All Tied Up
Have you ever said “tomorrow I will . . .” do this, start that, stop doing that, ask, decide, etc?
Yes, tomorrow is the day to start a diet, declutter, stop worrying, pay off debt, end that toxic relationship, etc.
At some point we’ve all procrastinated not realizing the cost and it’s steep.
Christ said “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.” Matt 24:43
While He was discussing end times events, something else struck me about this verse.
There’s a thief among us robbing us of our confidence, abundance and overall wellness. Its name is procrastination.
We delay pursuing better health, tackling home projects, forgiving others, going after a goal, cleaning up our mindsets, making hard decisions or facing issues we’d rather ignore.
Procrastination keeps us complacent, overthinking, stuck, confused, scared and overwhelmed.
It justifies all the reason why we “can’t because well we don’t have time, it’s too hard, no one’ll understand, we’ve tried before and failed, we can’t afford to, we don’t want to hurt anyone, we feel guilty” and on and on.
But just as Christ warned us about the thief He also provided us the solution to defeating him. “Be on the alert” and “know when the thief” is going to show up so we’re prepared having our weapon drawn.
When the thought “I can do this tomorrow” or “starting tomorrow” comes to mind, I know procrastination is prowling at my door.
For a long time, I never understood how to “take every thought captive” as Paul instructs so I’d just let every thought run wild in my mind like a bull in a china shop. 2 Cor 10:5
I didn’t have the discipline to do otherwise.
I never realized I was responsible for my thoughts so when procrastination thoughts knocked I let them in, sat down on my mental sofa and did nothing. I procrastinated.
Many women I work with cringe when we start discussing discipline.
Discipline is viewed as punishment, deprivation or harsh treatment. We associate it with being corrected as children, grounded, sent to our room or having privileges taken away.
Discipline is actually one of three gifts given to us by God and is the vehicle that transports us from procrastination to purposeful action. Discipline teams with power and love to overcome fear. 2 Tim 1:9
Discipline ushers in excellent health, financial freedom, clean surroundings, enjoyable relationships, career success, powerful, supportive thoughts and peaceful living.
It keeps us quiet when we want to lash out and calm when we want to react from current emotions.
What I know from experience is that procrastination is rooted in fear and keeps us living on a roundabout we can’t exit from, a vicious cycle of starting and quitting that leaves us feeling shame, guilt and regret.
We procrastinate out of fear of “what if it doesn’t work out” “what if I fail” “what will others think” “what if they say no” “I’m too busy” “One day when” etc.
We all possess the power to overcome procrastination and we all get to decide to use this power or keep it propped up in the corner collecting dust.
I believe practicing discipline is an act of love towards God and self-care towards ourselves.
Discipline is the best friend we didn’t know we needed. Discipline defeats the predator of procrastination.
Because life’s too short and there are no do-overs. You and I get one shot at this.
The greatest tragedy is to come to the end of life regretting what you put off for too long until it’s too late. I’m preaching to myself here too!
The trip you always wanted to take, the idea you always wanted to pursue, the fun you always craved, the friendships you desperately needed, the forgiveness you wish you’d extended to save a relationship, the grace you wish you’d given yourself, the life you wish you’d lived.
The Art of Discipline is the key to living well, wealthy and in peace.
Because we create our habits then they create us. Discipline is intentionally choosing habits that create the us we want.
Sandra Hubbard
The Lifestyle Coach for Women
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