Key bible texts:
Eccl 11: 4 – “He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.” (NASB).
Prov. 6:6-11 – “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man” (NASB).
Our discussion will take the shape below:
Outline
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Definition of the Keyword
3.0 Putting off things (big or small) – Some examples
4.0 Why do people procrastinate
5.0 What to find in the mind of procrastinators
6.0 Dreadful effects of procrastination
7.0 Ways to overcome procrastination
8.0 What to do during pandemic period
9.0 What scriptures say about procrastination
10.0 Summary and main takeaways
1.0 Introduction
With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the associated laws from various governments in a bid to contend the pandemic, staying at home, working from home, postponement of events/programs, shows, studies, have become the order of the day, at least for now, until further notice. Consequently, one may be tempted to give-in to procrastination, at least now that it appears so easy to be distracted by TV, kids, social media, chores, etcetera.
On January 1,2020, most people made their new year resolutions with well-articulated plans on how to achieve their 2020 set goals. Others, who did not make any resolution, at least on the new year day, tend to remain at the mercies of what the “new year’ brings their way, before actions are taken. Alas! Mid way through the first quarter of the “new year”, an unforeseen circumstance crept in: COVID-19 pandemic. Are all resolutions and plans distorted? Are we caught on the edge: either take action, fulfil our dreams or delay action, rest on our oars!
During this discussion, we would:
- Identify the nexus between procrastination and COVID-19 pandemic and what to do about this relationship
- Know whether or not time lost to procrastination can be recovered
- Identify reasons people procrastinate and ways to overcome procrastination and boost productivity
- Highlight some things we can do during pandemic period
- Know whether or not the Holy bible supports procrastination. And much more!
2.0 Definition of the Keyword
Procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task that needs to be accomplished by a certain deadline. It could be further stated as a habitual or intentional delay of starting or finishing a task despite knowing it might have negative consequences. (Wikipedia).
Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily postponing decisions and actions.
3.0 Putting off things (big or small) – Some examples
Procrastination can permeate someone’s life, causing him/her to put off both the big and the little things he/she needs or wants to do. Here are some of the most common things we tend to procrastinate on. How many of these apply to you? (Rhetoric question please):
We may procrastinate on…
- Saving for retirement
- Going to the doctor for a check-up
- Exercise and following healthy routines as recommended
- Donating to that charity you always wanted to
- Evangelizing as Holy spirit pricks our hearts
- Making peace with that neighbor who wronged us or who we’ve not talked with for a long time
- Writing that book, you always wanted to write
- Letting go of a mistake you made a long time ago
- Having multiple streams of income
- Acquiring new skills
- Getting married
- Getting a place of your own
4.0 Why do people procrastinate?
Our key text, Eccl 11: 4, “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
There’s nothing wrong with spending an inordinate amount of time observing the wind and watching the clouds, if you’re a meteorologist (Weather forecaster). But, if someone is making observations of wind and clouds to avoid doing work that needs to be done, then something is 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.
People procrastinate due to the following reasons:
- Abstract goals: People are more likely to procrastinate when their goals are vague or abstract, compared to when their goals are concrete and clearly defined.
- A focus on future options: People sometimes avoid taking action in the present because they intend or hope to pursue a more attractive course of action in the future. This mindset can lead to long-term procrastination and persist even in cases where the person who is procrastinating never ends up following through on their intended plan.
- Optimism about the future: People sometimes procrastinate on tasks because they are optimistic about their ability to complete those tasks in the future. This optimism can pertain to two main things, and namely to the amount of time which will be available for the completion of the task, or to the person’s inherent ability to complete the task.
- Indecisiveness: People sometimes procrastinate because they are unable to make decisions in a timely manner. This can be an issue in various ways, such as when a person can’t decide which course of action to engage in, or when a person needs to make a certain decision before they can move ahead with their general plan of action.
- Anxiety: People sometimes procrastinate because they feel anxious about a task that they need to handle.
- Fear of evaluation or negative feedback: People sometimes procrastinate because they are afraid of being evaluated or because they are afraid of receiving negative feedback from others.
- Fear of failure: People often procrastinate because they’re afraid of failing at the tasks that they need to complete. This fear of failure can promote procrastination in various ways, such as by causing people to avoid finishing a task, or by causing them to avoid getting started on a task in the first place.
- Lack of motivation: People often procrastinate because they are not motivated enough to work on a given task.
5.0 What do you find in the mind of a procrastinator?
Someone said, “In the face of adversity, some people develop wings while others go for crutches”. In other words, while some look for opportunities to survive even in the midst of adversity, others give up, so easily without making attempt.
