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?
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!
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!