Three Steps to Avoid Career Procrastination

Sometimes, against our better judgement, we find it easier to stay with the familiar, even if we’re miserable. Often we stay out fear – fear of putting ourselves forward, of stepping into the spotlight, of failure.

All of these things that stop you moving forward can lead to stagnation in your career. You will find yourself procrastinating rather than getting up and going after what you want and need for a fulfilling and productive career.

So if you’re ready for that next job, that next exciting project, that next step up the career ladder? Then it’s time to get up and stop procrastinating. Here’s how!

ASK YOURSELF THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Don’t ask yourself if you hate your job, or if you’re happy. Instead, ask yourself: ‘What do I like about what I do, where I work and the industry I am in?’ Ask yourself, ‘What am I passionate about, what excites me about work, what kinds of organisations and leaders inspire me?’ The answers to these questions will give you an idea of just what you’re looking for in your current or next role. They will provide guidelines for you to follow when talking to your manager about your career. Asking yourself these questions also moves you away from focusing on the negative and getting stuck in your own misery or lack of fulfilment.

MAKE A PLAN OF ACTION

Knowing where you want to be, what you want to do and what you need to change or improve in your current role isn’t enough. Knowledge may be power but actions ensure success. Take some time to outline the precise steps you need to take in your life and your career to reach your goals. Put targets and dates alongside each action. Most of all, hold yourself accountable so you don’t procrastinate on your follow-through. Get up and take action!

BE PREPARED … FOR ANYTHING

Every action you take will have multiple potential outcomes. You might ask to take on a big project and get turned down, so you need to be prepared for that. Negative responses can lead to more procrastination – after all, why would you put yourself out there again, just to be possibly knocked back again? This can happen a lot during the job application process. Rejection is hard but being prepared and knowing what you will do if the worst happens will help you avoid what we like to call rejectcrastination.

Fear can be powerful, choices can be overwhelming, and just the sheer thought of change can be debilitating when it comes to your career. But it’s time. Make the decision to stop procrastinating and go after the career you deserve.

Chorus Executive’s upcoming webinar series SO, YOU WANT A JOB? IT’S TIME TO STOP PROCRASTINATING! will be launching soon. Sign up for further information and receive a free download of our Dream Job Assessment Guide.