The Trap of “Later”: How Procrastination Undermines Progress
- Posted By Andrew Morgan
There’s a phrase I never want to hear or say again because it is easy to fall into its trap. It’s a phrase that sounds harmless, even rational, but often, it’s a subtle form of self-sabotage. You’ve heard it before. You’ve probably said it yourself: “I would love to do that… maybe later.”
This phrase is rarely about time. It’s not even always about priorities. More often, it’s about procrastination. A quiet, persistent force that holds us back from doing what we know we should, or once believed we wanted to. In business, procrastination can be costly. Whether you're an employee, a business owner, or an investor, delaying action can mean missed opportunities, losing momentum, or allowing uncertainty to take root. The accommodation sector is fast moving and customer service driven. Decisions delayed are often opportunities lost.
But procrastination doesn’t just affect our professional lives. It creeps into our personal goals, our health, our hobbies, and even our relationships. It’s the voice that says, “I’ll start exercising next week,” or “I’ll call that friend tomorrow.” And while there’s always a reason behind an excuse, procrastination is often more about avoidance than logic.
I’ve seen firsthand how decisive action can transform outcomes. The most successful operators are not always the smartest or the most experienced, they’re the ones who act. They make the call, send the email, take the meeting or force the issue. They don’t wait for “later.”
There’s a familiar thought that echoes in the minds of many: “I should have done it ten years ago.” It’s often followed by a sigh, a shrug, and sometimes a decision. A decision that may not have been made before now, but is finally made because the excuses no longer hold power. We see this shift in mindset reflected in consumer behaviour. Take recent caravan sales, for example. The surge in demand isn’t just about mobility or lifestyle, it’s about people choosing to act on long held dreams. They’re no longer waiting for the “perfect time.” They’re doing it now.
The same principle applies to investing in the hospitality industry, particularly accommodation businesses. The reasons to invest are well known and discussed: stable income, high returns, lifestyle benefits, long term capital growth, and the ability to be part of a thriving, resilient industry. Yet despite these compelling advantages, many still hesitate. Why? It’s rarely about the numbers. It’s about the leap of faith. Excuses are easy to find: “I’m too young,” “I’m too old,” “Maybe next year,” or “Let’s wait and see.” These thoughts can quietly override all the good reasons to move forward. But when the excuses fall away, when someone finally says, “Let’s just do it”, that’s when real change happens.
Hindsight is a cruel teacher. Opportunities missed are often only recognised long after the fact, filed away under “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.” One of the most common refrains we hear is: “Yeah, I looked at buying a motel years ago…” But over the past few years, something has shifted. That throwaway line has turned into action. People have stopped waiting. They’ve asked themselves, “What are we holding back for?” And they’ve made bold decisions, buying the caravan, buying the house, or finally backing themselves to buy their own business. There’s a growing movement of individuals saying, “Let’s give it a go.” They’re stepping into ownership with the intention to build something better, to take a motel business and turn it into something more than it was.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some wonderful people. Individuals who have bought and sold motels not just once, but multiple times, shaping their lives and careers around the opportunities that came their way. Many of them are no longer what you’d call “young”, yet they continue to dive into new ventures with the same energy and enthusiasm they had decades ago. These seasoned operators are living proof that you’re never too old to take on a new business challenge. While they may not always be involved in the day-to-day running of their properties anymore, they remain deeply engaged, strategising, mentoring, and always on the lookout for the next opportunity. Their stories come to mind every time someone younger says to me, “If I were 10 years younger, I’d buy it.”
The truth is, buying your first motel or park is the biggest step. It’s often a major life decision, one that involves a shift in both career and lifestyle. Like any big decision, it’s easy to procrastinate. But putting it off can lead to regret. Time has a way of sneaking up on us, and before you know it, another decade has passed. If you’ve been thinking about making the leap, don’t wait. The perfect time rarely announces itself.
Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland