When Procrastination Takes Over
By Cherrilynn Bisbano on @deenamadams
Today’s post comes from Cherrilynn Bisbano, a speaker, editor, and writing coach friend I met online. I hope her transparency about procrastination will bless and encourage you. I’m certainly guilty of more procrastination during this pandemic than ever before and cling to the truth that God is on my side!
I have a confession to make. When you meet me you’d never know. I have a few friends who admit to the same desperate act. I throw things into the closets when I’m expecting last minute company. I kick the last sock out of sight as I push the door shut.
Voila! A well-kept home.
Please don’t judge me. I procrastinate.
My closets need organizing, my work space needs cleaning, and I need to finish two books. I don’t like putting things off, but “life” gets in the way, so I close the closet doors, do my work upstairs to avoid the disaster called my office, and tell myself, “no one wants to read your book anyway.”
Fear of failure
Bias toward the task
Perfectionism
Learned behavior
One morning the Lord impressed on my heart to work on my devotional book. The thought of finishing my manuscript put me in a tailspin once again. I love Bible research and learning about how God works in people’s lives. So, why the hesitation? Maybe I am just plain lazy.
“Lord help me,” I cried.
A truth I knew, but didn’t want to acknowledge—procrastination is sin. There, I said it. Now, if I only could put off these guilty feelings.
I desperately wanted to accomplish the work and be obedient. I prayed, searched His Word, and examined myself.
I read the parable of the ten virgins with oil lamps. Five had oil and five procrastinated and did not get oil in time. Jesus called those who waited, foolish. You can read the story in Mathew 25: 1-12.
The outcome was tragic.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, King Solomon built a Temple for the Lord. It took twenty years. His patience and dedication is recorded in 1 Kings 7:51.
“Thus, all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the LORD was finished.”
I found some verses on completing a task. My favorite now decorates the walls of my almost organized office.
“Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don’t be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.” 1 Chronicles 28:20 (TLB)
I no longer need to procrastinate—God is with me, cheering me on, and giving me the power to complete the job.
I repented of my sin.
I remind myself daily that God loves me, He is patient with me, and gives me everything I need to boldly go forward and finish my devotional.
Another verse I quote to myself, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV).
How can I fail with the Creator of the Universe on my side! Now I’m brave enough to open the closet door!
Join the conversation. Are you a procrastinator? What have you done to help overcome procrastination? What scripture is your go to when you need to get unstuck?
Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer coach, editor, and partner at The Write Coach Team. She works with social media influencer Keith Keller to help writers learn how to navigate Twitter.
As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.
Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.
She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh, and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to award-winning, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books. Her latest book, Shine Don’t Whine, releases October 2020.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.
She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years. Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
10 Comments
Teresa Moyer
All of the 4 Psychological reasons she listed (Fear of failure, Bias toward the task, Perfectionism, Learned behavior) are true for me especially the Fear of failure and Perfectionism part. Perfectionisms stops me in my tracks way too much. In my art, in my writing, in anything that I hold so dear to my heart fearing it will not turn out perfect many times keeps me from ever beginning a task. The parable of the 10 virgins…OUCH. I don’t want to ever not be ready. I will write out the following verse and put it in places that I will see it all the time. “Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don’t be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.” 1 Chronicles 28:20 (TLB)
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading this post and for your comments. I pray God will help you rest in Him and let go of perfectionism. I’ve had that struggle myself and am still a work in progress.
Shera Caroselli
I’ve been looking for this kind of article is great and let me help someone,
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Deena Adams
Shera, I’m so glad the article was helpful to you! Thanks for your comment.
Janice Randolph
Great devo message this morning about procrastination. I needed that!
Cherrilynn Bisbano
Thank you, sorry I waited to reply. 😉
Deena
Glad you were encouraged, Janice! Thanks so much for reading.
Traci
Thank you Cherrilynn! Even with all this time on my hands since I’m not working during this crisis, it appears procrastination is winning. Until now. 🙌Perfect scriptures and well said.
Deena Adams
Traci, thank you for joining the conversation! I’ve struggled with procrastination during the pandemic as well. I normally don’t have a problem with it but my brain is struggling to focus. Praying we will all heed Cherrilynn’s advice!
Cherrilynn Bisbano
Traci, thank you for your encouragement. I still procrastinate. Especially when the beach calls. I will pray for all of us.