Have you ever set a goal for yourself, only to find that you seemingly can’t make any progress toward it? Do you find yourself constantly putting off the tasks that will help you achieve your God-given dreams? If so, you’re not alone! Many people of faith struggle with procrastination and find that it keeps them from stepping into the fullness of their calling.
Procrastination is a sneaky beast. It can masquerade as a helpful friend, telling you that you can always do the task tomorrow, that you need a break from all the hard work, or that you’ll start after this show is over—only to still be glued to the screen three hours later.
But in reality, procrastination is keeping you from reaching your full potential. It’s holding you back from the success and fulfillment that God has designed for you.
You Must Recognize the Sabotage
Think about it. Every time you put off a task that you need to do to achieve your goal, you’re taking a step back. You’re losing ground and making it harder for yourself to get where you want to go. Before you know it, the small delays and setbacks add up, and you’re left feeling discouraged and defeated. It’s time to stop sabotaging your goals and start living the life God has called you to live.
Proverbs 24:30-34 (NIV) warns us: “I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
How to Overcome Procrastination and Fulfill Your Calling
Get Real with Yourself and God
Are you just feeling lazy, or is there some underlying fear holding you back? Pray and ask God to reveal the root of your procrastination. Seek His strength to overcome these barriers. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) reminds us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Make a Deal with Yourself
Promise yourself a reward for completing each task. Maybe it’s a delicious slice of pie or a night out with friends. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you’ll actually look forward to. And remember to thank God for every small victory along the way.
Turn it into a Game
Make a competition with yourself to see how quickly you can complete each task. The faster you finish, the more time you’ll have for fun and relaxation. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Get a Friend Involved
Enlist a friend or family member to be your accountability partner. They can help keep you on track, and you can motivate each other to keep going. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) tells us, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
At the end of the day, it’s just a task. Yes, it’s important and needs to be done, but there’s no need to stress yourself out over it. So take a deep breath, put on your favorite worship playlist, and get to work! Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) encourages us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Awaken to Your Calling
Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to make progress. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill His purpose for your life. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Stop sleeping on your calling. Step up and step out to be who Jesus died for you to be. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming procrastination and stepping into the divine opportunities that await you.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Living Forward.
Featured Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
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