FROM PROCRASTINATION TO ACTION: Stop waiting and start doing

How to Get Back on Track When Your Schedule Derails

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

“Putting off a simple thing makes it hard, and putting off a hard thing makes it impossible.” – John Mason

Happy Wednesday! The reason I haven’t written my blog for two weeks is that I needed to work on another project that I had put off, which put me behind in my blogging schedule. So, can you guess today’s topic? I’m writing on procrastination. (hahaha)

I wrote two weeks ago about staying mentally motivated amidst an endless to-do list. This week’s focus is on maintaining our sanity when we’re behind schedule.  

I’m finding that successful time management requires more than just a to-do list; it involves managing ourselves, especially our mindset.

A long to-do list can be mentally draining, and delaying tasks further increases the stress.  

Did you know procrastination is an intentional decision? I had not viewed putting something off as intentional, but in reality, it is. According to https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinate, procrastination means “to put off intentionally and habitually.” So, procrastination is intentional, and if we’re not careful, it can become a habit.

There are many reasons we procrastinate; some are psychological. Since I’m not a qualified professional, I’ll leave it up to you to research the underlying psychological reasons behind procrastination. I found this article informative and helpful. Perhaps you will as well. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-psychology-of-procrastination-2795944

As I pondered why I procrastinate, I recognized several reasons:

1) OVERLOADED TO-DO LIST. – Often, I have more to do than I can accomplish in a day, so I'm forced to decide what I want to do versus what I need to do. As a result, key tasks are delayed, increasing daily stress. For me, tackling the hard tasks in the morning helps my productivity. Particularly when my body and mind are more alert. Are you a morning person, or is your mind sharper in the afternoon? Some people are most productive after the evening meal. Discover what time of the day works best for you and work on the more arduous tasks during that time.  

2) OVERTHINKING - Contemplating doing something instead of actually doing it weakens the mindset. What once seemed possible now seems enormous in our minds. Therefore, we procrastinate. When tempted to delay a project, I have to remind myself, “Don’t dread it, just do it!”

3) FAILURE TO PLAN - Some people are better planners than others. I’ve read books on time management, and instead of feeling inspired, their method felt overwhelming. I encourage you to keep researching and striving towards better time management until you find what works best for you. Only you know your habits and what adjustments are needed.    

4) SPIRITUAL ATTACK – We might not recognize procrastination as a spiritual battle, but I assure you, it is. Anything that disturbs your peace of mind is not of the Holy Spirit. Author John Mason, in his book Be Yourself: Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live, wrote a fantastic chapter on procrastination. For copyright reasons, I’m unable to share everything. Here are some of his insights, which resonated in my spirit, taken from Nugget #11, titled, Destiny Delayed is the Devil’s Delight.  

“The most important moment in your life is right now. Don’t let hesitation and procrastination keep you from your destiny.”

“Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried.”

“Anybody who brags about what he’s going to do tomorrow probably did the same thing yesterday.” (This one caused me to chuckle. Sometimes we put off doing a particular task for days/months/years on end!)

5) WE’RE TIRED – This is one of the main reasons I procrastinate. I’m tired. Having struggled with chronic fatigue for over two decades, I’ve learned to push myself. However, there are times I must step back and rest. Sometimes we’re our biggest enemies when we don’t allow ourselves to step away and refresh our bodies.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

God is glorified in our lives when we are hard-working. In the book of Proverbs, we learn that laziness is squandering the time God gives. “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster” (Proverbs 18:9).

In the book of Acts, we read about a disciple of Jesus who was “full of good works.” One day, she died, and since Peter was in a nearby town, the elders summoned his help.

“Then Peter arose and went with them. When he came, they took him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them,” (Acts 9:39 Italics mine).

One of the main reasons to guard against procrastination is that one day our window of opportunity will close. Dorcas used her talents and time “while she was with them.” As a result, when she passed, she left something of value behind.

As we read further in Acts, we find that Peter raised Dorcas back from the dead and presented her alive.

“But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.” (Acts 9:40-41)

Has procrastination affected your routine? It’s not too late. Pray for God to revive whatever is lacking in your life so that you can be a good steward of your time.

It is my prayer that we all follow Solomon’s advice, “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, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). And, like Dorcas, let’s make the most of our window of opportunity.  

May we all commit to “kill procrastination, not time” (John Mason) so we may excel in our work for the Lord. “Be jealous of your time; it’s your greatest treasure.” (John Mason)

Remember: the struggle is real, and our actions are a reflection of our testimony for the Lord.   

How about you? What keeps you from carrying out everything you’d like to do? What actions have you found that work best for you? We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions.

GIVE-AWAY: I find John Mason's book, Be Yourself: Discover the Life You Were Meant to Live, inspirational and motivating. I'd love to share a copy of it with you. For everyone who comments, shares, or likes my blog, I'll enter your name in a drawing for a free copy of his book. Drawing will take place next Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Thank you again for reading my blog. I pray it helps you on your journey as you get your schedule back on track.

All for His glory,

Billie