How to stop Procrastination

Are you tired of thinking and ready to finally do what you’ve always wanted? Here’s why waiting to be ready is your biggest mistake.

Before there was Steve Jobs revolutionizing Apple, before Bill Gates and Paul Allen built the Microsoft empire, before Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb brightened our nights, and before J.K. Rowling’s magical world of Harry Potter captured millions — there was failure. Rejection. Setbacks. Doubt.

Imagine if these legends had waited for the “perfect moment” to begin, if they had let their fears whisper “not now, not yet, you’re not ready.” The world might have never seen their brilliance. Yet, they chose to start — boldly, imperfectly, and relentlessly. Their stories remind us that greatness is born not from waiting in the wings but from stepping onto the stage, right now.

“I’ll start tomorrow.”  

“Just one more day to prepare.”  

“When I’m ready, I’ll jump in.”

Sound familiar? Procrastination whispers these lies to all of us, stealing precious time and leaving dreams on hold. But what if the secret to success isn’t waiting to be ready — but daring to begin right now, imperfect and unsure?

The Power of Starting Now

Let me tell you a story that might sound familiar.

There was a man who seemed to have it all: fame, money, and a network that many dream of. People cheered him on, followed his journey, celebrated his work. But here’s the catch — he was far from perfect. An amateur at his craft, learning and growing every single day. What set him apart? He started. Early and imperfect.

Now, watch another man — way more talented, sharper skills, deep knowledge — but invisible. Why? Because he waited. He waited for that elusive “ready” feeling, telling himself that one day, he’d be perfect enough to shine. But as days turned to months, that moment never came.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be ready to start. You start to get ready.

Famous Examples of Starting Despite Failure

These proven stories show the power of beginning despite setbacks:

• Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple, faced failure, and only grew stronger by learning from his setbacks.

• Bill Gates and Paul Allen’s early ventures failed before Microsoft became a tech giant.

• Thomas Edison endured thousands of failed attempts before inventing the practical light bulb.

• J.K. Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers before Harry Potter became a worldwide success.

• Jack Ma faced repeated rejections and near bankruptcy before turning Alibaba into an empire.

If these icons had waited for “ready,” the world would have missed their impact. They started imperfectly, learned continuously, and persevered.

How to Beat Procrastination and Start Your Journey Now

Wondering how to overcome procrastination and start moving forward today? Here’s what to do:

• Stop the self-doubt that holds you back — it’s just a story your mind tells, not the truth.

• Start sharing your work openly, even if it’s imperfect. Learn by watching others in your field and discover what they’re missing—that’s where you improve.

• Focus on learning, not just immediate success. Every step, every mistake is a lesson.

• Most importantly, do what you love. Passion fuels the courage to begin and the persistence to continue.

Success doesn’t wait for perfect preparation. It favors those who start now, learn faster, and embrace the journey fully. Your moment is now. Take the first step and own your unique path to greatness.

Thoughts and lessons from Ashutosh Syal  

Sharing all I’ve learned on this journey  

Follow me on Instagram: @asyal004