Put Off Procrastination

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Making It Hard

Habits & Routines· Oops Occasions

9 Nov

As a recovering procrastinator, I have just come through a dismal time. I had blogged about facilitating diligence – then I did the opposite. I set myself up for problems and I got them. My time, energy, focus dwindled to a trickle. I shot myself in the foot.

To “shoot oneself in the foot” originally meant to deliberately wound oneself in order to avoid military service. Over the years the meaning has changed to causing your own difficulty.

Both meanings apply to me. I willfully choose to do something even though it will harm me because I don’t want to engage in the battle I should engage in. I choose to do something other than what needs doing when it needs doing. Then I suffer for it. I avoid entering the proper battle yet I still limp around hurting and unable to function well.

The last two weeks I have been sluggish mentally and physically. I noticed it in decision making, driving, interacting with others, and in the work I did not get done. Tears came easily. I sat more in front of the TV and computer.

Here’s what I noticed was ALSO TRUE PHYSICALLY during the same sluggish time period:

I stayed up late at night.

I did not wear my oral device for sleep apnea; thus time in bed did not result in adequate rest.

I walked or exercised only twice.

I ate too much “indulging” food and not enough actual fuel for my body.

I ate too much sugar – a definite downer.

I drank too little water.

I sat in front of the TV and computer more. (This goes on both lists; it can be a cause or a symptom.)

I made it easy to be a sluggard. I facilitated slothfulness. My desire and ability to show up for “battle” dissipated.

Finally, recognizing I needed more rest, I went to bed early wearing the oral device that helps me sleep. Amazing! Then the ole brain recognized the other ways I’d set myself up for difficulties and I began to correct. Life is better!

All the time, but now as we head into the holidays, it’s important we maintain energy and make good decisions. We can facilitate those things by caring for ourselves physically – rather than shooting ourselves in the foot.

What physical care do you find essential not to put off so that you function well?

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6 Comments

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Comments

  1. Shari A says

    November 9, 2015 at 8:23 am

    I know right away if I miss my vitamins and quiet time. Both are essential to keeping me on track, otherwise I begin making “not-so-good” decisions throughout my day.

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      November 9, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      You have learned well, Shari, knowing what’s essential for you. You have prioritized spiritual and physical nourishment. And you make better decisions as a result! I’m paying attention to your words.

      Reply
  2. Mary Roberts says

    November 9, 2015 at 8:28 am

    Thanks for sharing this! Last week we had a home improvement project going on with workers in and out each day. We also had 2 evening activities that meant we got to bed quite late and then we packed a busy day into Saturday. I was tired during the church service yesterday and was not as prepared to worship and listen. Your post is a good reminder of what happens when we have so much going on that we neglect the things that keep our bodies rested and healthy. I am going to more prayerfully plan ahead so that we don’t greet the New Year exhausted and overwhelmed.

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      November 9, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      I hadn’t thought of that, Mary – pacing ourselves during the holidays so we can start the new year ready not pooped out. Good thinking! I should follow your example.

      Reply
  3. Hedy says

    November 9, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Dear Beth,
    Like you, I limped around this past week from shooting myself in the foot. Why? Because I get away with it; there is nobody who will complain about my doing a better job. I keep things basically on the neat side at home and my husband is easy-going.
    However, underneath everything is not quite so neat: there is a pile of stuff that should have been sorted out and its destiny determined. So, this pile looks “neat” and OK but….. it is 1 foot high and growing! Another “foot” to shoot? Yes, for sure; everything in it needs to be sorted, addressed and either filed, reconciled, paid or discarded.
    Maybe you can relate to such a situation. Thank you, Beth; your writing this morning has brought the pile to my attention, again. I shall no longer procrastinate, go through it all and get it finished this week!
    In Proverbs 24:6a I just read: “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war.” You are a great counselor, who reminds me to address my weakness(es) and who quietly speaks to my heart.
    –Hedy
    –November 9, 2015

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      November 9, 2015 at 10:35 pm

      Ooh, right, Hedy. We do appear to get away with much of our procrastination. Problem is, the pressure is lurking just around the corner, ready to pounce. That’s great – “Another foot to shoot”! Let us know how tackling the pile goes. A professional cleaner outer told us that its better to make one large pile than it is to have numerous ones. That way only one shouts for attention. I also find it helpful to have only one pile to root through in case I have to search for something. So, good for you again! Thank you for your encouraging words and example.

      Reply

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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.

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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.”

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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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