“I’ll Get to It Next Week”: How Procrastinating Your Books Hurts More Than You Think
You’re Not Lazy. You’re Overloaded.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll catch up on my books next week,” only to repeat that same line the next week (and the next…), you’re not alone.
For many small business owners and creative entrepreneurs, bookkeeping procrastination isn’t about time—it’s emotional. You’re not just putting off numbers. You’re putting off what they represent: decisions, realities, responsibilities.
But while it feels like a short-term relief, this habit has long-term costs.
The Sign: You Keep Postponing Your Bookkeeping
Your books have been bumped down the to-do list more times than you can count. Maybe you opened QuickBooks or your spreadsheet, stared at it for 30 seconds, and decided it could wait.
It’s not that you don’t care. It’s that you’re overwhelmed, unsure where to start, and afraid of what you might see.
And so it gets pushed… again.
Why This Happens (And Why It’s So Common)
This kind of financial procrastination is often rooted in:
Fear – “What if I messed something up?” (read how fear can drive or derail success)
Shame – “I should have this figured out by now.”
Overwhelm – “There’s too much. I don’t even know where to start.” (explore 5 small business fears)
The longer you wait, the heavier it feels. You start avoiding even thinking about it—creating a cycle of guilt and inaction.
What to Try Instead
💡 Start with 15 minutes.
That’s it. Don’t try to “catch up” in one sitting. Don’t aim for perfection. Just show up.
Open your bookkeeping tool.
Look at one account.
Sort one stack of receipts.
Then stop. Celebrate the fact that you showed up.
Progress beats perfection—every single time.
If you want tools to help you stay focused, explore these task management apps or consider nudging your brain back into action.
How the CLEAR Method™ Helps
In the CLEAR Method™, the “C” stands for Capture Everything—because clarity starts with visibility.
Even the smallest bookkeeping task you complete builds momentum. You’re not falling behind—you’re re-entering a relationship with your numbers.
Need a system? Todoist is a great place to start managing what matters.
📘 Download my free guide, “7 Signs You’re Avoiding Your Books,” to start shifting these patterns one tiny, doable step at a time.
🎯 Or book a free 20-minute clarity call if you’re ready for some judgment-free support.
The CLEAR Method™ is a proprietary framework created by Limbach Bookkeeping. All rights reserved.
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