Put Off Procrastination

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The Cost of Neglect Up Close

Decision Making· Habits & Routines

6 Jun

Fellow former procrastinators, neglect is expensive. Let’s get specific about last week’s topic. (Please see The Cost of Neglect, May 30, 2016.)

Small problems become large when we do not tend to them early on. Later, as large problems, they take more time, effort, and attention than they would have taken when they were “small weeds.” In addition, a neglected problem annoys and weighs on us – always applying pressure, nagging to be done, poking us with guilt, diverting attention from items that should have our focus today.

After the first one, here’s an alphabetized list of areas in which I find it easy to procrastinate. Alas, it’s only half the list! (I’m not examining the why of neglect, simply facing its consequences.)

Spiritual – Our relationship with Christ is the foundation of our lives. Our eternal relationship with Him doesn’t change, but our fellowship can crack and crumble, causing the house to shift and sag. Regular time with the Lord – even a little – provides perspective, insight, courage and much more that I lose when I inch away from meeting with Him.

Business/Management – This includes everything from oil changes for the car and getting the dog’s shots to making a will. I need to become more familiar with our household files – insurance, other documents.

Citizenship – The state of a democratic republic is the result of its citizens’ personal lives and their attentiveness to government – not just observing what happens, but taking an active part in keeping the ship of state upright and on course. Even my neglect of timely calls, voting, volunteering contributes to leaks and getting lost at sea.

Educational – Sometimes to make decisions, I should research online, make phone calls, read articles. This could be for a job search, a trip or course to take, buying a house in an unfamiliar area, medical treatment. Not equipping myself with necessary knowledge can mean I miss an opportunity or regret action or inaction.

Financial – Paying bills on time saves charges; but library late fees, rush mail, and not making reservations early have cost me money I didn’t need to spend. Keeping a rein on nonessential items so there are funds for the essential helps avoid a money bind and keeps the outgoing lower than the incoming.

“Fix-Its” – These are usually little things like the cracked leather arm in the car. Repair when it was a quarter inch would’ve worked. Now it’s two inches and peeling. Not repairing a hem right away means the skirt is not available when I need it.

What specific will you tend to today?

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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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"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.”

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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/
“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/
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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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