Breaking the Last-Minute Habit

I admit it. I do work well under pressure.

All through university, this helped me focus. But back then, I didn’t have other responsibilities. Staying up all night to finish a paper, heading to the printer 10 minutes before class, and handing it in was no big deal—other than the sluggishness and lack of preparation for other classes. It was just how I operated. A story I told myself. And, over time, it solidified. It became one of those, “That’s just how I am” things.

So yes, I’ve “always” been a last-minute person. Not out of laziness, but because I thought I thrived under pressure. The adrenaline, the race against the clock—it became a habit. And yet, I was well-organized and structured.

When Life No Longer Fits the Old Patterns

Then life happened. Even before becoming a mom, I became more disorganized. Instead of running ahead, I wanted to let things float. To see where life would take me. I wanted to get more “chill” about stuff, take a break, and figure out what I really wanted. I thought I needed to let go.

Then motherhood came—along with responsibilities, mental load, and constant interruptions. Suddenly, squeezing in time to get stuff done wasn’t enough. I found myself struggling, overwhelmed, and disorganized.

I started testing the waters. I wanted to be on time, have everything prepared, and smile, too. But it just didn’t work. I tried being on time, but still kept squeezing in the impossible. Yes, I admit, things take way more time than I plan for. Being on time wasn’t going to be my mantra, and neither was being a step ahead. It just didn’t work.

So, was I really a last-minute person? Or was it just a story I’d been telling myself?

The Shift: Why “Two Steps Ahead” Works

Seriously, Two Steps Ahead made all the difference for me. It’s my new mantra. And I love it because it sounds dance-y—and I love to dance.

But it’s not about planning weeks in advance or rigid schedules. It’s a mental shift. It’s about telling my brain: Hey, focus on what actually matters right now. Not just what’s urgent, but what’s important, too.

For someone like me—who thrives on movement, change, and spontaneity (hello, Vata energy!)—this is a game-changer. I don’t need to force myself into unnatural discipline. I just need to stay two steps ahead. And I get so much more done, with less stress, and yes, I even manage to smile—sometimes.

How It Works in My Life

I need to get work done. Then run an errand. Then pick up my little one. That means I also need to have her snacks packed, her ballet clothes ready, and—oh right—I need to stop by the post office, too.

A step ahead didn’t work because it didn’t include thinking ahead enough to care for my needs, too. I’m great at tending to others’ needs, but that doesn’t help when I end up neglected in the process.

Instead of handling each thing as it comes, I ask myself: What does Two Steps Ahead look like in this moment?

• If I’m leaving the house in two hours, I don’t pack my bag right now—but my brain is already running through what needs to go in it. I might throw things in as they come to mind. By the time I grab it, either everything is already in or I know exactly what’s missing.
• If I have 30 child-free minutes later, I don’t waste them figuring out what to do—I’ve already set the breadcrumbs so I can just do.
• If I have a work project due on Friday, I don’t wait until Thursday night to start thinking about it. I leave myself notes, ideas, or even mental nudges so that when I sit down to work, I’m already in the zone.

It’s a blend of flow and structure—enough to keep things moving, but not so much that I feel squeezed. It’s very yogic in a way—creating balance between effort and ease, discipline and surrender. And it fits my vata personality.

It’s very yogic in a way—creating balance between effort and ease, discipline and surrender.

Why It’s Not About Last-Minute, On Time, or One Step Ahead

I’m not comparing. Two Steps Ahead isn’t about being “better” than being on time—it’s just different. It’s a different way of working with time, of tricking my brain into focusing on what matters before it becomes a fire to put out. And it creates space to work on the important stuff, too.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating space. Space to breathe, space to think, space to actually do instead of react.

And honestly? It makes me feel like I have more time. Because instead of chasing it, I’m setting myself up to use it well.

Your Invitation

Try It (No Pressure, Just Fun)

If any of this sounds familiar—if you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly squeezing every last minute out of your day—maybe Two Steps Ahead could work for you too.

Try it on for size. See if it shifts things. No guilt, no “shoulds.” Just a little trick to make life flow better.

And who doesn’t want that?