How to break free from procrastination in just two minutes

Procrastination can feel like a heavy weight, especially when you're juggling the demands of solo work. In this week’s episode of Flying Solo, Lizzie Williamson, motivational speaker and author of Just Two Minutes, shares her journey from feeling stuck to empowering others to take action, no matter how small the step.

Lizzie discusses the prevalent mindset that keeps us waiting for the perfect conditions to act. "We think we need a certain amount of time or energy or motivation to get started," she explains. This leads to a crippling cycle of postponement.

"We're waiting for the conditions to be perfect to do the thing that would so often change the actual conditions."The core idea of Lizzie's approach is simple: just start with two minutes. This concept emerged from her own struggles with postnatal depression, where even small actions felt monumental. By committing to just two minutes, she found momentum.

Lizzie advocates for utilising little pockets of time throughout the day to foster productivity. Whether you’re waiting for a kettle to boil or in line at the grocery store, these moments can be transformed into opportunities for action.

As soloists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the long to-do lists. Lizzie reminds listeners that these feelings are normal and not a reflection of personal failings. Instead, she encourages using biochemistry to shift your state and spark motivation. A simple walk can trigger creativity and clarity, helping to break the cycle of inaction. We can use our own biochemistry to help shift our state and get us into a place where we are feeling more motivated.

Key topics

The concept of 'just two minutes' to start action

Overcoming the all-or-nothing mindset

The role of body movement in shifting mental

states

Strategies for solo entrepreneurs to manage

overwhelm