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Exchanging Performance Expectations – Lay Aside Every Weight

Holidays

7 Nov

Let’s have an early gift exchange, former procrastinators, not involving anybody else yet benefitting others as well as ourselves.  To participate in this exchange, we identify expectations that drag us down and exchange them for encouraging expectations that lift us up.  The sooner we do this in the season, the more joy we’ll have and the freer we will be to nurture those in our homes. Delaying this exchange can mean disappointment and stress.

First, let’s examine the area of “personal performance” expectations.  Even when we drop the weight of perfectionism we talked about last week, we can still place unrealistic demands on ourselves. We don’t intend to try for perfection, but we might try for too much. 

Identify the “too’s.” 

Is the calendar or schedule too tight – too much to do in too little time?  Exchange for a realistic flexible schedule that requires less precision.

Am I planning too many dishes for the time and people involved?  Exchange a large assortment for fewer dishes.

Is a dish too demanding for the situation?  Exhange the last minute souffle’ that must be perfectly timed (and may not work) for something less persnickety.

Am I requiring too much of myself alone?  Exchange “I can do it” for asking others for help. (Bring food, pitch in on clean up.)

Are my expectations too high for small children? Exchange unreasonable hopes for spreading a plastic cloth under their chairs.  Exchange an unfriendly- to -children environment with supplies that help occupy wee folk.  One friend stocks up on dozens of children’s library books when they have family gatherings.

Are my expectations too high for pets?  Exchange controlling critters for boarding them or making other arrangements.

Do I spend too much on gifts?  Exchange overspending for creative ideas that are  personal, appreciated, and do not cause stress later.

If travelling, am I packing too much?  Exchange excess for a streamlined wardrobe of a few mix and match.

Think of yourself as a cheerful facilitator (or participating guest) not a performer or source- of all- provision. Swap “too much” for realistic and nuturing. 

What “too’s”  can you identify in your expectations for Thanksgiving and Christmas?

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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.

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“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.”

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“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.”
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"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."

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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/
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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

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