Put Off Procrastination

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The Cost of Neglect Up Close 2

Decision Making· Habits & Routines

13 Jun

The high cost of neglect is motivating for us former procrastinators. The consequences of not having done what needed doing when it needed doing are unpleasant, embarrassing, and expensive. (Please see The Cost of Neglect, May 30, 2016, and The Cost of Neglect Up Close, June 6, 2016.) Let’s continue with my list.

Household – That broken board on our shed ramp or a broken porch step can lead to a broken leg or a lawsuit. Letting maintenance go affects safety, property values, and neighborhood goodwill. Gotta fight some mildew in the shower‚Ķ

Marriage – Jobs and children tend to squeak more loudly than husbands – until things get seriously bad. Respecting my husband especially in ways particularly important to him is good marriage maintenance. Earlier dinner has been a big hit here. I’d like the joys and stimulation of a life shared not lived merely parallel.

Medical – Here it is especially tempting to think, “If I ignore it, it will go away.” A small spot tended to is easier to deal with than an invasive condition. I should check on the reason for an ache before it becomes a debilitating issue.

Parenting – In the press of feeding, clothing, chauffeuring, refereeing, teaching, etc., it’s easy to miss the cry of young hearts to feel heard and valued by us. I wish I’d had an ear quicker to listen and a tongue slower to speak.

Play – Without play, we lose some of the joy God intends for us – and so do those around us. If I had valued play more and built in time for it, our home would’ve been more relaxed and felt more accepting. Walking through a mud puddle and good ole belly laughs are healthy.

Physical – Knowing the benefit of exercise and healthy eating doesn’t give me those benefits. I have to get out and move, I have to pass up the donut and grab an apple. Putting off in this area costs me in many others because of the impact my health has on everything else.

Relationships – We need people – and they need us. We don’t have to host fancy parties. We can make phone calls or send emails. When we lose connection with people, we lose enjoyment, comfort, mutual sharpening, accountability. I should initiate more often instead of leaving that with the other person. Even that can minister.

Rest – Build it in. To neglect this part of our design means a negative effect all around. I’m learning I think much more clearly when I go to bed by 10. Those around us are affected by our state of tiredness. It’s not a good idea to get used to operating that way.

We avoid the decay and leaks of Ecclesiastes 10:18 when we do what needs doing when it needs doing.

What benefits will you see from timely attention to something this week?

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2 Comments

« The Cost of Neglect Up Close
The Extraordinary Ordinary »

Comments

  1. Mary says

    June 13, 2016 at 9:35 am

    So good to read your thoughts, Beth. Am being blessed and challenged!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      June 14, 2016 at 7:03 am

      Mary, thank you! And thank you for the blessing and challenge you are for me and others!

      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.”

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/
"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

Mary R.

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2018-08-13T20:09:23-04:00

Mary R.

"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
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"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"

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2018-08-16T14:41:28-04:00

Cindy C.

"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
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“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

Christine B.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/christine-b/
"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."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

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/
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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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