Procrastinating over creating your first video? Here’s the cure

So, you’re keen to create a video for your business because you know it’s the best way to get eyeballs on your brand online and on social media … but find yourself procrastinating over the task? You’re not alone. Productivity expert Sam Tornatore explains why it is happening and how to overcome it.

You have been inspired to produce a captivating video to bring your vision to life. You also know this video holds the potential to be a masterpiece, a true reflection of your ideas, story and unique voice. It is an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impact that resonates with audiences. The allure of video production is undeniable, fuelling your passion and aspirations.

However, amidst this burning desire, an invisible force seems to be exerting its influence, hindering your progress and giving rise to overwhelming procrastination. The sheer magnitude of the planning, recording and editing process appears daunting and paralysing. Each passing day brings a mix of excitement for your video’s potential and a deep-seated refuge in the realm of procrastination, finding relief in mundane and trivial tasks that provide temporary respite from the perceived enormity of the undertaking. Excuses and justifications begin to emerge, and a relentless cycle ensues, leaving your video as a nice idea.

Does this resonate with you? If so, you have undoubtedly grappled with the question: “Why am I struggling with this task?”

3 reasons for procrastination and how to tackle them

It is time to delve into the inner battle within your mind, to unravel the captivity of procrastination to achieve your video masterpiece.

In this short article, you will find the three most likely culprits that may be contributing to your procrastination. As you read through them, if you feel a sense of familiarity, a resounding “That sounds like me”, relief is on its way.

Let us uncover them …

1. The fear of imperfection

This fear looms large. Doubts creep in, and the relentless questions start:

• What if my video falls short of expectations?
• Will I be judged by others?
• What if my message is misunderstood or ignored?

These thoughts swirl in a tempest of anxiety, suffocating your motivation. Deep down, you know that you possess the talent and ideas, but the mere thought of being vulnerable and exposed to judgement terrifies you.

The first step is to embrace vulnerability and acknowledge that sharing your ideas and creativity with the world requires tremendous courage. It’s natural to feel apprehensive about putting yourself out there; you are not alone. Every successful video creator has faced similar doubts and some of the most impactful and inspiring videos are born out of vulnerability.

Next, it’s essential to reframe your perception of failure. Rather than viewing an attempt as a crushing defeat, see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Understand that every video you create is a stepping stone toward improvement. Embrace the idea that each attempt brings you closer to mastering the art of video production. Adopting this mindset allows you to approach your work with curiosity and resilience, knowing that even if things don’t go perfectly, you’re still making progress.

It’s important to seek constructive and honest feedback from a supportive network or someone experienced in video production. Their insights and suggestions can help you refine your work, build confidence and validate your efforts. Remember, feedback is not a reflection of your worth as a creator, but rather a valuable tool for growth.

Lastly, redirect your focus from self-doubt to the message and impact you want to make through your videos. Shift your attention away from the negative thoughts and instead, channel your energy into the purpose behind your work. Remind yourself of the ideas, stories or messages you want to share with the world. By keeping your vision at the forefront of your mind, you can transcend your fears and find the motivation to create and produce your videos.

Remember, the journey of video creation is not about achieving perfection; it’s about expressing yourself, connecting with others and making a meaningful impact. Embrace your creativity, embrace vulnerability and trust in your abilities. With each step forward, you will gain confidence, refine your skills and bring your video ideas to life.

2. You’re unsure where to start

There are so many technical aspects involved in creating a video, and you might not be confident in your skills. You might even be thinking, “I don’t want to embarrass myself, or produce something of poor quality”.

The key is to start with small, manageable tasks. Break down the video creation process into smaller, actionable steps that you can easily tackle. Focus on mastering one aspect at a time, whether it’s scripting, filming or editing. By approaching these tasks individually, you can gradually build your skills and gain confidence with each step.

Often, large tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. However, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable subtasks can make a significant difference. This approach helps build momentum and motivates you to continue working. As you accomplish each small task, you’ll gain a sense of progress and achievement, boosting your confidence and reducing the fear of tackling the overall project.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a video masterpiece.

LISTEN: Sam Tornatore shares his top tips for eliminating procrastination:

3. “I just can’t find the time”

Let me be brutally honest. Over the last 19 years, and in helping over 10,000 people find the time to do important things, I have observed common threads. Here is one trait that not many people like to admit from the start, but eventually, they see it for themselves …

When we say we don’t have the time to do something, what we are really saying is that this task is not that important, and other things are more important.

At first, you might think that doesn’t apply to you, but take a moment to reflect. If I were to offer to pay you ten million dollars to do your video, I believe the chances are high that you would drop everything and get it done before you even had time to finish reading this article.

So, it’s time to lift the level of importance and make it a priority by shifting your perspective. If you struggle with this, make a long list of the benefits to you, your business and your family that will be received when you complete the task. Remind yourself of the impact and value it holds.

Eliminate distractions and get to work

To help you, let’s talk about my favourite bulletproof strategy: Eliminating distractions and proximity to temptations.

The lure of our phones and other distractions can derail productivity and contribute to procrastination. Constant access to social media, entertainment and other online platforms can easily divert our attention and make it challenging to stay focused on important tasks.

To combat this, guard the time you allocate to the task like a fortress, keeping distractions at bay. Set clear boundaries and establish designated periods of uninterrupted work. Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent or in another room, and create a distraction-free environment that supports your productivity. By creating this focused space, you can minimise the temptation to stray from the video production – or any – task you set for yourself and increase your chances of completing it successfully.

Remember, it’s not about finding more time, it’s about utilising the time you have effectively. The best strategy is to prioritise and eliminate distractions.

Don’t just take my word for it—put it to the test yourself! Apply these principles in your own life and see the results firsthand. I’m confident that if you do, something amazing will happen. I can’t wait to see your epic video production!

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