Tomorrow never comes

Tomorrow is the procrastinator's best friend. How often are we faced with tasks that we dread or would rather not do, and so put off to tomorrow? That deadline, that phonecall, the dishes that need to be washed, or the hard conversation you need to have with a loved one. Yes, we put it off, and yet tomorrow does not make it any easier.

How many times have you sat behind a desk to complete some report and yet find yourself scrolling mindlessly on social media, getting the urge to take numerous breaks and snacks, and finding every other thing to do aside from the report? How many times have you had to deal with the pressure and stress of leaving something to the last minute, regretting having not done it earlier?

Whilst we may all go through bouts of postponing, delaying, or putting off tasks, a lifestyle of procrastination can rob you of potential achievements and successes. It can lead to a life driven by fear, insecurities and a lack of motivation. Proverbs 24:33 warns that; “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man”.

Reflecting on this, and my own weaknesses, here are three strategies I have found helpful to fight procrastination and the urge to 'push it to tomorrow':

1. Take the first step

When faced with a challenging task, we often do not have the energy, do not feel motivated, or do not have the creative spark to get us going. We may be waiting to get the drive, motivation or a light bulb moment. Many times, this may not happen immediately. Often, after you have prayed for God’s help, you need to take that first step. It is in the action of stepping out, that God comes in to strengthen you, help you and uphold you with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). In 2 Kings 4:1-6, the widow who had nothing but a jar of oil, had to start pouring it into the collected vessels to see God’s miraculous provision. Many a time, in writing (this blog), I do not have all the words, but I block out the time, and make a start with some thoughts. Soon enough, the rest follows. Do it even when you do not feel like it.

2. Have a vision for the future

We procrastinate because as humans we have a natural tendency to focus on the here and now. On the “me” of today rather than the “me” of the future. We forget that whatever we do or neglect to do today has an impact on our future. We live for moments of instant gratification, rather than sacrificing and pushing through to reap results in the future. Sometimes, we can fill ourselves with busyness and many tasks; we may need to refocus our priorities. Having a clear projection of the future and how our action today forms part of the small drops that make an ocean (in our life goals and destiny), can propel us into action. Galatians 6:7, reminds us that whatever a man sows, is what he reaps. We can only harvest what we plant. .

3. Can it be done today?

Make a habit of asking yourself this question whenever you hit a wall, and if it can be done, do it. In his best-selling book Getting things done, Dave Allen explains that we often put things off that could be done within a few minutes. He proposed that if it can be done in two minutes, do it immediately. Naturally I am someone who avoids conflict and would want to keep the peace. This means regularly delaying and putting off difficult conversations that need to be had but may not go down well. I know that leaving it for another day does not make it any easier, but the temptation to postpone is always there, as I so dread such conversations. What I have found is that delaying such conversations can rather worsen the situation. It is better to ‘bite the bullet’ and get it done. Matthew 6:34 tells us to not worry about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own. Perhaps this can be elaborated on - that if there is a ‘trouble’ that we can deal with today, do not add it to tomorrow’s ‘troubles’.

So, when faced with the temptation of procrastination, pray, plan, and prepare for the future. But most of all, let us lean on the spirit of Nike’s famous tagline and ‘Just do it’!