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.
I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.
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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.
Explore how career pivots and technological advancements like AI can reshape business landscapes and personal journeys.
When you're talking but no one's listening. Have you ever introduced yourself at a networking event… only to feel like people’s eyes glazed over? One of my clients put it perfectly: “Darlene, I share who I am and what I do, but it feels like I’m invisible. People nod politely and then move on.” She had so much value to offer. In fact, she is amazing at what she did. Yet, her introduction was all over the place. Some days she was talking to potential clients, other days to possible collaborators, and sometimes even she wasn’t sure what her main point was. And that’s why it felt like no one was listening. Why This Happens It’s not because you’re not experienced enough. It’s not because you’re not interesting enough. It’s because without clarity about who your audience is in the room and what you really want to say, your voice gets lost in the shuffle of business cards and conversations. Networking rooms are full of people competing for attention. If your message doesn’t connect directly... if it doesn’t make them pause, lean in and say, “Tell me more” ... it disappears before they even leave the event. The Shift When this client and I worked together, the first thing we did was get crystal clear about: Who she most wanted to reach in the room. What those people actually cared about. How her work specifically helped them. Once she had that clarity, her introductions started sounding different... more direct, more alive, more her. And the result? People leaned in. Instead of walking away, they asked questions. They followed up after the event. They booked time with her. Because when you find your voice and know exactly who you’re talking to, you stop being forgettable. You become someone people can’t ignore. This is exactly what we’ll be diving into in Session 1 of my Attract & Stand Out Framework: Getting clear on who your audience is. Knowing what you want to say. Communicating how you help in a way that truly connects... whether you’re introducing yourself in a room or on stage. It’s not just about having the words, it’s about the confidence to say them out loud too... with presence, authority, and ease. If you’ve been walking out of networking events feeling overlooked, let this be a gentle nudge: ~ You don’t need to try harder. ~ You don’t need to stuff more into your intro. ~ You need clarity... on your audience, your message, and your voice. That’s where visibility begins. That’s how you go from overlooked to unforgettable. Think about the last time you introduced yourself at a networking event. Could the right person in the room... your dream client or collaborator... hear you and say: “That’s me. She gets it”? ________________________________________________________ 🌀 Nervous System Regulator: The 4-7-8 Reset Feeling that anxious butterfly sensation before you introduce yourself? Try this right before you speak: Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this 3–4 times. It only takes a minute, but it tells your nervous system: You’re safe. You’ve got this. When your body is calm, your voice comes through with more presence and power... and people remember you. ✨ Ready to stop feeling overlooked at networking events? Download my free guide, 6 Steps to Attract & Stand Out, and discover how to clarify your message, show up with confidence, and connect with the people who matter most. Grab it here »
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