Put Off Procrastination

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Pause, Don’t Stop

Decision Making· Mindset

23 Jan

Former procrastinators, I’m celebrating a victory this week. I’ve gone back to the gym!

Let me pause and remind those of you who can, to come to a procrastination conference in Alexandria, VA January 27-28. I’ll be giving three talks. It would be great to see you!

http://www.alexandriapres.org/calendar/womens-conference

Also, remember I really like your feedback and input on the blog anytime!

Now back to the gym. I’ve been away a long time – since October. My husband’s mom declined greatly then passed away. That meant we were needed elsewhere and there was no gym or time to visit one. I feel like the Lord gave me a gift during that time – a clear conscience. I set important gym-going aside in order to pay attention to something else more important then.

We had sweet interaction with family and friends during that period and also tended to special tasks. I’m grateful we were able to give ourselves without hesitation.

I don’t feel those weeks were “lost.” They were directed by the Lord into something different than I expected but very valuable.

Then, like most of you, we rolled into a busy December with conflicts that made the gym difficult. My conscience is not quite as clear for that time; there will always be conflicts. But one thing for sure: I knew I was still a Gym- Goer. I knew I’d be back. It was “Pause, don’t stop.”

“Pause, don’t stop” has helped me often. Sometimes interruptions bring our work to a halt. Most of the time that doesn’t mean we have to give it up. It means we have to set it aside for a period – and come back as soon as possible – whether minutes or months later.

A familiar refrain is “Now my whole day is shot.” Rarely is that true. Pause, don’t stop.

Maybe you had car trouble, or had to pick up a sick child at school, or the computer went down. Though interruptions mean a change of focus, they do not usually mean death to our work. We need not throw up our hands and walk off the job. Pick up a hammer and put in a few nails. Jot down some ideas, make a phone call, email a question.

Stay alert. Giving something up for a while can be a deadly trap for someone prone to procrastination. Our stride is broken and we slump. “Oh well. I couldn’t keep it going.” Or “Such and such made me stop.” That’s when we need to buck up and remind ourselves, “Pause, don’t stop.” Get back in the game as soon as possible. No excuses. Or stay in the game making small contributions.

A pause in music is not the end of the piece; it continues on. Pause on the tv remote does not cut the power. Remember your connection to the Holy Spirit’s power. Pause, don’t stop!

When do you need to practice “Pause, don’t stop”?

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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.”

Rebecca F.

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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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