How to Stop Procrastinating as a Mom Using 5 Simple Daily Steps
Can we talk about something real for a minute? I struggle with procrastination.
Not the “I don’t feel like it” kind. The I am overwhelmed, mentally maxed out, and I don’t even know where to start kind.
There are days when the clean laundry sits in baskets far longer than I’d like to admit. Days when I open a text, read it, mean to answer… and then completely forget because I’m juggling too many other things.
If you’re a mom who struggles with procrastination too, you are not alone. And you are not lazy!
Let’s talk about how to stop procrastinating as a mom in a gentle, realistic, and in a way that actually works in everyday homemaking life.
5 Simple Daily Steps to Stop Procrastinating as a Mom
These 5 steps are meant to be simple, practical, and repeatable.
1. Do the “First Tiny Thing” Immediately
One of the best ways to overcome procrastination is to make the task smaller than it is.
Don’t try to do the whole thing all at once and don’t try to do it perfectly.
Just the first tiny step.
Instead of: “I need to clean the kitchen.”
Try: “I’m just going to wipe down just the counters for now.”
Instead of: “I need to put all this clean laundry away.”
Try: “I’m going to put away just one kid clothes.” Or just the towels. Or just the kids’ pajamas.
When it comes to putting clean laundry away (why is that part the hardest?), don’t try going for the whole pile. Pick one person or category and stop there if you want to.
Momentum beats motivation every time. Once you start, your brain relaxes. The resistance lowers. And often, you keep going. But even if you don’t? You still moved forward.
2. Set a 10-Minute Timer
If you struggle with procrastination and housework, this one helps so much.
Tell yourself: “I only have to do this for 10 minutes.” That’s it.
You are not committing to deep cleaning the whole house.
You are committing to 10 focused minutes.
A timer gives your brain an exit. And nine times out of ten? I keep going after the timer ends.
But even if I don’t, I still made progress. Progress builds on itself.
3. Choose 3 Must-Do Tasks Each Morning
Overwhelm feeds procrastination.
When everything feels important, nothing gets done. Instead of writing down a giant to-do list, choose just three must-do tasks for the day.
Ask yourself: “What three things would make today feel productive?” That’s it.
If I finish those three things, I consider the day a win. Everything else is bonus. Clarity reduces mental clutter. And clarity creates action.
4. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
When you catch yourself overthinking or avoiding something, count backwards: 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… move.
Stand up.
Walk to the sink.
Open the laptop.
Switch the laundry.
Start dinner.
No debating.
No overanalyzing.
No waiting for motivation. Action interrupts procrastination.
And the more often you act quickly, the weaker that procrastination habit becomes.
5. Give yourself permission to lower the Standard (On Purpose)
This one hits me personally. Sometimes I procrastinate because I want to do it right.
I want:
- The house perfectly clean
- The email perfectly worded
- The project beautifully finished
- The meal fully homemade from scratch
And if I feel like I don’t have the time to do it perfectly… I stall.
But done imperfectly is better than not done at all.
Fold the laundry messy.
Send the simple email.
Make the easy dinner.
Clean just the visible surfaces for now.
You are not building a museum. You are running a home. Progress > perfection.
A Gentle Reminder for the Christian Mom
If you share my faith, let me say this gently:
God is not measuring your worth by your productivity.
Your value is not tied to how efficient you were today. Faithfulness in small, unseen things matters deeply. Wiping counters. Folding laundry. Showing up again after a hard day. Those things are not insignificant. They are holy in their own quiet way.
What Is Procrastination?
Procrastination is the habit of delaying or avoiding tasks, even when we know they need to be done. For moms, procrastination usually looks like:
- Avoiding housework even though it’s piling up
- Putting off a phone call or replying to a text
- Scrolling social media
- Waiting until you “feel motivated”
But here’s what I’ve learned from my own struggle:
Procrastination usually isn’t about laziness.
It’s about overwhelm, mental load, decision fatigue, and perfectionism.
Signs You’re Stuck in a Procrastination Cycle
Maybe this will sound familiar:
- You feel busy all day, but the important thing doesn’t get done.
- You clean something small instead of starting the hard task.
- You wait until the “right mood.”
- You think about the task more than you actually do it.
- You feel guilty at night about what didn’t get finished.
That cycle? I know it well. And breaking the habit of procrastination doesn’t require a complete personality change on your part. It only requires small, doable things like the 5 simple steps we talked about above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Procrastination as a Mom
Why do I procrastinate even when I want to get things done?
Usually it’s overwhelm, mental load, or perfectionism, not usually laziness. When your brain feels overloaded, it seeks relief. Shrinking the task makes it easier to begin.
How do I stop procrastinating when I feel overwhelmed?
Start with the next smallest step. Not the whole task. Just the next action. Small movement reduces overwhelm and builds momentum.
Is procrastination a time management problem?
Sometimes. But often it’s an energy and clarity problem. Choosing just three must-do tasks a day helps create focus.
How can I stop procrastinating on housework?
Give yourself a finish line. Clean for 10 minutes. Tackle one room. Put away one category of laundry. And remember: done is better than perfect.
How long does it take to break a procrastination habit?
There’s no magic number. But every time you choose action over avoidance, you are slowly changing that pattern. Small daily action compounds.
Final Encouragement (From a Mom Who’s Still Working on This Too)
If you struggle with procrastination as a mom, please hear me:
You are not lazy or incapable.
And you are not failing at adulthood or motherhood.
You are carrying a lot. Breaking the habit of procrastination doesn’t require getting up at 4am or changing your personality. It just needs small, consistent steps that rebuild trust with yourself.
Start tomorrow with one tiny task.
- Set the 10-minute timer.
- Choose your three must-dos.
- Count down and move.
And let that be enough for now.
What’s one thing you’ve been putting off lately? Tell me in the comments.
From my home to yours,
you’ve got this 💛