The following excuses are commonly found in the mind of procrastinators:
“I was too tired…”
“I was too sleepy …”
“I was too busy …”
“I was too stressed…”
“I was doing something else…”
“This is too much work. I’ll do it later”
“I am waiting for the right time to do it” or “I can do it tomorrow”
6.0 Dreadful effects of procrastination
A family planned to travel to India, their home country, from US, in the month of December. They were supposed to buy flight tickets by July. Usually flight tickets get pricier as the date of travel approaches. This family, despite having the tickets money, delayed till November, and as expected, they had to buy the tickets at almost double the ticket price of July. This story just confirms the saying “delay is dangerous”.
Procrastination leads to:
- Lost of precious time
- Lost of good opportunities
- Not being able to meet set goals
- Ruined career
- Low self esteem
- Making of poor decisions
- Damaged reputation
- Damaged health
7.0 How to overcome procrastination
“The only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action.” ~ Alexandre Graham Bel
We can overcome procrastination by doing the following:
- Change our thinking: Proverb 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so he is”. Have a positive mindset about the course of action you intend to take. This mindset acts as a trigger for getting things done.
- Manage your time: Eccl 3:1-8 tells us that there is time for everything under heaven… It is important we remember that time exists completely out of our control. Stephen King said, “Time and time wait for no man”. Example: Set reminders in your calendar/phone to keep track of your due dates. Remember the old adage “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today,”
- Set achievable goals: When goals are vague and ambiguous, it becomes difficult to be started. Procrastination can easily set in. Make goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and that have Timeframe (SMART). Remember, “you can do all things through Him who gives you strength” (Phil 4:13).
- Seek for help: An English Poet, John Donne said that “No one is an island”. When you are stuck or out of ideas, getting external help can put you back on track. Seeking help from the source of ALL wisdom, also makes a huge difference. Proverbs 16:3 says “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans”. Also Psalms 37:5 says “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you”.
- You need a plan, you need a budget: Luke14:28 says “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Know where you currently are financially and decide where you want to be. Budget serves as a roadmap that guide you toward your goals.
8.0 What to do during Pandemic period?
Necessity they say, is a mother of invention. Haven been caught in the edge, or been caught off guard by this pandemic, should we loose all hope that our plans for the year have been shattered? Should we give-in to procrastination? NEGATIVE!. We can do the following NOW!:
- Develop that business idea. Start working on that dream of yours. Here’s a tip. Scribble down anything you can think of at first, just to get your list started. Then, after brainstorming your list, edit and organize your thoughts. Put things at the top of the list that are most immediately “doable.”
- Write that book/song you’ve always wanted to write. Fanny J. Crosby, John Newton, and other song writers wrote most of their songs during period of adversity; Ellen G. White wrote most of her books, during period of adversity. You too can do same Now.
- Read that book you’ve always wanted to read.
- Start that farm at your backyard
- It’s advisable to (a) put all capital projects on hold (b) not rush into investments now (c) not rush into buying expensive material things, etc.
- Acquire that new skill (if it is not affected by the pandemic) or Kickstart now, the preparations towards acquiring it immediately after the pandemic.
9.0 Does the bible support procrastination?
I have sought the scriptures (at least to the extent that my feeble strength can go), I have not seen any verse supporting procrastination. Come-on Brethren, let’s think aloud! Genesis Chapter 1 records the creation account of God, in 6 literary days. Assuming, without conceding, that God put-off one day’s creation activities, to a later day, what do you think would have happened? So, if the bible does not support a thing, such a thing is not good.
Other scriptural references to ponder on are:
- Mathew 25:14-30: Parable of ten talents. One of the three characters procrastinated, and the reward was not a good one.
- Eccl. 9:10: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
- John 9:4: As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
- Phil.4:13: I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
- Prov. 10:4: Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
- Prov. 12:24: Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
- Prov. 20:4: Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
- Prov. 14:23: All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
10.0 Summary and main takeaways
Ants are used as models of industrious workers whose diligence provides for the present & prepares for the future. Laziness keeps one from fulfilling their physical & spiritual responsibilities & realizing the potential of their earthy & eternal future.
Procrastination is a killer. It kills plans, projects, dreams, ideas and progress in life. As soon as you feel that hesitation, that lag, that fear, that indecision, don’t give-up, don’t give-in to procrastination, go forward. The only way forward is forward! Do not wait, do not take the easy way out, fight on, make today count. You have to initiate action! Get done the things you need to get done NOW!
And by the way, every pandemic has expiry date. “There will always be light at the end of the tunnel”
Thank you for your attention. Remain blessed!
