Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams

Get it done today

Darlene Hawley

Top tips to avoiding procrastination

Anyone else wake up a little off this morning. With the time change last night I was wide awake until after midnight and then over slept this morning. I told myself oh the sun is just coming out I have an extra hour of sunlight and sleep and rolled over and went back to sleep. When I should of got my butt out of bed. I lost sleep last night, not gained it.

Well I don’t know about you but when my morning is rushed it kind of sends me into a crazy tail spin. I ran through a shower, threw on clothes, packed my daughters lunch and grabbed her a waffle as we raced out the door to rush into school just in the nick of time. And guess what we made it. Woo.

Business can be like that sometimes, you set out a plan for what you want to accomplish for the day, week or even year and time goes fast, you procrastinate, get side tracked…. squirrel and before you know it you feel rushed an overwhelmed.

The best ways you can avoid procrastination is to set yourself up for success by making a list and staying organized. One word of advice, follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Sweetie). If your organization set up is to complicated, it just becomes another stress point and something you will want to avoid.

Here are a few tips that work for me.

1. Make a list of what needs to get done. Nothing fancy, open up notes on your phone scribble on a piece of paper. Doesn’t need to be in any particular order at first but be clear on what needs to be handled that day.

2. Now Prioritize the list. I like to arrange them by what is most important or timely. And then check them off as you go. Nothing feels more accomplished than crossing an item off your list when you have completed.

3. Grab a journal to write your thoughts or ideas in. I make a page for ideas and long term planning. That way I can add to my short daily lists as I decide to start working on a new project and I don’t lose any of my brilliant ideas.

4. Break it down. A lot of goals take more than one step. So break it down into bit sized pieces and check them off your list as you go this will help you stay focused.

5. Schedule it. Add it to your calendar with a day and time you will work on it. You wouldn’t cancel on a friend that you have a coffee date with to catch up with…so don’t cancel on yourself either. Your time is precious and by setting a specific time and date to work on your list you will get more accomplished and goals will be met when they are supposed to.

Stop making excuses for why you can’t get it done and start focusing on all the reasons you must make it happen today!

What will you do today to reach your goals?

I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.

Newer Post >

✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.

Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step workbook and personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.

Get Instant Access for just $47

10 Effective Communication Tips

Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene

As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.

My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.

Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.

Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.

Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

Darlene Hawley is sitting together at a picnic, sharing stories and laughter.

Ep 114 - Empowering Women Through Vision and Collaboration with Leslie Grossman

By Darlene Hawley • June 17, 2025

Discover how women can thrive together through circles of collaboration as Leslie Grossman shares her journey and insights with Darlene Hawley. Learn how building deep connections and a supportive network can empower you to achieve your vision.

Confident businesswoman Darlene Hawley speaking during a women's conference.

3 Speaking Habits Holding You Back in Leadership (and How to Shift Them Fast)

By Darlene Hawley • June 17, 2025

Discover the 3 subtle speaking habits holding executive women back... and how to shift them fast to lead with clarity, confidence, and influence. Communication tips for women in leadership navigating high-stakes conversations.

Darlene Hawley discussing marketing analytics, depicting growth in website traffic.

Ep 113 - Unleashing the Power of Analytics with Philippa Games

By Darlene Hawley • June 3, 2025

Uncover effective website strategies and analytics tips from digital marketing expert Philippa Gamse on attracting the right audience and enhancing your online presence.

Darlene Hawley standing confidently, symbolizing empowerment, leadership, and the reclaiming of wome

Speak Like You Mean It: Lessons from The Handmaid’s Tale and the Power of Using Your Voice

By Darlene Hawley • June 2, 2025

Discover how The Handmaid’s Tale finale mirrors the real-life journey of reclaiming your voice. In this powerful blog, communication and leadership coach Darlene Hawley explores how resilience, healing, and speaking up go hand in hand—and why now is the time for women to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Darlene Hawley juggling work, school, and home responsibilities—showing the mental load we carry.

Why K-12 Schools Are Running Women Leaders Ragged

By Darlene Hawley • May 28, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed by school volunteer requests, mental load, and career burnout? Discover how school expectations and emotional labor impact women leaders—and what you can do to reclaim your time, focus, and leadership goals.

Confident business leader speaking to a team in a bright, modern office, representing vocal empowerm

How to Speak with Confidence: A Vocal Empowerment System for Business Owners and Leaders

By Darlene Hawley • May 27, 2025

Discover how to overcome fear, clarify your message, and lead with confidence using the Step into Your Moxie® Vocal Empowerment System. In this practical guide, communication coach Darlene Hawley shares five powerful strategies to help business owners and leaders speak up, build presence, and move people to action—without losing their authentic voice. Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams ready to amplify their impact.

Darlene Hawley leading a virtual strategy session, helping service-based business owners review KPIs

Why Tracking Your Business Metrics Monthly Gives You a Competitive Edge

By Darlene Hawley • May 20, 2025

Learn why data-driven decision-making is essential for service-based business owners. Discover the key metrics to track monthly to scale sustainably and grow your revenue with confidence.

Darlene Hawley with a podcast microphone representing ongoing conversations and storytelling.

Ep 112 - Unlocking Healing and Empowerement with Dr. Shradhdha Shah