We all procrastinate. Let’s just admit it. Whether it’s putting off reviewing resumes or delaying BD calls, the urge to delay creeps in. And then the guilt follows. But despite knowing better, we still find ourselves stuck. Why? It often comes down to a mix of three things: a lack of good habits or systems, emotional resistance, and a flawed thought process.

Understanding these core drivers is the first step toward overcoming procrastination, from dragging your feet on client calls to delaying a candidate update. Let’s explore how to break down these barriers so you can stay on top of your game as a recruiter.

Habits: Success Systems

Procrastination isn’t laziness, nor does it stem from laziness. In reality, it’s often due to a lack of well-structured systems. Good habits reduce the need for constant self-discipline – they make sticking to challenging tasks easier, whether following up with a lead or prepping for a tough negotiation.

Ask yourself: What systems or routines do I have in place for tackling the critical parts of my work? If the answer is unclear, it’s time to build stronger habits. This warrants Thinking Time.

Emotions: Overcoming Resistance

Let’s get real. We avoid certain tasks because of how they make us feel. Maybe it’s the anxiety of delivering tough feedback to a candidate or the boredom of admin work. These emotional responses can lead to avoidance, especially when work feels overwhelming.

Ask yourself: What emotions arise when you avoid certain tasks? Are you feeling anxious, irritated, or maybe just bored? Identifying these feelings is the first step in managing them. Capture the emotions when you’re avoiding something. This is in-the-moment Thinking Time.

Thought Patterns: Rewiring Thinking

If you’re disciplined in some areas but struggle in others, your thought patterns could be the root of the problem. Recruiters are no strangers to this. We often feel the task at hand is overwhelming even when, in reality, it’s well within our ability. I did this with taxes for years, procrastinating repeatedly, and then learning it was significantly easier than I had anticipated.

Taking Action

Ultimately, procrastination is a multi-layered challenge, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes, habits will be your main barrier; other times, it’s all about emotion or mindset. Each strategy here offers a starting point for addressing the root causes of delay. We’d encourage you to allocate Thinking Time around procrastination. Often, just identifying the root cause and bringing it to light helps you to push through.

Stay strategic, build those systems, and let the momentum carry you forward. Every action, however small, is progress, and we celebrate the progress.