The 4-Letter Word, "Soon"

How many times have you said you would get to a task SOON?

Me? Let me count the times!

Speaking of times, you are not a victim of poor time management when you put off performing a task. Rather, you are emotionally responding to what you are facing.

The task "seems" to big. You don't "feel" like doing it. The prospect of beginning the project "stresses" you into "soon submission".

First, decide why you are waiting to tackle the task. Is it too big?

Yes, make a to-do list, getting it out of your head. But make sure your prioritize and trim it with a touch of realism.

Second, stop waiting for your emotional starter to fire an emotional gun so you can begin.

Third, if the task seems too large and overwhelming, break it down into manageable steps. If the project should take hours, break it down into shorter time segments. Remember, small steps add up...

Fourth, integrate breaks into your process.

Fourth, minimize distractions and make sure your environment is conducive to getting things done.

Go easy on yourself if you begin procrastinating, even if it's the 100th time. Stressing causes more stress. "There |I go again."

Turn your thinking into action, no matter how small or insignificant that action may be if it heads you in the right direction. I recall speaking with a fellow at my gym who would come fore 5 minutes on days he didn't feel like working out. He was acting---discipline.

However, thinking, you feeling, or a combination? Does your thinking turn into feeling?

In Your Words

When you face a large task, consider how you can break it down into time or action segments.

The next time you put off doing something you know needs done, consider why you chose to do so. Was it you thinking, you feeling, or a combination?

When you begin getting down on yourself for procrastinating "as usual", ask the Holy Spirit to intervene to help you forgive yourself and move on.

In God's Words

4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;    whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4

4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

In the Words of Others

Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday. Napoleon Hill

Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy. Wayne Gretzky

Prudence is not hesitation, procrastination, or moderation. It is not driving in the middle of the road. It is not the way of ambivalence, indecision, or safety. John Ortberg