Put Off Procrastination

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Giving Up to Gain

Decision Making· Mindset

12 Mar

Fellow former procrastinators, I have given up my dear minivan. Giving it up nearly did me in.  For two years I put off parting with it.  We’ve been through a lot together.  It has served me, our family, and others well.  It was the last in a string of minivans and took the prize at hanging in for 15 years.

Acquiring a new-to-us car was frustrating. What I wanted and what was available or realistic conflicted.  The features I wanted do not exist together.  Though it was my decision, as family repeated deliberations they heard me ponder, they helped me recognize my conflicts.  My husband looked up information which I charted about different vehicles.  I test drove some.  Our son kept asking me, “What are your priorities?”

During the decision process, my priorities changed. I began to face some facts. I’m not great in certain parking situations. (Family members can parallel park in two swoops of the steering wheel!)  I seldom carry several people at a time. I probably should not haul as much as I have been.  That’s the hardest part.  I haul furniture, plants, boxes.  The means to haul sat in our driveway ready to roll which made life easy and me happy.

Recently I mentioned to a friend I’d not be able to move his furniture. He responded “That’s okay.  Neither can I.  I’ll pay for delivery.”  Ah!  Also, we have few friends with trucks, but trucks are easy to rent for a day. It will pinch when I can’t haul; but honestly, I don’t have enough hauling days to justify owning a bigger vehicle.

The fact is, parts of life are changing. The longer I put off accepting that, the more burden I force myself to carry.

So, with changed priorities, I ended up with something quite different than I started out looking for. I have moved to a somewhat smaller but very useful car.  I really like it!  Smart move.

I have given up the ability to carry as many people and haul as much stuff. In return I have gained greater ease in driving and parking.  I have a car that serves me better where I am now.

Procrastinators hesitate to give up something to gain something else. Leaving things as they are comforts us in the short term.  We opt for instant gratification instead of choosing the better thing we want more – a job complete, a decision made, a peaceful heart and mind.

In our office we’re giving up excess paper and books to gain freedom and function we’ll really enjoy. We can give up TV to gain reading time.  We can give up a few purchases to gain provision for others.  We can give up some sugar to gain energy and healthier bones.  We can give up pride to gain the benefit of counsel.

Giving up to gain requires facing facts, taking responsibility, and exercising courage. The rewards are worth it.

What can you give up for greater gain?

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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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"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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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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