Getting Started: Overcoming Procrastination

If you are reading this, it means that someone somewhere conquered procrastination – as it pertains to putting this piece out to the public. They did not delete it or sit down to rewrite it to match all the other articles out there as she almost did. Let’s raise our glasses to me, shall we?

Writing or speaking about something you are yet to conquer has to be one of the most difficult things because it’s always easier to speak from a point of victory as opposed to a point of ‘work in progress’. Right? But here’s one realization I have come to – We will always be a ‘work in progress’ in one way or another. And whilst it’s tempting to imagine that the bold people out here speak from a point of triumph, It’s quite the opposite.

Most of the beautiful stories I have come across are from people taking us along their journey. Making discoveries along their journey with us. Making us part of their mistakes, their triumphs, their learnings, and all.

There’s a myriad of reasons we put off things – our dreams, desires, ambitions, wants, name them. I can almost bet that there’s something you are currently putting off, perhaps waiting for the ‘right moment’ or the ‘right tools’, or the ‘right person’. So many right things. Hehehehe.

But why exactly do we find ourselves procrastinating on things we desire to do?

• Fear and self-doubt What if I fail? Am I even capable of that? I don’t have the capacity. I don’t have the time.

• Past experiences You tried your hand out at something and it never went right. Someone discouraged or disqualified you.

• Perfectionism An unfounded desire to have everything together before ‘releasing it’ which can become crippling if not checked. ( Whilst it is good to have your house in order always if it makes you never start out, you have a problem brewing right there. )

• There are people already doing similar things What difference will my voice make anyway?

At the bottom of all these, if you sit still enough to notice, is one thing! ” A still small voice in your head. ” Selling you all these narratives.

“So how then do I conquer this still small voice ?” you would ask. And to that, I would respond, ” Learn to conquer your mind daily. “

I love how the Bible has wise nuggets applicable to our daily life situations if we just take the time to be still and listen to God’s voice.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Phillipians 4 : 8

Simplistic as it may sound, as you go about your day today, tell yourself that you are capable, you have what it takes, you are a winner, you are unique, your voice is needed as is, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, whatever is worthy of praise, remind yourself of these things.

Then get down to it.

Salut!