(2018-11-05) Tank What I Learned About Procrastination While Scaling My Startup To42 Million Users

Aytekin Tank: What I learned about procrastination while scaling my startup to 4.2 million users. Balancing a full-time job with the responsibilities of scaling my startup, JotForm, taught me a lot about myself.

scaling a side project into a company that now employs more than 130 people.

building JotForm in 2006

There was always a reason for my procrastination

Once I had identified the real problem — that was causing the feeling of avoidance — I could develop an appropriate plan of action to reclaim my productivity.

“Just do it” isn’t a sustainable solution for beating chronic procrastination

Once we identify the real cause, we can search for the right productivity hacks and solutions to meet our needs.

Here are the most common reasons that I figured often lead us to procrastinate:

1. We feel like we’re not making progress

BJ Fogg recommends creating systematic behavioral changes that correspond with “small wins.”

Treat the series of actions like a game: Trigger → Task → Celebration.

2. We’re not sure where to start

Here’s the key:

a) Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel uncertain when beginning something new. b) Brainstorm with mentors, advisors, and friends how to best prioritize your time.

3. We’re afraid of failing

While some founders cope by taking shortcuts, others stall out due to perfectionism.

Hendrickson recommends that we should consistently remind ourselves of the crucial difference between who we are and what we achieve.

4. We dislike the task itself

In such instances, HBR contributor Heidi Grant recommends using something she calls “if-then planning.” The process involves identifying the specific steps needed to complete a task and — most importantly — where and when you will do it.

For example: If it’s 11 a.m. then I will stop what I’m doing and cold email prospects.

Personally, I find it more effective to ask targeted questions:

• What could happen if I complete this task?
• What could happen if I don’t complete this task?
• What is my overarching vision? Why does it matter?

Once I reconnect with my goals and remind myself of the potential outcomes, I’m back on track. Obviously, there is no “right way” to deal with procrastination.