Choices change our lives…
By Barbara Dahlgren
My ability to procrastinate amazes me. You might say I’ve mastered the art of procrastination— and I don’t recommend it, but I do have to deal with it. I can find more things to do to keep from doing what I need to do than anyone I know. Idleness is not my problem. I stay plenty busy, but I stay busy doing things I don’t need to do. Like the definition, I am the classic example of “putting off intentionally and habitually doing what should be done.” Sometimes I abhor myself for this trait so I will share my train of thought that leads me astray.
For example, as I wait for motivation to write, I might repeat some pithy sayings designed to motivate me to get started. I repeat them to myself as I sit at my computer with these results:
“The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” WOW! Just thinking about a thousand-mile journey makes me tired. You know, I didn’t get much sleep last night. Maybe I should take a nap and get started after I feel refreshed.
“To start is half the battle.” Oh, that reminds me that I wanted to record that documentary they are showing tonight on PBS about the Battle of Gettysburg. I better go set the DVR right now before I forget.
“Steady, slow, and consistent can accomplish more than brilliant spasms of work.” Brilliant! Yes, I want this thing I’m writing to be brilliant, but my mind doesn’t seem real sharp right now. I bet if I played a game of computer Solitaire it would sharpen my senses. Keeping the mind active helps ward off Alzheimer’s, you know.
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” That reminds me I skipped lunch. Maybe I should make myself a sandwich. Better yet, I’ll just pop out and get a burger. Where is that coupon I had for a dollar off the combo? After I eat, I’ll feel like working.
“Life is like a coin you can spend anyway you want, but you can only spend it once.” Maybe I should put all those coins I’ve been saving in that Mason jar in those little nickel, dime, and quarter wrappers, take them to the bank, and see how much I have. I could use the money to buy my burger.
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Where is that to-do list I was making for tomorrow? I just thought of a few more things I need to put on it. Better put them on the list now before I forget. I just love checking off things on my to-do list when I get them done. But what did I do with that list???
“No farmer ever plowed a field by turning it over in his head.” You know, my Uncle John is a farmer. He’s pretty old and I haven’t talked to him in a while. I think I’ll give him a call. I always feel so inspired after we chat.
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Where is that Steve Greg book I was reading about hell, anyway? Maybe I should read a little of it. Hey, if there is anything that will motivate me, it’s thinking about going to hell. Motivate me???? What is it I’m trying to do? Sorry, I lost my concentration. What was I talking about? Oh yes! Procrastination!
Then I think of this quote by St. Augustine: “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but he has promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” Now that’s pretty pithy! And here’s another one that works well for me: “Just do it!”
Consider this… We can never redeem all the wasted time (Ephesians 5:16) so just do it! Do it now!
One final thought… I found this on the internet while procrastinating. Old habits die hard.
Procrastination is my sin.
It brings me naught but sorrow.
I know that I should stop it.
In fact, I will…tomorrow.
~Gloria Pitzer
