How to Stop Procrastination in Your Search For a Better Job

by nukhba khan

Reading Time: 7 mins

You know it's time for you to move on. You have thought about it endlessly, and all the signs are pointing to the simple fact that it is time for you to find a new job.

And yet, you don't do anything about it.

You love the idea of finding a new job. But that also means that you have to sacrifice your free time in an already hectic schedule. Who has the time to update the resume, write cover letters, and network to explore opportunities? And you just can't get yourself to turn down your relaxation time after work or weekends to do the job hunt work.

So you start telling yourself that you will begin next week, for sure! And we all know that next week gets further pushed, and suddenly months have gone by, and you are still stuck in the job that you hate.

Feeling this resistance is absolutely normal, yet it can also be costly. So how do you finally break the procrastination cycle in your job search?

When you can't do what you know you should do, you need to explore three things:

1. What exactly keeps you in a state of paralysis in your job hunt? To better understand what you need to do to tackle your procrastination habit.

2. What is it costing you? To be more aware of what you are giving up.

3. What are the possible outcomes you'll achieve if you do the work? To muster up the motivation to start looking for your new job.

So let's get started.

The Procrastination Problem - Know Your Obstacles

Unless you fully understand why and when you procrastinate, you will stay stuck in your job search rut.

The common reasons for job hunt procrastination stem from lack of motivation, drive, energy, and time. It can also stem from fear, a fear of rejection or failure.

So think about what exactly is keeping you stuck in your search for a newer and better job.

Because unless you pinpoint the problem and become fully aware of your obstacles, you can not begin to strategize how to overcome them.

If you feel that there is a lack of time, then perhaps you could do a time audit to see if some activities can be put on hold (for a while) to find time for your job search.

Or suppose your obstacle is the lack of drive or motivation. In that case, you could try listing all the reasons that make you hate your job. And use this list to stir up the determination you need to start taking small steps to make progress in your new job search.

Or if your obstacle is fear of rejection even if you put in the effort, then perhaps you need to revisit and revise your expectations. Acknowledging, accepting, and not resisting this fear is one of the best ways to overcome the fear of rejection. This means understanding that rejection is part and parcel of your job search process, something that will happen, and being okay with it.

When you get crystal clear on why you procrastinate, then and only then can you make a plan to overcome your vulnerabilities in your job search process.

So think about why you procrastinate and list out all the reasons you don't want to get (or avoid getting) a job. And what are 1-2 ways to overcome your issues?

Need some additional help in identifying and overcoming your obstacles that get in the way of searching for a new job? Book a free 30-minute session with me, and let's chat. Click Here to Book Your Free Session.

Procrastination Consequences - Recognize What’s at Stake

Once you know what is getting in the way of you finding your new job and causing you to keep procrastinating, next you have to understand the consequences.

Unless and until you fully grasp and remind yourself about what's at stake, your reasons for procrastinating will triumph, and you will not make the desired progress.

So, now it's time to list out all the reasons why you are unhappy at your current job and the impact that it is having on your life and well-being. Make this list as exhaustive as possible and write down both the big and small stuff that frustrates you at your workplace.

Next, you have to commit to referring to this list whenever you are leaning towards putting off your job search activities for later. This list will remind you what is at stake, i.e., you will stay stuck, continuing to deal with all the things listed on your list. This list will act as the much-needed wake-up call to remind you how important it is to take action.

Is procrastinating then really worth it?

How to Stop Procrastination - Know Your What & Why

You now know what gets in your way and what's at stake if you keep allowing these obstacles to get in your way.

Let's discuss the final piece of the puzzle: defining and clarifying your purpose. When you are not clear about what exactly you want, in this case, a new job, you are neither going to have the drive nor any direction on how to get it.

Knowing what you are looking for in a new job will help create that drive and determination to take action and combat your procrastination.

Now you have to list out what exactly you are looking for in your new job and how it would feel to have these things, i.e., your why. Obviously making sure you find the right balance between optimism and realism.

Knowing your 'what' and 'why' helps fuel the inspiration that might be lacking in your job search. And when there is a lack of motivation, procrastination can easily creep in. But visualizing how good it will feel when you get what you want is the quickest way to kick out your procrastination habit.

It's time for you to get super clear on what you are looking for in your career progression.

3 Tips for Getting Started on Your Job Search

Once you have addressed and become more aware of 1. The reason for your procrastination 2. The consequences of your procrastination, and 3. The motivation (your why) to break out from your habit of procrastinating.

It's time for you to get the ball rolling in your search for a new job and take action. Here are 3 valuable tips to help you get started.

1. Plan, Goals, and Rewards

Your desire to find a new job will remain a dream until you strategize and plan on how to make it a reality. You need to prepare.

This plan can be simple as first identifying the small steps needed in your job search process. For example, updating resumes, researching companies and appealing jobs that fit your needs, submitting applications, and networking.

Once you have identified the steps, decide how much time and when can you realistically set aside time to complete the different tasks.

Break down your tasks into small steps that won't take up your entire evening to make it less intimidating. For example, one evening, you can spend 25 minutes researching job opportunities. And, perhaps you can spend 1 hour updating your resume on the weekend.

It may be small progress, but you will be making progress little by little.

Always remember to reward yourself for completing an action step in your plan. Maybe you have been eyeing a pair of jeans which could be your reward if you get at least 2 job applications completed. Develop a reward system to find the motivation to push yourself to get things done.

2. Remind Yourself of Your Misery

Constantly and persistently keep reminding yourself of all the reasons why you want and need the new job. Yes, it can be a mood-damper and downer way to think, but it will help keep you focused on landing a job that you love, where you are valued, and it pays well.

3. Accountability

Last but not least, you need an accountability buddy. Someone who regularly checks in with you to see how you are progressing in your job search plan. Maybe you can find someone who is also currently looking for another job. You could then join forces to help each other fight off the temptation to procrastinate. Or you can simply ask a family member to encourage you on your job hunt journey and help you stay accountable.

Having an accountability buddy is a great way to ensure you keep making progress in landing a new job that you desire.

Final Thoughts: How to Stop Procrastination

We all agree that job hunting is a daunting process and certainly not the most enjoyable process. But it is worth the effort to progress your career forward and find a job that you genuinely love.

Always remember your life is a result of your choices. And you are responsible for the choices you make and the subsequent consequences of your choices. If you are not happy at work, it's time for you to make a different choice. It's time for you to choose taking action over procrastinating.

Good luck.

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