"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." (Colossians 3:23-24a NIV)
Do you often put off until tomorrow what should be done today? Do you make a list of priorities and somehow find yourself off track? Are you waiting for the perfect time and conditions before taking on a challenge? If you can relate, you are a procrastinator. I confess I am one too.
So, what causes procrastination? “Basically, it is fears and anxiety,” says psychologist Dr. Clayton Tucker-Ladd. Dr. Ladd points out that “In varying degrees we are all afraid of facing reality--life's challenges, the hard work and frustrations ahead of us…. Procrastination is an escape.” However, Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." We are encouraged to keep our sight on God when things get tough. Because there is no fear in God. So, how do we break the habit?
Acknowledge procrastination as an issue and pray about it – God wants the best for us.
Set goals for yourself that are within reach of your abilities – Break a task or project into manageable pieces.
Prioritize your goals, listing the most important one first, then list the rest in order of importance or deadline.
Just start! - stay with your task until it is finished.
Give that unlikable task your best attempt – acknowledge any fear or anxiety and try your best.
When you know that something must be done, do it, and do it as soon as possible – tomorrow is not promised.
Ask for help! – that help may be in the form of assistance, motivation or prayer.
We all have procrastinated in our daily lives. The danger is when it becomes a habit. Your procrastination does not only affect you but those you are accountable to.
We should look to Paul for encouragement as he addressed this issue with the first century church. “And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:10 NKJV)
Reflection
Everyone puts things off sometimes, but procrastinators chronically avoid difficult tasks and may deliberately look for distractions. "I don't feel like it" takes precedence over their goals or responsibilities and can set them on a downward spiral of negative emotions that further deter future effort. Procrastination has the potential to keep you from living out fully the life God has in store for you.
Procrastination also involves self-deception. We can be aware of our actions and the consequences but changing habits may require even greater effort. What goal, task or project are you avoiding and why? Do you feel as though you have the tools to overcome your procrastination? Are you willing to make changes? What changes would help you avoid procrastination?
Prayer
Lord God, I acknowledge that procrastination has become a major hindrance in my life. I pray that you will help me conquer it in the name of Jesus. Help me to lay aside my fear and anxiety. Grant me wisdom to know which tasks to prioritize and the courage and motivation to get started. It my desire to be the best version of myself for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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