The Dangers Of Procrastination And How To Knock It Off

Are you a planner, a doer or a procrastinator? Or are you a fun blend of all three? Is that even possible? Or does your style of accomplishing things not even fit in to one of these categories?

I wish I could say that I'm a planner and a doer. I love the planning process of just about everything, and I love to see the finished product. I'm big on results and accomplishments. They keep me going until I start another project, which usually comes along quickly.

But you'll notice that I left out a step from the middle of this timeline. I love planning, I love the results, but I'm not always good at the doing part. I've always been a good-under-pressure-and-on-a-deadline kind of girl. If there's a ticking clock and someone is relying on me to finish my tasks, I'm much more motivated in the doing phase.

But this is not always (most often) the best scenario for me. Procrastination is a subtle condition that goes straight to my heart attitude. I'm much more likely to do the planning - because that's creative and fun - and celebrate the end results - because that's also fun. My heart and my brain get bogged down in the execution stage, though, so it's up to me to move myself along.

And Scripture doesn't pull any punches, either.

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, wither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

If the inspiration, motivation and dedication behind our actions isn't bringing God the glory in all things, then what we do is pointless. If we're not willing to do the boots-on-the-ground work necessary to fulfill God's purpose for our lives, then we shouldn't even bother. He knows our hearts, so He already knows why we're doing what we're doing. And if that's not soul-searching, I don't know what is.

It's my heart's desire to be exactly what God wants me to be in my work, whether it's at the office, in our home or in the community. I am praying right now that procrastination will be the furthest thing from my mind as I get down to the business of doing. The planning and the celebrating success mean nothing if there's not dedication in the work. 

There's nothing I want more than being a servant of the Lord, but I can't do that and keep procrastinating. Will you join me in the doing this weekend? 

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