24: How Procrastination Sabotage your Career

Today, we're diving into a topic that many of us struggle with – procrastination. More specifically, we'll be exploring how procrastination can sabotage your career.

Procrastination – we've all been there, right? That nagging habit of putting things off until the last minute, even though we know it might not be the best choice. It's like we have this invisible force that holds us back from taking action. But why does it happen? And more importantly, how does it impact your career? Today we'll unravel these questions and in the next episode provide you with actionable steps to break free from the cycle of procrastination.

Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for women leaders at womenleadersunlimited.com/24.

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Transcript

Understanding Procrastination

First, let's get a clear understanding of what procrastination actually is. At its core, procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks. It's that moment when you find yourself saying, "I'll do it later" or "I just don't feel like it right now." According to research by Dr. Piers Steel, a leading expert on the science of motivation and procrastination, approximately 20% of adults are chronic procrastinators. That's one in five people who consistently delay tasks.

Now, let's think about why you procrastinate. There are several reasons - some common causes include:

Perfectionism: The fear of not doing something perfectly can paralyze you into inaction.

Fear of Failure: You're afraid that if you try and fail, it will confirm your self-doubts.

Lack of Motivation: Sometimes, the task just doesn't seem interesting or important enough.

Overwhelm: When the task feels too big, you might not know where to start.

Low Self-Confidence: Doubting your abilities can lead you to avoid tasks altogether.

Can you relate to any of these reasons? 

It's important to recognize that procrastination is often a symptom of deeper issues rather than the problem itself.

The Impact of Procrastination on Your Career

 Now, let's delve into how procrastination affects your career. As women leaders, we often have a lot on our plates – from managing teams to making strategic decisions. When procrastination creeps in, it can have serious consequences. Here are some ways procrastination can put your career on pause:

Missed Opportunities: Procrastination can cause you to miss out on career-advancing opportunities. Imagine missing a deadline for a major project or failing to apply for a promotion because you kept putting it off. These missed opportunities can stall your career growth.

Decreased Productivity: When you procrastinate, you're not working efficiently. Tasks pile up, leading to a backlog of work that can be overwhelming. This not only affects your productivity but also your ability to deliver high-quality results.

Damaged Reputation: Consistently delaying tasks can damage your professional reputation. Colleagues and supervisors may start to see you as unreliable or uncommitted. This perception can hinder your chances of getting promoted or being entrusted with important responsibilities.

Increased Stress: Procrastination often leads to last-minute rushes to meet deadlines. This can cause a significant amount of stress and anxiety, affecting your mental and physical well-being. High stress levels can further impair your ability to perform at your best.

Career Stagnation: Ultimately, procrastination can lead to career stagnation. When you're not taking proactive steps to advance your career, you're essentially putting it on hold. Your goals and aspirations take a backseat, and you find yourself stuck in the same position year after year.

Do any of these consequences resonate with you? If so, don't worry – you're not alone, and there are ways to overcome this habit.

Let's look at successful women who struggled with procrastination:

Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, has spoken openly about her struggles with procrastination. She once said, "I think, especially for women, there's the constant pressure to prove yourself. Procrastination is a way of dealing with the anxiety and fear of judgment." By recognizing her procrastination triggers and implementing effective strategies, she was able to build a successful career and empower other women to do the same.

Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul and philanthropist, shared her perspective on procrastination, saying, "You can either see yourself as a wave in the ocean or you can see yourself as the ocean. When you embrace the bigger picture, it's easier to take action and move forward." Oprah's approach involves shifting your mindset and recognizing your potential to make a positive impact.

Conclusion

Procrastination can be a significant barrier to your career advancement, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By understanding your procrastination triggers, implementing effective strategies, and taking actionable steps, you can overcome this habit and unlock your full potential as a woman leader.

In the next episode I’ll share proven strategies that you can use to overcome procrastination and boost your career. 

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Women Leaders Unlimited. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with your network and leave a review. Together, we can empower more women to break free from procrastination and achieve their career goals.

Until next time, stay focused, stay motivated, and keep leading with confidence.