“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day.”
Galatians 5:16-17 (MSG)
Think for a moment... What does procrastination cost you? Could it really cost you the abundant life that Christ talks about in John 10:10? Could it cost you the freedom to live motivated by the Holy Spirit? It certainly does! This habit chips away at the life you could be living, right now. It stifles your potential in Christ and holds you back from enjoying a closer relationship with Him. Ultimately, it prevents you from achieving your true potential that God has planned for you! Last week we looked at how procrastination was an act of disobedience to God. However, once you discover that you are a procrastinator and once you realize what it is costing you, what is the next step to overcoming such actions?
Since I am discovering that procrastination is a beast in my own life that keeps rearing its ugly head, I have done some research on how to fight back. The following are key elements that I have uncovered during my research. When trying to overcome procrastination, these techniques may be helpful to you. However, all should be covered with prayer!
- Positive Self Talk: Yes, it is okay to talk to yourself! Talk about how this project will further God’s work in your life. Motivate yourself to not only do the project but bring God glory through each step of accomplishment.
- Don’t Expect Self Perfection, Expect to be Equipped: God will equip us to do what we need to do for Him. Don’t expect to perform this project to perfection. That is when our pride kicks in. Instead humble yourself before the Lord and expect Him to equip you for the project. Through your weakness, His perfection is shown.
- Use Successful Christians as a Model: One of the ways I get motivated to write is by reading the writings of other successful Christians. Search out a Christian in your life that has already accomplished what you are trying to accomplish. It will motivate you to do the same.
- Set a Schedule and Stick to It!: It is important that you set a schedule for yourself and stick to it. However, it is also important to remember that God may change this schedule and He is our lead. So when you set up your schedule, petition Him as to what time frame He wants things done.
- Break Your Work into Manageable Chunks: You are not super human! Make sure when you lay out your schedule that the work you are trying to accomplish is manageable for the time allotted.
- Identify Time Eaters: I discovered that in our world today there are a lot of time eaters. For examples: internet, television, projects not assigned by God, etc. Ask the Lord to help you examine your time and identify the time eaters that are keeping you from accomplishing the task He has for you.
- Spend quality time with the Lord: I end with this because it is what keeps me on track and many times where I get my assignments from the Lord. This, to me, is the most important technique listed because praise, prayer time and reading of Scriptures is not only where I get my marching orders but where I get the instructions of how to carry them out.
Are you ready to live your life on God’s time table? Are you ready to live freely and motivated by the Holy Spirit? If so, take action today to overcome procrastination. The Lord has great plans waiting for us and I can’t wait to see what He has next for me to do. I hope you can’t wait either!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to identify the areas in my life in which I am procrastinating. I experience great joy when I am doing Your work. Lead me in overcoming the procrastination so that I may bring You glory and experience that great joy once more. Amen.
