Edward Young famously wrote, “Procrastination is the thief of time.”  Every moment we waste in procrastination is a moment we can never retrieve.  It is time lost forever.  I believe that procrastination is the leading cause of most people never realizing their potential. 

Most of the time, we put off doing things that would most benefit us.  We continue to short-change ourselves by putting off those things that we know really are good for us – things like beginning a personal Bible study and prayer time, eating a more healthy diet, exercise, tithing, or any number of other beneficial life disciplines.  The devil uses procrastination to keep us ineffective by tempting us to put off those things that will make us stronger and move us closer to the Lord.

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A Biblical Example of Procrastination

When it came time to occupy the Promised Land, God’s people also suffered from a serious case of procrastination.  We can read about in Joshua 18:1-3. 

The people had gathered at Shiloh after successfully subduing the land that God had given them.  They had driven out enemies and established settlements throughout the land, and some of the tribes had claimed their promised territory.

Yet, we read that seven tribes had not claimed their promised land.  The land was theirs, all they had to do was claim it, but instead they procrastinated.  That is when Joshua asked them, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land God…has given you?”  What were they waiting on? 

Perhaps the amount of time the conquest had taken discouraged them. Maybe they thought subduing the land was going to be as easy as Jericho.  We don’t know why, but they procrastinated.  The land was theirs, but they were not living on it, not enjoying what was theirs, simply because they procrastinated in taking it.

Stop Procrastinating TODAY

What can we do to get off of ground zero and get moving?  I want to suggest some action steps that I think can help us overcome our tendency to procrastinate.

1.  Realize where and when you are procrastinating.

Be honest with yourself and write things that you should be doing but aren’t.  Don’t make excuses, but identify the legitimate areas in your life where you put off doing things, and ask yourself why you procrastinate in that area.  Why does it seem unpleasant?  Putting it off will not make it less unpleasant, and the only way eliminate the unpleasantness is to get the task behind you.

2.  Recognize what needs doing that isn’t getting done.

Are there sins standing in the way of our obedience that we need to confess and renounce?  Are there life habits we need to change, schedules we need to rearrange, or disciplines we need to engage?  Then simply do it, get after it, get started. Commit to intentional steps and begin doing those things.

I’ve discovered that keeping a to-do list and checking it daily (or several times a day) helps keep me on track.  When I neglect my list, I procrastinate; when I follow my list, I am much more productive.

Do the most difficult or unpleasant tasks during the times when you are most alert and energetic then save the easier and less unpleasant tasks for those times when you are not necessarily at your best. Schedule your activity around your natural flow of energy and attention.

3.  Build in a level of accountability.

When you assign yourself a task, also assign a time frame in which you will do it.  Don’t just say, “I’m going to start a personal Bible study time” and leave it at that.  Instead, say, “Beginning tomorrow, I am going to start a daily morning personal Bible study time.”  The time references give you more accountability.

Bring in a trusted (and preferably over-achieving) friend to keep you accountable to your to-do list. When you agree to do something with or for someone, include a time by which you will have it done.  Be intentional and be specific.

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4.  Celebrate your successes.

One my favorite things about my to-do list is the line struck through completed tasks.  That strike-through is to me what a gold medal is to an olympic athlete.  It means I won the battle against procrastination and completed my task.

Find other ways to celebrate your accomplishments.  Overcoming procrastination is no small feat, so celebrate when you do. 

I have discovered that when there is an option of doing something now or later that now is almost always the best option.  What are you waiting for?  Stop reading blogs and get after it!!!!

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Related blog on procrastination: The “Other” Two Sons