Procrastination is a thief of potential, time, happiness, and success. Innovators often don't realize have become procrastinators because of how many projects they start. While innovators start innovations, they fail to launch them.

Failure to launch is one of the most insidious forms of procrastination. In innovation, you will get your next position or project based on your portfolio, not your resume. It's all about the execution. If you are interested in looking at a small sample of my portfolio, you can hop over to Techtrend.

FIRE – Execution Stage

The FIRE innovation framework is a great way to avoid the trap of starting but not completing.

The key is to move from stage to stage in the framework until you've launched your innovation.

People procrastinate the most in the execution stage.

In the execution stage, things can get messy, but avoiding it is no excuse. As innovators, we tend to compare our ideas to others and want to launch something perfect. Perfectionism is one of the biggest roadblocks to creative output. Don't let the fear of failure block your chances of success.

Anti-Procrastination Tips for Innovators

1.     Focus on one innovation.

Your focus will increase overall productivity as you will unlock the room for more innovations.

2.     Set a deadline.

Setting intermediate deadlines for each task allows you to reach goals effectively. “The difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline.” – Harvey Mackay

3.     Find an accountability partner.

A partner should be someone who keeps you on track and is supportive while offering honest feedback.

4.     Break it down into smaller steps.

Consider using an agile innovation process that breaks down a project into short iterative cycles.

Check out our podcast on The 7 Essential Ingredients of Agile Innovation.

5.     Focus on your why.

Your why is the reason or your motivation for working on a particular project. If you can keep this in mind, it will help you push through the difficult times.

6.     Celebrate your wins.

Celebrating each accomplishment will help you keep your focus and motivation high.

Achieving Innovation Success

Regarding innovation, it's important to remember that Rome wasn't built in one day.

Your first try will probably fail, and that is ok. It takes hard work, focus, and determination to be successful. If you follow the steps outlined, you'll be well on achieving your innovation goals.

To know more about procrastination in innovation, listen to this week's show: Procrastinators‘ Guide for Innovators.