PROCRASTINATION
Procrastination is an act that many of us are entangled in. It can sometimes become an acute habit, if not checked. A lot of people confuse procrastination with laziness, they do not mean the same thing. But laziness can make one procrastinate.
Procrastination is the action of delaying or postponing something. The origin of the word is from the Latin procrastinatus, breaking this down, we have the prefix pro-, meaning “forward,” and crastinus, meaning “of tomorrow. So, when someone procrastinate, such intentionally or habitually puts off what should be done to the future (a later time), sometimes because it is unpleasant or boring, to do something else which may not necessarily be of priority.
While,
Laziness is the quality of not being willing to work or use any effort (Cambridge dictionary). So, a lazy person just does not want to do anything e.g., a couch potato.
A lot of students are a Pro at procrastinating (they pile up studying till exam time) and this end up building academic stress in them, this is classified as academic procrastination.
One of the dangers of procrastination is that it can have repercussions on other people other than us. Another danger is, it can allow you to put off the big things in your life and sometimes, you may not get such opportunity again. Putting off what ought to be done today, overloads tomorrow.
Causes of Procrastination
People procrastinate because of the following:
·Unwillingness to embrace change
·Laziness
·Indecisiveness
·Lack of time value
·Lack of self-discipline
·Anxiety
·Distractions
·Fear of failure/Fear of success
John 9:4
We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.
Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Ephesians 5:15–17
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Romans 7:20
Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
The above scripture highlight the fact that, procrastination is a sin, since one is doing it when one ought not to do it.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
James 4:17
So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Luke 12:40
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Ecclesiastes 11:4
He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
Sallie B Middlebrook wrote this:
“There’s nothing wrong with spending an inordinate amount of time observing the wind and watching the clouds if you’re a meteorologist. But, if you’re someone who is making observations of wind and clouds instead of or to avoid doing work that you need to be doing, then there’s plenty wrong with it. Or, if you’re sitting idly by waiting for the “perfect time” to do a particular chore you’re dreading, then it could be that you will put it off forever. So, make up your mind, right now, to get up and get going. Just take one step toward completing your goal. Once you make a step, you’re in the process; you’re working on it.”
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
Proverbs 14:23
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Consequences of Procrastination
•It denies an individual of living the dream, he or she has thought of or is supposed to be living.
•People tend to be filled with guilt from missed opportunities. Research has shown that people don’t regret more on the things they have done but on things they haven’t done.
•Denies people opportunity for service
•Impedes the efforts of others by not doing your part.
•Overloads others by forcing them to complete your tasks/responsibilities.
•Robs people the privilege of salvation. Felix and his wife, Druscilla were exposed to the gospel by Paul, even though the message made Felix to tremble, he chose to put off his salvation to another convenient season, which I think never happened (Acts 24:24–25).
Sometimes, God might lead you to reach out/minister to someone and you keep putting it off to another day only to find out that, had it been you responded then, you would have helped that person through a difficult phase. The guilt that taunts afterwards can be what one might live with for the rest of one’s life.
Breaking Off the Habit of Procrastination
•Invite the Holy Spirit — Do I need the Holy Spirit for such an earthly thing as Procrastination? Yes, you do. If you have been trying with your physical strength and it has failed you and if it is now a rooted habit, you do. The Holy Spirit strengthens you and help you exercise temperance when needed.
•Set a to-do-list with the most important tasks and time schedule. Make it short and realistic/achievable.
•“JUST START IT” once you force yourself to start, the momentum gradually builds up.
•Use visual reminders that motivates you to act.
•Set rewards for yourself for taking immediate actions e.g., only go to eat at your favourite restaurant or watch that football match after completing the task you wanted to procrastinate on.
- Occasionally set a “meeting with yourself” to retrospect on your personal growth and look into the direction/focus for your future.
Are you like Felix and Druscilla, looking for a convenient season to accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour, know this, you may think you have tomorrow which you do not clearly have power over, turn to Christ today before it becomes too late? Today, is a time previous to God as well as your life, why wait till tomorrow when He wants you to come closer to Him now.
II Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
If you are yet to know Jesus, it is never too late to choose life. kindly take this payer below:
Lord Jesus, I come to you today asking you to accept me and forgive all my sins. Wash me with your precious blood that was shed for me. I am sorry for the way I have led my life all along. Be my Saviour, come, take the Lordship of my life from today. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit henceforth to be my friend, comfort, and guide. Amen.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Life. Look for a bible-believing church near you, get and read your bible and begin to follow Christ from today. His grace will be with you. AMEN.
THE END
You can also check my previous story here.
Dan Moore Kris Gage Wake Up Call P.S. I Love You @writingsolo
