Why We Delay and How It Affects Your Professional Image
For months, I delayed changing my own profile photo.
I had a favourite self-portrait where I was wearing a grey sweater. My haircut at the time suited me perfectly, and my expression was warm and friendly. It felt like the best version of me, and I held onto it tightly.
But over time, my hair became drier, I had to change the style, and I shifted to a new colour that no longer matched that old image. Deep down, I knew that photo no longer represented who I was, but I still struggled to replace it.
Why? Because in my mind, that grey sweater portrait had become an idealised version of myself. Updating my photo meant admitting that I had changed. It wasn’t until I made the effort to create a new portrait, one that reflected who I am now, that I felt in alignment again.
This experience reminded me of something I see often with my clients: procrastination isn’t really about time. It’s about emotions.
© Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography.
Procrastination as Emotional Avoidance
When we think of procrastination, we often imagine poor time management or laziness. But psychology shows us that procrastination is rarely about time, it’s about emotions.
Procrastination is an avoidance strategy. We delay tasks not because we don’t care, but because the task triggers feelings we’d rather not face. Fear of failure, perfectionism, self-doubt, even attachment to the past, all of these are emotional barriers that disguise themselves as “I’ll do it later.”
In other words, procrastination is not about discipline, it’s about discomfort.
Why We Avoid What Matters Most
When we put off an important decision or project, we’re usually protecting ourselves from uncomfortable emotions. For example:
Fear of failure: If I don’t start, I can’t fail.
Fear of judgment: If I delay, no one can criticise me.
Perfectionism: If it’s not perfect, better not to do it yet.
Attachment to the past: If I update, I must admit I’ve changed.
This is why procrastination is so powerful. It feels safer to postpone than to confront these emotions directly. But while delay offers temporary relief, it often leads to long-term frustration and missed opportunities.
The Hidden Link Between Procrastination and Self-Image
One area where procrastination is especially common is in updating professional profiles: on LinkedIn, websites, or social media.
Like me, many professionals know that their profile photo is outdated, or that their branding no longer reflects who they are today. And yet, they postpone making changes. But why?
Because a new profile picture isn’t just a photo, it’s an act of vulnerability. Booking a photoshoot means confronting your relationship with your self-image.
Some people avoid updating because they feel attached to a younger version of themselves, their “best years.”
Others delay because they don’t like how they look now and want to avoid the discomfort of seeing themselves captured.
Many put pressure on themselves by thinking they should know how to pose, when in reality, it’s the photographer’s job to guide them.
This is procrastination in disguise. It’s not about the diary being too full, it’s about avoiding the emotions tied to change, ageing, or self-acceptance.
“It is not who you are that holds you back.
It is who you think you are not. ”
Moving Through Emotional Blocks
To overcome this, the key is not to “force discipline,” but to address the emotions underneath. Ask yourself:
What exactly am I afraid of?
Am I attached to an old version of myself?
What part of me resists being seen as I am today?
Recognising procrastination as an emotional issue rather than a time problem allows you to move through it with more kindness and awareness.
“Stop yourself from stopping yourself”
Why Your Professional Image Matters
Your professional profile is often the first impression you make in business. Outdated or inconsistent images can hold you back from opportunities.
A fresh, authentic profile photo is not just about looking good, it’s about showing confidence, clarity, and alignment with who you are today.
Book your free consultation today and discover how professional headshots can elevate your brand.
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Thank you for reading.
Bye for now.