“Kicking the can down the road” means delaying or postponing dealing with a problem or responsibility.

Primary Implication

The primary implication of “kicking the can down the road” is that it often exacerbates problems and leads to more difficulties in the long run.

Delayed decisions and actions allow problems to fester and potentially grow, making them harder to address later. This will lead to increased stress, missed opportunities, wasted money, and even more severe consequences.  The message is clear—confront challenges head-on rather than avoid them.

Overview

“Stop kicking the can down the road” is an expression that means don’t avoid or delay dealing with a problem.

Imagine walking down a road and coming across a can.  Instead of picking it up and disposing of it in the trash, you just kick it further down the road.  You haven’t solved the problem of the can being in the road, you’ve just shifted it down the path before you.

Essentially, “kicking the can down the road” is procrastination.  It’s putting off a difficult task or decision, hoping it will go away (see Ostrich Method) or that it will become easier to deal with later.  The problem with procrastination is how it often results in self-inflicted stress from knowing you need to deal with while making the problem worse in the long run.

Here are some other ways to say “kick the can down the road”:

• Put off
• Postpone
• Delay
• Avoid
• Sweep it under the rug

So, when someone says “don’t kick the can down the road,” they’re urging you to deal with the issue now rather than postponing it and making it worse later.

A good example of this is when you keep pouring money back into a struggling a business with no idea on how you are going to turn it around.  Too many business owners fail to accept that their business will never be what they hoped it would be or worse yet it’s failing and rather than close it down they take on high cost debt to get them through the next few months rather than deal with the hard reality that the financial hole they are in is getting deeper.  This is “kicking the can down the road” in business that 8 out of 10 times is a costly way to go out of business.

If you are struggling to generate the sales, profits, and cash reserves you need to support your family.  If you are miserable in your business and exhausted then you have problems you need to tackle head-on.  Rather than relive “ground-hog day” adopt some of the following strategies to help you stop kicking the can down the road:

1. Acknowledge the Problem:

• • • Honest Self-Reflection:  The first step is admitting you’re avoiding something.  What are you putting off?  Why?  Be honest with yourself about the reasons behind your procrastination.
    • Fear of Failure:  Are you procrastinating what needs to be done because you are afraid of making a mistake or not doing well enough?  Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and how they are opportunities to learn and grow.
    • Perfectionism:  Striving for perfection is paralyzing.  Aim for “good enough” and remember that done is better than perfect.
    • Identify the Costs:  What’s it costing you to delay?  Is it creating stress, hindering your progress, or damaging relationships?  Understanding the consequences of inaction is a powerful motivator.

2. Break It Down:

• • • Bucket It:  Large tasks can be overwhelming.  Break large or complex problems down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes them seem less daunting and provides a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.
    • Be Realistic:  Don’t try to do everything at once.  Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty.

3. Address the Root Cause:

• • • Identify the Root Cause:  Dig deeper to understand the underlying reasons driving the challenge you face. This will help you address the issue more effectively.
    • Get Knowledge and Skills:  If you’re lacking the necessary skills or knowledge, seek out resources, training, or mentorship to help you.

4. Prioritize and Plan:

• • • Urgent vs. Important:  Use a prioritization matrix to identify what needs immediate attention and what can wait.
    • Use a to-do list: Write down everything you need to do and prioritize tasks.
    • “Eat the Frog”:  Tackle the most challenging or unpleasant task first thing in the morning.
    • “Two-Minute Rule”:  If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it immediately.
    • Set milestones:  Create mini-deadlines for each step.
    • Focus on one thing at a time:  Avoid multitasking, which can be overwhelming to improve focus and productivity.
    • Block Out Time:  Schedule specific times in your day or week to work on the time-consuming and difficult tasks you keep putting off. Treat it like an important appointment you can’t miss.

5. Eliminate Distractions:

• • • Create a dedicated workspace:  Find a quiet place where you can focus and block out distractions.
    • Use Productivity Tools:  Explore tools or management techniques (BusinessCPR™ Management System) to stay on track.
    • Turn off notifications: Silence your phone, close unnecessary tab, and block social media.

6. Seek Support:

• • • Share Your Goals:  Tell someone you trust about your goals and ask them to hold you accountable.
    • Accountability partner:  Find someone to check in with and keep you on track.
    • Ask for help:  Seek assistance from experts or delegate tasks others should do so you can get done what only you must do.
    • Join a support group:  Connect with others who struggle with similar challenges and problems.

7. Stay Motivated:

• • • Visualize success:  Imagine the positive outcomes of tackling the problem.  How will it feel to have it off your plate?
    • Be patient:  Solving difficult problems and developing new skills takes time and effort.
    • Find something enjoyable: Connect the task to something you like or find a way to make it more fun.
    • Celebrate progress:  Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small

8. Just Start:

• • • Take the First Step:  Sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started. Take that first step, no matter how small, and build from there.

By implementing these strategies, you can overcome the urge to “kick the can” and tackle your responsibilities confidently and efficiently.  Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek support if you need it.