Letting Go of Our Procrastinating Ways

We like to think that our delaying tactics are no big deal. After all, we tell ourselves, no one is really hurt by the things we put off. Over time, however, our choices to postpone action can develop into a lifelong pattern of procrastination. The ruler Felix delayed making a decision about Christ and eventually turned away completely.

To get on track, we must change our attitude about procrastination, admitting it is a serious problem and noticing where we consistently put off action. It’s important to identify feelings of doubt and discomfort we may have, confess that procrastination has a hold on us, and then decide in our hearts to turn away from it. Tell God, “I want to live by Your schedule and please You by my obedience.”

Repentance should be joined by a commitment to actively embrace new ways of decisive living. Use God’s Word to fight against feelings of doubt and discomfort whenever they arise. Who we are in Christ and who He is to us are the truths needed to overcome bad habits. The Bible says that we are new creations,indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit, and we are no longer slaves to sin. (Galatians 5:1) Jesus, our Savior, is also our Lord. He provides all we need through His resurrection power. (2 Peter 1:3) His grace turns our weakness into strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9). Victory is ours through Him. (Romans 8:37)

READ Acts 24:24-27

http://www.intouch.org/

.

.

.

How To Stop

Procrastinating (In general)

• Recognize that procrastination stems from habit. New habits will be needed, and these take time and commitment to develop.
• Understand the cause for procrastination, then develop strategies to fix it.
• Recognize the difference between an appropriate decision to delay, and an irrational postponement without justification.
• Fix procrastination by working on a) tasks and b) your environment:

TASK STRATEGIES

• Complete unpleasant tasks first. Schedule them for early in the day. Give yourself a reward for doing them.
• Break large jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks. Plan and complete a start-up task, no matter how small.
• Develop a clear mental picture of the completed task and how you will feel at that time. Maintain a focus on the end result, not just the process. Remind yourself how good you'll feel when you're finished.
• Schedule the task for when you will be at your peak.
• Maintain your high standards, but recognize that sometimes 80% for you may well be 100% for someone else. Don't spend hours conducting a detailed cost breakdown when a rough estimate would suffice.

ENVIRONMENT STRATEGIES

• Tailor your environment for work. Close your door, clean up the clutter on your desk.
• Remove distractions such as water coolers, snacks, in-boxes, coffee machines and magazine racks.
• If you work at home, treat your office as an office. Don't go out to lunch before lunchtime or watch television before the end of the day.
• Tell your family that you are not to be disturbed in your home office.

http://www.getmoredone.com/tips2.html