Put Off Procrastination

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Setting Reachable Goals

Goals & Priorities

16 Mar

Determined to stop procrastinating, I find I often set unrealistic goals. I regret losing benefits in the past, so I want to make the most of all I can now.

To “optimize” is “to make something as good or as effective as possible.” (Merriam-Webster) I want to make my life as good, as effective for the Lord as possible. I want to know Him deeply and to benefit others. Prayerfully setting goals helps me do that.

Here are some things that help me remember how to set goals and reach them. I like the letters OPTMIS to remind me to optimize the gift of time in a God-honoring manner.

O – Obtainable. Is this a desire or a truly achievable goal? (“Goals and Desires” March 2. 2015) Do I have control of the factors that will make this happen? How much time and energy can I reasonably commit? Two hours a month volunteering or 20 minutes a day sewing may be appropriate.

P – Precise. Is the wording of this goal specific? Not “Lose weight” but “Lose 10 pounds.” Not “Exercise more” but “Walk 45 minutes 5 times per week.” To word positively, say “Become 10 pounds lighter!”

T – Time limit. Setting an end time to achieve the goal creates energy and focus. It adds motivation and prompts action today. The time limit should be reasonable. “Become 10 pounds lighter by August 1.” Or “Memorize 1 Corinthians 13 by April 10.”

M – Measure. What concrete criteria will I use to gauge progress? “Weigh every Tuesday and record in a diary.” “Use phone app to record walking dates, times, distances.” I can see what I’ve actually done then adjust my efforts accordingly. And celebrate!

I – Ink it! Write down my goal AND why it is important to me. Writing the “why” motivates by highlighting the positive impact and satisfaction the completed goal will bring. “I want to be 10 pounds lighter to relieve stress on my heart and make it easier to breathe when I climb stairs.” Post this paper where I will be reminded to take action – the bathroom mirror, the computer screen, over the kitchen sink.

S – Share. Telling a friend my goal and my why strengthens my commitment to act – and increases the joy as I progress. (You ladies help me a lot!)

Setting goals for things we believe the Lord is calling us to do helps us achieve them. We can optimize the daily life God gives us and step by step progress in our calling.

What goals- or tweaks in goals – do you need to make?

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2 Comments

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Achieving Reachable Goals »

Comments

  1. Elena Schuenemeyer says

    March 17, 2015 at 10:38 pm

    As my son said, “Pick one thing you can work on this week. Make small changes.” Those words brought back all the memories of my lofty goals I set every year I get my physical done. I’m going to walk every day, never eat sugar again, or fat, and I’ll be diligent to take my calcium. Well, I’m taking a different approach. One or two attainable goals. No more sugar in my coffee , and besides, I really don’t need coffee everyday. It’s been almost a week 🙂 I’ll enjoy it more for special occasions.
    Next one is my walking schedule. Thank you Beth for your words of encouragement!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 18, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      A wise young man! Small changes make a big difference – big enough to form new habits. Isn’t that what we want? Your examples are perfect, Elena! Thank you!

      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 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.”

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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.”
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“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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