What’s In Your Procrastination Toolbox?

Posted byDebraPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , , , , ,

I have been saying that I want to study for a professional certification for years. I don’t need it to practice career counseling, as I already earned my Master’s Degree. I want to earn it because it enhances my professional growth and demonstrates core competency in the field of career services. But without structure, a deadline, or outside motivation, it was not happening.

I thrive in classrooms where there is a curriculum, due dates, an instructor and a tangible reward. But there is no formal class available for individuals who want to study for the Career Counseling Certificate offered by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). They offer a study guide and books. The materials sat on my bookshelf for months. I needed help.

Amazing things happen when I share my goals and struggles with my network. Even though I felt shame about procrastinating, I said it out loud. I am so grateful for the people around me who offered support. When I told my supervisor about the situation, I learned that they were also seeking a similar certificate from NCDA. I now have a study partner.

My study partner and I both appreciate structure. I might be a little obsessed with order, so I took the following action:

  • Scheduled time in my calendar to study
  • Planned weekly assignments using an Excel spreadsheet
  • Reserved time in my calendar to meet with my study partner

We had our first study session this week and it felt great to take a deep dive into career theory. But the real victory this week is that I did not procrastinate. It feels good to take action. Even though we have four books to study, I know that I just need to take it one chapter at a time and one week at a time.

This situation reminds me that I have many resources available when faced with my own paralyzing perfectionism. I often don’t want to start projects because I am afraid that I cannot do them perfectly. On those days, fear is clearly driving the car. Fear tends to steer the car straight into a shame spiral. To get back on track (see the pun here?), I use the tools that lead to workable solutions.

Next time I experience paralyzing perfectionism I will use the resources in my procrastination tool kit:

  • Get support by calling trusted friends
  • Meditate, breathe and sit with the fear
  • Remember that every adverse situation usually has a beginning and an end

I hope you decide to take on a project or goal that is a little intimidating in 2022. I have faith in you. Take one small action, feel the fear and get support. At mindfulcareerguide.com I help job seekers and professionals in transition reach their career goals. Click on this link for a free consultation.

Published by Debra

Debra Arviso is a career coach, career counselor, speaker and trainer. She has helped individuals and groups navigate the job search process and find meaningful careers in colleges, high schools, nonprofit organizations, corporations and jails. Debra is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. She is an advocate for underserved populations affected by trauma. She serves on the Advisory Committee of the California Career Development Association. Debra has a MS in Counseling with an Emphasis in College Counseling and Student Services from Cal State Northridge. She has a BS in Broadcast Journalism from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Backpacking, surfing, dancing, and adventure travel are a few of Debra’s passions. Her last adventure was hiking in the Amazon Rain Forest in Ecuador.

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