Navigating Procrastination

I was an extremely laid-back kid. I was a dancer, but didn’t push myself too hard beyond my physical limitations to master impossible moves. I just loved to dance (and still do). I studied French and while I enjoyed speaking another language, I was okay being fluent and not bilingual. I did just well enough in school to get grades that were just good enough to avoid getting into trouble. I was perfectly happy languishing through my days without much ambition.

As soon as I finished college and got my first job, a flip switched. Seemingly overnight, I’d changed from a lackadaisical daydreamer to a driven professional. By year eight of my early career in public relations, I was part of my agency's senior leadership, leading several teams and PR strategy for major clients. I worked full-time supporting crisis communications for Microsoft’s security team while getting my master’s degree in organizational development (also full-time). Within 10 years of changing careers, I was leading and co-leading several people functions at a start-up, driving talent management, strategic HR, and learning / leadership development programs. My parents were pleasantly surprised.

I suddenly had this drive I’d never experienced before – to achieve, to make an impact, to help people. Certainly, I’ve had difficult times and faced burnout, but I love to work.?I love learning a new job or function, tackling new challenges, and earning enough money to create the life I want for myself and my family. I love collaborating with colleagues to solve challenges and opportunities. I love making workplaces better and helping people grow and develop, and feel seen and valued.

After nearly five months of unemployment, while I've appreciated the break, I am ready to get back to work. And, I notice that I’m procrastinating. I start each day with the intention to be productive. Yet, some days, I spend a few frivolous hours mindlessly toggling between email, LinkedIn and job postings, making a few small strides but no real progress. I've allowed the laid-back kid in me to take the reins, and it’s not serving what I really want for myself and my life.?

It made me curious about why we procrastinate. After doing a little research, it seems many of us procrastinate to cope with difficult feelings – fear, anxiety, overwhelm, shame, self-doubt. It’s a way for our brains to take a break when we’re exhausted and stressed. Unfortunately, the immediate relief we feel from putting off what’s uncomfortable reinforces that procrastination makes us feel better. Even when we know it's not actually helping us, it can become a habit.

Here are a few tips I'm trying in order to break out of my procrastination rut:

• Reflect: Acknowledge how you’re feeling, create space to process your emotions, then explore how taking action might be a better reward than the momentary relief of avoidance. I’m aware that writing this article is a form of procrastination. And, it’s helping me process WHY I’m procrastinating, which is helping me get back on track.
• Self-compassion: Instead of beating yourself up for procrastinating, forgive yourself in order to let go of past inaction and move forward. Kindness toward self can boost motivation and positive emotions.
• Have a plan: Put together a project plan with action items, to do lists, deadlines – whatever you need to help you focus and do something productive every day. Just start with one task – and it will likely lead to more. If you're struggling with a plan, look for resources online or ask a friend or colleague for help!
• Fill your bucket: Balance work with activities that fill your bucket. Go to the gym, take a walk or hike, meet a friend for coffee, take a nap – whatever helps you replenish your energy so you can fight the good fight for another day.
• Have a vision: If you’ve lost sight of what you want and the value you know you can provide to an organization, take a moment to reconnect to your vision, your why, your passion, and infuse it into every conversation as you network and interview.

Procrastination is so normal. Yet, sometimes, it doesn't serve us. Maybe there's an opportunity for you to shift something you're procrastinating to move closer to what you need and want in your life.

References:

Here's the real reason you procrastinate | Fuschia Sirois | TEDxNewcastle

The reason you procrastinate (It's not what you think) | Mel Robbins

Why People Procrastinate: The Psychology and Causes of Procrastination

Why You Procrastinate (It Has Nothing to Do with Self-Control)