What is procrastination? Simply put, procrastination is the act of intentionally delaying a task

until the last minute. There are several reasons why we procrastinate. For some of us, the fear

of failure is what keeps us from doing things on time. While for others, it is misplaced priorities,

laziness, and indecisiveness. In summary, we procrastinate because we think it will solve our

problems. However, it doesn’t. When we procrastinate and defer tasks till later, we open

ourselves up to negative emotions and experiences such as anxiety, missed opportunities, and

failure. This is not God’s will or desire for us. God wants us to live full, balanced lives. We come

about that by possessing self-control – a practice that is not always pleasant but is necessary to

conform to God’s will.

In Hebrews 12:11, it says “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but

later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

With God’s grace, we have the ability to work on ourselves and take intentional steps to put an

end to procrastination. We can start by acknowledging the presence of procrastination in our

lives and asking God for His help to change this behavior. The next focus area is the mind.

Damaging and limiting mindsets such as the need for perfection and making excuses can make

it very difficult to stop procrastinating. Instead, motivate yourself by being confident in the ability

God has given you. Also, encourage yourself to do everything for God as instructed in

Colossians 3: 23, which says “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”

Other steps to consider include minimizing distractions, having an accountability partner, and

rewarding yourself when you have achieved a goal.

As we grow and develop self-control, we open the door to peace, joy, and success. With

discipline, we can achieve the full potential God has invested in us.

Priscilla Onamusi