4 Ways To KICK Procrastination

I read some where that “procrastination is the assumption that you will get more time to do something you should have already done.” I like to define procrastination as, “the audacity to believe God is going to give us another chance to do something we should have done yesterday.” We’ve all done it at some time or other. We hit the snooze button more than once, put off our exercise routine until tomorrow but tomorrow never comes, delay starting or finishing that project, putting off that business idea or going back to school, or countless other examples.

Procrastination is the mother of all “demons” and can literally stop you in your tracks from achieving all that you desire.

Here are 4 processes you can use to slay this giant.

1. PLAN YOUR LIFE

GET A PLANNER, ASAP! I am nothing without my planner and I encourage others to attempt to organize themselves this way. This helps me to get a clear picture of what requires my attention and where not to focus. I can see when I’m available and when I’m not. Planning helps me to get more done with my time. Planning is a wonderful way to beat procrastination.

Proverbs 10:4: Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

2. DO IT NOW

JUMP RIGHT IN!!! Putting things off until the last minute is a bad habit and like all habits is ingrained in our subconscious mind and hard to break. It feels like the normal thing to do and we simply continue along our path. To complete a task immediately may even feel strange or like a forced action. However, tomorrow is NOT promised but we always think it is. And if by chance we are granted with another day, we never know what that day will bring. Stop putting off for tomorrow, what we can do today.

Proverbs 18:9: One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

3. BREAK THINGS DOWN

Sometimes we procrastinate because the task may be too intimidating. Perhaps we have no possible idea on where to start. Organize your thoughts. Then, break down the “project” into smaller pieces and tackle each bit separately. Make each task an individual goal and after completion of each one, celebrate and acknowledge your achievement. How do you climb a mountain? ONE STEP AT A TIME!

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength

4. GET HELP

Listen, asking for help is one of the hardest things to do for many. While we like to believe we can do anything, we can’t do everything. Stop putting off tasks because you feel that they are too big and complex for you to handle alone? “No man is an island”! ASK FOR HELP! Better yet, ask God to reveal to you the individuals that can help you. Build a team that you can rely. Get a mastermind group together, find a mentor, join a support group. You don’t have to do it all by yourself. YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL YOURSELF!!! To get where you want to go, you will need the help of others. An army of one is sure to burn out much faster than someone who delegates. You are AMAZING but you’re not super natural, BUILD YOUR TEAM!!!

Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Procrastination is a form of self-sabotage. We often give in to self-sabotaging behaviors for many reasons but fear of the unknown often takes precedence. We desire for “more” but “more” is unfamiliar territory that comes with it’s own responsibilities. Many rather deal with the “devil they know” than the one they do NOT. Don’t allow this fear to be your crutch any longer. Believe that you’re able and capable to handle whatever you’re presented. Procrastination may be comfortable but it’s very costly. It’s costing you your dreams, desires, goals, and incredible moments and memories that could be experienced.

Let procrastination be a characteristic of who you USE TO BE! Not a part of who you are!

AFFIRM THIS: I am focused, motivated, and determined. I am using my power to change my life and the lives of those closely connected to me. I am ready for what’s to come.