The world’s number one business killer is delaying things.

I’ve used to have plenty of ideas – I still am. But, no matter hard I work, I weren’t simply go beyond the startup phase.

I started tens of business, and fail nine of them. This is caused by one thing only – delaying things.

I’ve spent lots of resources, especially time, to build businesses. But I can’t get even one to the next level beyond the startup phase. Do you know what was my only surviving business? a franchise unit – which is, as long as you have found a great location, a great franchise, a large sum of money and great management skills, you can get yours rolling due to a set system to follow.

I want more than just owning a franchise unit. I want to build something. I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but my habit failed me.

Many of the business and personal development courses I attended focus around one, single, issue – If you want to be successful, stop delaying things, and start getting busy!

I decided that it’s time to change my habit, otherwise I can only achieve nothing.

How to stop delaying things

From my past, bitter, experience, I can suggest you the following tips to stop delaying things:

1. Set this in your mind – If you don’t do what you have to do today, you’ll probably loss an opportunity of a lifetime tomorrow.
2. Break your daily activities into small, 15 minutes tasks, and stick to it. You’ll be amazed how many things you can achieve in a day.
3. If yo have an ‘eureka’ moment, write it down immediately in a log book, or better yet, a blog. Then, act on it ASAP.
4. Develop a habit – Like it or not, human being is a creature of habit – If you feel making 10 follow up phone calls a day to 10 of your more important clients is crucial in surviving your business, then make it a daily target that has to be achieved whatsoever. The more you do this, the easier it becomes.
5. Prioritise your activities – do the more important ones first. Consider the 80/20 rule.
6. Don’t feel sorry for your self – it’s a strong excuse to delay things! i.e. “I am really don’t feel well today – I’ll do this tomorrow when I feel better” – as long as you are not hospitalised, this is actually a lame excuse we make to ourselves.
7. Work hard, play hard – reward yourself for not delaying things.
8. Remember this: You can delay things, but your business can’t wait on your laziness! When you delay, your business moves on with or without your guidance.
9. Worrying usually causes you to delay things – so, stop worrying and start meeting up deadline!
10. Last but not least – Fact: There are stiff competitions out there – Would you delay if your and your business survival are dependent on how well you respond to issues? There are lots of ‘delayers’ out there – act now might put you ahead of the competition.

Ivan Widjaya
Just do it – now!

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