What You Procrastinate On Might Just Be the Key to Your Career Growth

Have you ever paused to think about why you procrastinate?

Recently, I did, and here’s what I discovered:

I procrastinate because I want to savor the best moments, keeping them for later. I procrastinate because I'm waiting for that elusive “perfect timing.” I procrastinate because I fear if I tackle it now, it won’t turn out as well as I envision. I procrastinate because...I feel anxious, uncertain, and maybe even a little scared. I procrastinate when a task feels unfamiliar or will require more effort than usual.

Sound familiar? We often delay tasks that challenge us, feel out of our comfort zone, or demand we push our limits. Ironically, the tasks that hold the most meaning for us are often the ones we avoid.

Think about it: you’re more likely to procrastinate when it’s something big, like preparing for an important presentation, designing a complex project, or writing a proposal for a cause you care deeply about. When something truly matters, the pressure to do it right can lead us to put it off.

And therein lies a powerful insight: the things we procrastinate on often align with our passions and goals. Embracing these tasks, despite the fear, means leaning into what’s most meaningful.

So, why should you view procrastination as a guide in your career? Here’s the deeper reasoning behind this mindset:

1. You Procrastinate Because You Are Afraid of Growth and Discomfort

When we procrastinate, it’s often because a task pushes us out of our comfort zone. Think about it: that presentation you’ve been dreading or the report you keep putting off isn’t just “work” — it’s an invitation to grow. Tackling tasks that make us uncomfortable forces us to stretch our skills and expand our limits, which is where real growth happens. Procrastination also reveals fears that might be lurking beneath the surface, like fear of failure or not feeling good enough. By facing these tasks head-on, we get a chance to conquer those fears and take meaningful steps in our personal and professional lives.

2. You Procrastinate Because It Reveals What Truly Matters

The things we avoid often hold more significance than we realize. If updating your resume or preparing for a major project feels overwhelming, it’s likely because these tasks have weight; they directly impact your career and future. There’s a subconscious recognition that these tasks are pivotal, and the hesitation to dive in often mirrors how crucial they are. At the same time, meaningful work aligned with our goals can feel intimidating because it demands commitment and effort. But pushing through this resistance can bring us closer to the career path that resonates with our passions and ambitions.

3. You Procrastinate Because Challenges Are Intimidating

When we avoid certain tasks, it’s usually because they require skills we’re not fully comfortable with yet. These tasks can feel intimidating and beyond our current abilities. But it’s precisely in these challenges that we find opportunities for growth. By tackling difficult tasks, like mastering a new tool or presenting to a large audience, we build expertise that sets us apart. Overcoming these challenges makes us more capable, valuable, and ready for whatever career demands come our way.

4. You Procrastinate Because It Points to What You Care About

Sometimes, procrastination points us toward the things we care about but are scared to pursue, like a hidden dream or a side project. If you’ve always wanted to write, design, or start something new but keep putting it off, maybe it’s because that task holds personal significance. This hesitation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that the task touches something deeper. Exploring these tasks can reveal paths aligned with our true interests, guiding us toward a more fulfilling career that feels like an authentic fit.

5. You Procrastinate Because It Invites Reflection and Strategy

Procrastination gives us the chance to think about a task, even when we’re not actively working on it. In this way, it can be a reflective period, helping us mentally prepare or plan a more strategic approach. Instead of avoiding these tasks altogether, we can use this time to understand why they matter and how to tackle them effectively. That extra time can help us prioritize, making sure we focus on what really deserves our energy and attention, rather than dismissing it out of hand.

6. You Procrastinate Because of Fear and Perfectionism

Often, we put off tasks that feel important because we fear not measuring up. If we care deeply about the outcome, we may hesitate to start because we want it to be perfect. This fear of falling short reflects how much we value the task, making it worth confronting the hesitation and moving forward anyway. By letting go of the need for perfection, we allow ourselves to see these tasks as opportunities for growth rather than make-or-break tests of our ability. Taking action, even imperfectly, can lead to breakthroughs we never expected.

7. You Procrastinate Because It Reflects Your Inner Calling

Procrastination isn’t always about putting off work; sometimes, it’s about avoiding the unknown. The tasks we avoid may represent a calling to explore new aspects of ourselves and our potential. If you’ve been putting off a passion project, like starting a blog or learning a new skill, it could be your mind nudging you toward uncharted territories. Embracing these tasks means stepping into a version of yourself you haven’t fully met yet. By listening to these signals, we align our careers with our authentic selves, leading to greater satisfaction and purpose.

Lastly, procrastination might seem like an obstacle, but in reality, it can be a powerful guide, pointing us toward the areas where we need to grow, face our fears, and pursue what genuinely matters. The tasks we avoid are often the ones that can unlock new opportunities, skills, and fulfillment in our careers. So, the next time you catch yourself putting something off, take a moment to consider why. Instead of seeing it as just a delay, think of it as a nudge to actually do those tasks.

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Yours Truly,

Your Career leader,

Mary-Esther Anele