Put Off Procrastination

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Think on These Things

Mindset

18 May

For me, part of moving out of procrastination is learning to focus on “Be diligent” more than on “Don’t Procrastinate.” (“Where’s Your Head?” May 4, 2015)

To avoid walking through mud puddles, I focus on dry spots. (Different objective for 3 year olds!)

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, ‚Ķ noble, ‚Ķ just, ‚Ķ pure, ‚Ķ lovely, ‚Ķ of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Here are some possible applications of this verse. The first example is our old thinking that leads us into the mud. The second example is a new focus, like Paul encourages.

Old thinking: Hey, I have all month to do that report. / New focus: True – I’ll start the report now; I don’t know what might develop during this month.

Old thinking: I wish I could help at the shelter, but I’m sooo behind on my stuff. /New focus: Noble – Yes! Thanks for asking me to serve at the shelter; I can do that.

Old: Can’t I keep working on this closet? I’m really into it. / New: Just – I’ll respect my family by stopping now to prepare dinner.

Old: I’ll delay party planning in case somebody else has an idea. / New: Pure – I’ll get the party ball rolling and others can pitch in.

Old: Move it, kids! I have to hurry! / New: Lovely – I’ll order our day so the children feel delighted in by a gracious mom.

Old: My children have to slink into class again because I made them late. / New: Good report – If we leave now, we can drive calmly and arrive before class starts.

Old: I’ll wash the dishes, sweep the porch, and phone my friend before we go. /New: Virtue – I’ll dress first so my husband can trust me to be ready when he wants to leave.

Old: I’ll wait on that project and slap it together at the last minute. / New: Praiseworthy – I’ll start this project right away so I can do an excellent job.

It’s normal for three year olds to wade through mud puddles. I’m looking for the dry spots!

What’s an example of old thinking you can shift to a clear, new focus?

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2 Comments

« A Tribute to My Mother
Our Habits: Help or Hindrance? »

Comments

  1. Dana Edgar says

    May 18, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Yay. I am printing this, and putting it in my focus notebook that lists my most important goals. This will be a good reminder everyday to put the positive first. My mom trained me to love house cleaning by praise alone. That can only happen with my kids by focusing on the good. Thanks so much for the reminder!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      May 19, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      Dana, thank you! What a good application of this! Far too often I was “Don’t so and so” instead of the positive wording. The negative wording wears our children down just like it wears us down. Instead of draining your children you will be an energizer! Your mom did a good job!

      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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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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