Just Do It!

Are you a procrastinator like me? When given a daunting, overwhelming or unpleasant task I often will reply, “When I get around to it”. I have no excuse now because I found a round TUIT and you can have one too!  Please copy and cut one out for yourself. Put it in a safe place and try not to lose it. These TUITS are hard to find – especially the round ones. This will help solve your problems about starting on time and getting things done.  Copy this and hand them out to friends who may be having a hard time “getting a round TUIT.”

I found many charts, signs, posts and quotes about procrastination.  Benjamin Franklin said,  “You may delay, but time will not.”  Other quips included; “I put the Pro in procrastination”,   “Time stands still for no man”.  “Time lost cannot be regained”.  And the fact that, “I’m very busy doing things I don’t need to do in order to avoid doing anything I’m actually supposed to be doing”.

Procrastination can lead us to the sin of omission – James wrote, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”  James 4:17   Time or opportunities pass by. Sometimes we get a second chance but not always.  When we fail to send an encouraging note, delay visiting a sick relative or miss an important deadline, the moment is gone. Then the I shoulda’, coulda’ and woulda’ excuses come too late.

There are many reasons for procrastination:                                                                                                       1. perfectionism  2. feeling inadequate  3.undeveloped study skills  4. aversion to discomfort  5.resentment  6.being over extended  7. life style issues   8. fear of success/failure  9. overwhelming negative emotional states

There is freedom and sense of accomplishment when we finish things. So,we need to examine our hearts and figure out why we are balking at the task in front of us.   God wants us to use our time wisely and he promises to give us the resources and strength to do what we need to. The apostle Paul wrote , ” For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”.   Phil 4:13    God has given us many verses pertaining to using opportunities and the value of time management in His Word.

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.      Eccl 11:4 (NLT)        – there is NO perfect time later

Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.    Prov 27:1                        –   we only get one day at a time

 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.      Psalms 90:12                       – life is short and time passes quickly

If you have a problem with procrastination like I do some days, pick up your “round TUIT” and let this be your prayer:

Lord, I don’t need to add more things onto my to-do list. Help me to use my time wisely and to make the most of opportunities that come my way. Give me purpose for each day, the desire to do well and strength for each task. No matter if big or little help me

…. just do it!