Procrastination often stems from unclear next steps, causing us to drift into easier activities like doomscrolling or obsessing over others’ achievements. The author emphasizes that while we get caught up in these distractions, only a few choices truly matter: relationships, health, and meaningful work. In products and startups, the challenge lies in identifying real problems to solve versus creating unnecessary ones. The author reflects on their experience building Lazyweb, recognizing the constant temptation to tackle unimportant issues instead of focusing on critical tasks. The article highlights Parkinson’s Law, which states that work expands to fill the time available. The author shares that even with a packed schedule, they still found themselves sidetracked by non-essential tasks, such as SOC2 compliance, when there were more pressing issues to address. They categorize work into three types: necessary but unimportant, important, and unnecessary. An example of the first type is app authentication, which is necessary for sign-up but does not provide unique value. In early-stage startups, the risk of solving non-existent problems increases. The author points to two main factors: the aversion to uncertainty and delusion. People often prefer familiar, low-value tasks over tackling challenging problems. Delusional problem-solving happens when one anticipates future issues that may not materialize, leading to premature optimization. The advice is clear: when distractions arise, it’s a signal to step back, reset, and focus on the essential tasks that drive real progress.