For years, procrastination dominated my life. Consequently, I delayed decisions and postponed actions, living between past regrets and an elusive future.
By late 2024, I knew change was necessary. Therefore, I started self-reflection to turn stagnation into action.
2025 began with a clear intention:
“Here and now” is not just a phrase, but a call to action, an invitation to live the present more consciously, with commitment and determination.
The Weight of Procrastination
In the past, procrastination often held me back, anchoring me to guilt over unmade decisions rather than missed opportunities. This guilt was a constant weight, a shadow keeping me from the present and preventing me from acting clearly. It trapped me in a vicious cycle of dissatisfaction, while my dreams for the future seemed abstract and unreachable—but only because I was already discouraged from the start.
I felt unable to control my life, with no clear plan and only vague, unrealized hopes. As a result, my art, which should have been my anchor, instead became another point of conflict: the more I delayed, the more disconnected I felt from myself.
A New Beginning in 2025
The decision to change matured gradually by the end of 2024. Subsequently, I set concrete goals, made plans, and returned to painting with renewed spirit, beginning with small Moons. Each brushstroke marked progress in my transformation.
Then, in late January, the “Goals” masterclass with Stefania Monopoli of ArtistCoaching served as a catalyst. Specifically, it provided clarity, helping me focus on my new approach to life and art.
At that moment, I identified my two mantras for the year: “Here and now” and “Commitment”. Commitment to myself, my work, family, friends, and community.
It became about living with presence and intention in every aspect of my life, not just overcoming procrastination.
The Impact on Art and Creativity
This new mindset profoundly changed my approach to painting. Previously, I often delayed starting, postponing the moment to pick up spatulas and colors. Not anymore. Now, each day in my studio offers a chance to progress and be present in my creative process.
And, actually, my painting technique has always been an exercise in presence.
Painting square by square, using the spatula, even the thinnest one is a form of meditation. A present moment where I fully connect with my emotions. Each small gesture on the canvas is a breath, a silent self-dialogue.
In this balance between action and awareness, I chose to resume studying, thereby nourishing my creativity with new knowledge and stimuli, as change thrives on continuous learning.
Strategies for Maintaining Focus
To stay on this path, I’m attempting to integrate meditation into my daily routine, though consistency remains a challenge. However, what truly keeps me focused is the plan I outlined in late 2024 and refined through the masterclass.
Each morning, I commit to the week’s planned activities, always keeping my two mantras in mind: “Here and now” and “Commitment”.
This guides not only my artistic work but also influences every other aspect of my life. It helps me be more present in human relationships, take care of myself without delay, and build step by step the life I want. Every small, intentional action reinforces my commitment to living with purpose, transforming both my creativity and my daily routine.
Conclusion
Adopting the mantra “Here and now” is gradually melting the chains of procrastination that have long limited me, thus opening me up to a new existence where I can live and create with more intent and fewer regrets. It’s an ongoing process, a daily practice that helps me be present in every moment, in every brushstroke, in every decision.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that even the smallest changes can lead to profound transformations.
Do you have a mantra that helps you stay focused? What strategies do you use to overcome procrastination? Share it in the comments and discover my full journey on the blog.
