Owning My Twisted Thinking – Abide in the Vine
Here, former procrastinators, are some of the totally wrong or twisted thoughts that led to my procrastination and held me in their grip for years. Some of these I consciously relied on. Others I didn’t even notice, but I allowed them to turn me in the wrong direction. Notice how self-centered they are. Also, consider that once a few of these invade thinking, it opens the door to a host of others.
“I have to do all the chores before leaving the house.”
“I have to dress at the last minute so I won’t get dirty doing chores.”
“It’s my responsibility to make sure everything comes out right in this family.” (God didn’t give anybody that assignment. The pressure I felt from that wrong thinking led to my applying unnecessary pressure to our children.)
“I have a month to get that work in. No need to start yet.”
“I don’t think a day late will make any difference.”
“He’s not going to notice.”
“Circumstances will be better later for doing that job.”
“There’s too much to handle right now.”
“Since I don’t like doing this job, I’ll do it when I’m in a good mood.”
“I just don’t want to.”
“Since I don’t have a large chunk of time to work on this, it’s not worth doing any of it.”
“I can only work if I have plenty of time to give this attention.”
“I don’t see why this job is so important.”
“I’m too tired.”
“It’s too late.” “It’s’ too early.” “It’s too hot.” “It’s too cold.”
“I’d rather do ___. That needs to be done too.”
“That’s overwhelming.”
“I don’t know how to start.”
“There’s nothing I can do about it now.”
“I’m only going to spend five minutes doing this little thing, then I’ll get on the job.” (Becomes 25 minutes and no job)
“This won’t take long. I’ll knock it out later.”
“I’m this late already. A little later won’t matter.”
And still, this list is incomplete. I’m capable of making excuses rapidly on the spot. How about you?
Stop and think. What favorite rationalizations or often-used excuses help you approve procrastination? Please share. What you tell us may well help somebody else recognize a trap she’s fallen into.
The same thoughts or “updated versions” of these can still trip me up. I have to stay alert to examine my thinking. Lord, give me discernment!
What thoughts steer you in the wrong direction and influence you to procrastinate?
