STOP PROCRASTINATING!
BY LAUREN CASTLE

   We had never met, but her voice was familiar. This was probably the fourth time Debbie had called to set up an appointment. It was an emergency, she said. It was always an emergency. She had an interview scheduled, a job fair to attend, or an associate who wanted to see her résumé. She discussed her needs, set up an appointment, and then either called to cancel the appointment or, when I called to confirm it, wanted to reschedule. The voice was familiar and so was the pattern.

Is this simply a case of procrastination? Everyone is familiar with the Society of Procrastinators, an organization that never has any meetings because no one can get around to it. Do you fall into this category? Do you have close friends, relatives, or associates who are classic procrastinators? Is it something you feel is fixable?

Procrastination is defined as “the deferment or avoidance of an action or task.” The term comes from the Latin word procrastinatus: pro- (forward) and crastinus (of tomorrow). Strange as it may seem, for some procrastination is linked
to perfectionism. Not doing or completing a task perfectly is such a problem for some individuals they don’t do anything at all.

There are all levels and categories of procrastination. For some it is chronic, while others cast it off as a mild personality characteristic or a basic time-management problem.

Chronic procrastinators have all sorts of explanations as to why they can’t get to the task at hand. Of course, the time they spend discussing why they can’t do something could be spent actually doing the task.

There are relaxed procrastinators. These people fill up their time doing other things. They know that they have tasks with higher importance, but choose to do things that are more fun or social.

Then there are the overwhelmed procrastinators. Their tasks are filled with pressure and stress, just by their mere existence. Overwhelmed procrastinators are always saying that it will be better to start the task or the diet or the assignment after the holidays, over the weekend, early in the morning, or later in the day. There’s always a better
time to do it. The time is never now. Deadlines loom and they feel more and more guilty and become even more overwhelmed. Not productive, just overwhelmed.

Most people have areas in their lives where they tend to procrastinate, but for others it is a way of life. They have low expectations of themselves. Their intentions are real, but the execution is lacking. When I get a call or multiple calls from a prospective client such as Debbie, there’s not much I can say. They get as far as making the call, they may even make the appointment. But then something else comes along. They know they need to get their résumé done in order to get a new job or move their career in a different direction. If you’re like Debbie, make the call and get though the door! Seek out a professional career development coach. Writing your own résumé may seem like an overwhelming task, but working on it as a team can jumpstart your results toward the changes you are seeking.

Lauren Castle is the owner of Impress Express, a professional image firm focusing on career development, résumé preparation, presentation skills, etiquette and interview coaching. We are members of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers. For help with your image, posting your résumé, or preparing your Internet-friendly résumé, contact Lauren directly at (858) 459-7400. You may also send your image and career-related questions to info@impressexpress.com for further information