Ask the recent grad student who spent several months searching for the right job when, out of the blue, their “dream job” appeared and they missed the opportunity. Instead of acting with a sense of urgency and applying for the position, they re-worked their resume for weeks. Seeking resume advice from everyone they knew kept them in a frenzy of feeling both the pressure to apply and the fear of not having the best resume. The time spent analyzing their resume and job opportunity cost them by not seizing the moment.
Procrastination is often confused with perfectionism, which is a myth according to researchers, the opposite is true. The majority of perfectionists would be uncomfortable procrastinating and would be the first to correct the unwanted behavior.
Anxiety is more likely the culprit at play with procrastination even though the trigger points could be projects at work that are overwhelming or simply avoiding tasks that you don’t enjoy. Behind every good procrastinator lies an element of fear that keeps them from moving forward such as fear of failure, rejection, imperfection, change, making mistakes and fear of the unknown, to name a few.
The recent grad met the criteria for the job opportunity and worked on projects that matched the employer’s needs. By spending too much time focusing on their resume it would appear as though they were desiring perfection when in reality fear was at play. Anytime your thoughts inhibit you from using your skills, procrastination is sure to follow.
The same mindset holds true to everyday habits at work, as a manager how long do you put off unpleasant conversations? As an employee, what tasks do you delay until the last possible minute?
Procrastination is a mind game and a physical habit that often creates barriers for opportunities, especially if you are unaware of self-defeating behaviors. The good news for procrastinators is that you can stop the unproductive habits by applying techniques and finding support.
According to Rita Emmett, a national speaker and a recovering procrastinator there are at least 10 signs that indicate procrastination could be interfering with your career:
Shuffling through the same papers or clutter over and over.
Playing computer games.
Attending unnecessary meetings.
Surfing the Internet.
Trying to do too many things at once and underestimating the time.
Being indecisive.
Pushing yourself when you are too tired to function well.
Doing an excessive amount of preparation.
Working aimlessly without objectives, priorities or deadlines.
Doing things that don’t need to be done (or that somebody else could do).
If procrastination is hurting your career, know that it is never too late to make a fresh start. Overcoming unproductive habits takes one step at time. Choose one task today that you want to accomplish and do it.
What causes you to procrastinate at work?
