwhelmed. So let’s dive in… right after one more game of Solitaire. (Just kidding.)
The Myth of Productivity Superheroes
Let’s start by debunking the myth of the super-productive photographer. Social media and success stories often paint an unrealistic picture of what it takes to succeed. No, you don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn or hustle 24/7 to make progress.
The truth is, most successful people don´t wake up with smile on their faces in the morning and then happily enjoying a productive day. Most successful people start their mornings exactly like you: with coffee, with circles under their eyes from sleep deprivation, trying in vain to wake up the children and send them to the bathroom—or straight to school, to brush their teeth there. Their brains are already overwhelmed with all the tasks they have to do. That’s where procrastination actually starts. That’s why you spend all day trying to find a moment of peace where your brain can just rest and relax.
Procrastination doesn’t make you a failure; it just means you’re human.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Procrastination isn’t just laziness (though, let’s be honest, some of us do have those lazy moments). But for photographers, it can be almost deadly—a career killer. Unlike other professions, photographers often face unique challenges that fuel procrastination. From juggling creative demands to managing client expectations, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of avoidance.
Photographers have slightly different reasons to procrastinate:
- Overwhelm: Big projects, like building a portfolio or editing hundreds of photos, can feel impossible to start. When a task feels like climbing Mount Everest, it’s natural to freeze up. The key is to shrink the mountain into smaller hills—start with one photo, one section, one step.
- Fear of failure: What if the final result isn’t good enough? The fear of disappointing yourself or others can be paralyzing. It’s easier to delay starting than to face the possibility of falling short. But here’s the truth: even imperfect work moves you forward, and it’s always better than nothing.
- Lack of structure: Freelancing can feel like free-floating without clear deadlines or a boss to keep you accountable. Without someone checking in, it’s tempting to drift. Establishing routines and small, self-imposed deadlines can help create a sense of direction.
- Ordinary laziness: Okay, that´s probably me. We’re all guilty of this one sometimes. Sometimes, it’s just easier to scroll through social media, binge a series, or play a game instead of tackling real work. And that’s fine—as long as you catch yourself and gently redirect your focus back to what matters.
Acknowledging why you procrastinate is the first step to overcoming it. Now, let’s look at what you can do about it.
So What Can We Do About It?
I’ve found three simple and realistic strategies that can make a big difference when it comes to beating procrastination. Well, I haven´t, some professionals have. They’re not about turning you into a productivity machine—they’re about making progress in small, manageable steps.
Break It Down
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of “Build a portfolio,” start with “Select 5 photos.” Then work on writing a short bio. Tiny steps add up to big progress. For example, if editing a hundred photos feels daunting, just commit to editing five today. Progress builds momentum.
The 5-Minute Rule
Commit to working on something for just five minutes. Often, the hardest part is starting, and once you’ve begun, it’s easier to keep going. Tell yourself, “I’ll just edit one photo,” and before you know it, you might have done ten.
Set Deadlines (Even Fake Ones)
Give yourself a specific timeframe. Instead of saying, “I’ll finish this project soon,” tell yourself, “I’ll have this done before lunch.” Deadlines trick your brain into action. Bonus tip: use external accountability—share your deadline with a friend or colleague so you feel more motivated to stick to it.
Focus Hacks
Use tools to help you concentrate. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break) is a great way to stay on track. Music apps like Focus@Will can also help set the mood. If you’re easily distracted, try turning off notifications or putting your phone in another room.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every time you complete a task, no matter how small, celebrate it. Did you finally finish organizing your files? Reward yourself with a coffee break or a quick scroll through Instagram (just don’t let it last too long!). Positive reinforcement helps you associate work with a sense of accomplishment.
Be Kind to Yourself
Here’s the thing: procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it means you’re living a perfectly normal life. Life that is busy, and where no one gets everything right all the time. Beating yourself up over procrastination will only make it harder to move forward.
Celebrate small wins. Finished editing that daunting photoshoot? Reward yourself. Open that bottle of wine or take an evening off. Progress is progress, no matter how small.
And if you’ve been procrastinating while reading this article… guess what? You’ve already made progress by taking the time to reflect.
Procrastination doesn’t have to be a roadblock. By understanding why you procrastinate and using simple, achievable strategies, you can get back on track without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, you don’t need to be a productivity superhero—you just need to take the next small step.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some more colour blocks to rearrange..
