Yes — you CAN achieve your goal of being a career counselor! You’ll be great at it because you know how hard it is to figure out what you want to do with your life, and how to get what you want. Your first-hand life experience will make you a wonderful career counselor.

It’s good to recognize where your perfectionism and procrastination in school comes from. I’m sorry that your dad was so hard on you — he may have felt insecure and unworthy as a man, and took it out on you. We often project our feelings about ourselves outward, to other people.

Regarding achieving your career goals: focus on one step at a time, my friend! Don’t think about the long, arduous road ahead — that’s enough to discourage even then most motivated student. Think about what you have to do today.

And, forget about getting perfect grades! They don’t matter unless you’re applying to graduate school (and even then, they may not matter as much as your other qualities, experiences, activities, etc). Grades do NOT matter when you apply for jobs. At least, they didn’t for any of the jobs I’ve had — and I have two university degrees! Nobody has ever asked me what I got in Psychology or Computer Programming…because it doesn’t matter.

Instead, focus on doing the best you can. Not perfection…just a job well done. Learn to be happy with getting an assignment done, and with getting a B (or even a C!). Your grades aren’t what make you a successful woman.

What makes you a successful woman is how you treat others, what you contribute to this world, what your life goals are, and your perserverance in taking one step at a time as you progress towards your future. Not giving up makes you a successful woman…not giving up. Not letting your dad win.

One day at a time, my friend. Please come back and let me know how things are going! And, surround yourself with fellow students who motivate and encourage you

Best of luck,
Laurie

I found a similar article on Zen Habits, called “10 Ways to Give Yourself a Procrasination Innoculation” by Karen Leland. Here’s a great tip for ending writing procrastination from her list:

“Focus for five minutes. The hardest part of overcoming procrastination is often just getting started. For a tedious task that you have been putting off try setting a timer for five-minutes and get to work. When the alarm sounds, if you feel like stopping – don’t be surprised if that first five minutes turns into 10, 15 and 20.”