Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? That’s not an uncommon thought. But when tomorrow never comes. That can cause problems. I tend to be a procrastinator but learning why I procrastinate helped me stop procrastinating for the most part. What I’ve learned may be helpful to those that are procrastinators, too.

Being a procrastinator is not good for a business owner. Procrastination is usually caused by fear. Trying something new or different makes us feel insecure. So fear happens because our mind is in survival mode trying to stop us from doing anything scary.

So if we find out what we are afraid of, we can take action knowing what is scary. We can transform fear into something useful or develop a mindset that gives us courage to move forward.

Here’s a list of some things that can be scary.

• Not knowing the next step
• Making the wrong decision
• Task is too big or too vague
• The reward is out of reach
• Feelings from the past will surface

When we know what is scary, we can do something about it. We can choose progress not perfection. We can make a plan, break tasks down to manageable steps, gather relevant info and details, and follow the plan.

Sometimes, we just need to do it even when we don’t feel like it. We can’t always wait for when we feel like doing it because that may never come. So the best way to stop procrastination is to just do it. This is easy to say but difficult to do for me sometimes. 

What is your strategy for beating procrastination?

Prayer

Dear God in heaven,

Thank You for not waiting on us to make the first move. Help us to hear You clearly and to have courage to do what You say. May we be a good example of Your love through our quick actions to help others.

 In Your Son’s name, Amen

Verses

James 4:17 If we don’t do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin

Romans 7:15 I don’t understand what I’m doing, for I do not do what I want

2 Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go

Ecclesiastes 11:4 He who watches the wind will not sow and he who observes the clouds will not reap

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

  Song

“Procrastination“ by Allan Wilson is the only song I found about this topic.

 Call to Action

If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then if you’re procrastinating, find out what you’re afraid of and let us know we are not alone in this.