Put Off Procrastination

  • Home
  • Meet Beth
  • Blog
  • Speaking
    • Speaking Topics
    • Speaking Schedule
  • Resources
    • You Might Be a Procrastinator If…
    • Books and More
    • Helpful Project Tips
    • Suggestions from You
    • Diligence Ditties
  • Contact

And She’s Off!

Accountability Friend

12 Jan

Former procrastinator, what have you decided to tackle so that you can walk free?

I’m tackling our old school room. We called it that though we only stored stuff in there – photos, books, files, unhung pictures, extra chairs, books, photos, rugs, suitcases, books, photos. Yep, the door is always closed.

If I can’t or won’t deal with something, into that room it goes. Went. Until December 10, 2014.

That day, I met with friends I asked to hold me accountable to clean out that room making it functional and welcoming. They asked questions helping me develop a vision for how I’d like to use the room. They helped me face truth about keeping books, papers, stuff I will not likely use. They wanted my plan.

For years I have “cleaned” that room regularly. Mostly, I reshuffled the stuff around and made it more presentable. I organized the excess. I threw out or gave away a bit. We could say I dealt with the top few inches. This time I’m taking it down to the bottom!

Remember that TV show Clean Sweep? The pros would remove EVERYTHING from a room so that it was down to walls and floor. They helped the owners give away, sell, or throw away all excess. They returned to the room only the items needed.

Logistically, I am unable to empty the room. So I’m doing the next best thing and it’s working! I have removed the big chunks that made the room unsightly and hard to maneuver in – suitcases, boxes, etc. Some things cannot stay where I’ve placed them- which encourages me to get this done- but the room is now available for deeper cleanout.

The biggies this week are a file and a bookcase. I get so excited when something goes out to the car or trash!

June 30 is the deadline. It’s far enough out to be realistic considering other things in life. Three friends have the mini goals I set for each week through February. Every week I email them to report my progress. In March I will make a new set of goals based on progress to that point.

This is joyful!!

Need to tackle something you’ve put off? It doesn’t have to be big, just something that will free you. Done in two hours, two weeks, or two months – walk free! It’s easier to comment on here now, so what’s your project?

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

10 Comments

« Thorny Hedge or Highway?
Recalculating… »

Comments

  1. Karen Galambos says

    January 12, 2015 at 6:53 am

    I opened one of the filing cabinets in the basement last week and discovered math materials that I used when teaching 12 years ago. I haven’t used them since we moved 7 years ago. Do you suppose it’s time to throw them out or share them with another teacher?

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:59 am

      Yes it is! Good response to your discovery, Karen! Confession: It’s easier for me to say that about YOUR stuff than it is about MINE. 🙂 I’m not emotionally attached to yours. However, I have removed several inches of old teaching materials from my file. Thanks much for chiming in!

      Reply
  2. Elena Schuenemeyer says

    January 12, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    I have so many rooms like that! We just sent our last one to college. It’s time! Where do I start??? The two that immediately come to mind are our closets and the basement. It’s like, where do I begin in the basement. It’s become our catch all…I mean our catch ALL! I like your idea of getting rid of the big stuff. OK, so let’s make a goal date. The big stuff out by April. Keep me accountable! Thank you Beth for motivating me!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      January 13, 2015 at 10:49 am

      Where to start?? Thanks for bringing that up, Elena! What a monster thought. Getting the big stuff out enabled me to get around in the room and access more things. After that, I tackled piles stacked on the floor. Then I could focus on shelves and files. You asked for it – I have a sticky on my computer now that says “April 1 – Elena – big stuff out of basement.” Let me know if you mean April 30. You’re on! Thanks for inspiring us!

      Reply
  3. Missy Jones says

    January 13, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Thank you so much for encouraging me to ‘seize the moment’ and tackle several items on my ‘to do’ list each day. Either when I am searching for a spatula in a crowded kitchen drawer or adding a new lipstick to the appropriate shade section in the makeup drawer, you have inspired me to ‘get things in order’! I will be back later to comment on how you have encouraged me to read daily devotions. Love all your ideas!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      January 14, 2015 at 9:00 am

      Thank you, Missy! You’re showing us how helpful order can be everywhere. How often do we search for something, losing time and creating frustration? Bet your morning routine is smooooth!

      Reply
  4. Mary Roberts says

    January 14, 2015 at 8:34 am

    My messy desk is one of the places where ignored projects languish . Now that my husband is retired and we have time, I want to update our wills and get the proper powers of attorney completed. Over the past year, I have accumulated a pile of material I collected at a retirement seminar along with three newspaper columns by a lady who has written quite a bit about getting your personal affairs in order. After reading this blog post, I have moved the pile out “of the shadows” on my desk and “into the light” at my computer where I will be working on this project. My first goal is to get one power of attorney completed before mid-February when we leave to visit family. I will update you on my progress! Thank you for your encouragement!!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 2, 2015 at 9:49 am

      Mary, what a way to express it – places where ignored projects languish! You brought them out of the shadows into the light. Outstanding! Ha! So the papers are out – standing where you can see them and take action. (I couldn’t resist.) Staying tuned for your progress. This is a fabulous area for our attention – no matter what age we are.

      Reply
  5. Lynn Sterkenburg says

    January 15, 2015 at 11:20 am

    OK Beth – I will start small – my pots/pans drawers in the kitchen need organization (I very limited space). I will finish the two drawers by 18 January. I’m accountable…it’s in print!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      January 17, 2015 at 12:18 pm

      You’re on, Lynn! I’m writing it down. That’s a great thing to tackle. Afterwards, every time you open that drawer you’ll have a “peace thrill”!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

Learn more about Beth ≫

Join me in gaining victory!

Subscribe to receive my weekly post in your email inbox with encouraging tips for tackling procrastination and creating peace.

Privacy Policy

Browse by Category

Browse Archives

What Others are Saying

"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."

Cindy C.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:28-04:00

Cindy C.

"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/cindy-c/
“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

Christine B.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/christine-b/
"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

Mary R.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-13T20:09:23-04:00

Mary R.

"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/mary-r/
"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"

Josie O.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-13T20:10:12-04:00

Josie O.

"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/josie-o/
"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."

Megan P.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:40:50-04:00

Megan P.

"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/megan-p/
0
0
Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

Copyright © 2022 Beth Sterne | Design by The Design Diva | Development by MRM | Privacy Policy