As we continue with the first non-negotiable trait of PERSEVERANCE, I want to look at the flip-side of the coin to expose the stealer of ones dreams, time, and passion.
It is procrastination. The dictionary suggests that procrastinators drag their feet, postpone, delay, and put off.
Of course, we ALL procrastinate, but some of us are more familiar with it than others. I'd like to suggest that if you struggle with lack of perseverance (or resolve and determination), it could be because you need a deadline.
What is a deadline? A dream or goal or project with a due date.
What does it do? It puts a FIRE UNDER ME (For example, to clean before the cleaning person gets here or the company arrives:).
Why does it work? Because it is concrete. It isn't vague.
When should you employ a deadline? All the time; for any and everything that you really want/need/must to do!
Who will the deadline help? You/me. Those who are counting on us.
Kick procrastination out of your kitchen, car, bedroom, office and laundry room. When you hear yourself think, "I'll do it later," talk back and ask her, "When?"
Be encouraged,
Becky
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Hmmm, playing around with alternatives to 'deadline'.
ReplyDeleteTarget came to mind....set a target and zero in on the bullseye.
Then G.G.G.---Goals for God's Glory.
A.A.A.--Aim Attack Accomplish (which sounds a bit hostile...)
Cant wait to hear some others, this was kind of fun!
Here's my word LIGHT instead of deadline...
ReplyDeleteAs Becky said, "I have a job to do in this world for HIM." The problem is that most of those jobs require years of cumulative effort...parenting, marriage, being a person of Faith...these are lifetime activities. We are reminded by Paul to finish our race.
Procrastination whispers to me that id toesn't matter...the small task that needs to be done today can be left undone. But listening to that voice also creates darkness. Gods way always brings light...perhaps the light of truth, hope or success...but truth. Truth moves imperfect people to act with the heart of our perfect FATHER.
If we create deadlines as becky suggests for these tasks we procrastinate, we create a moment where we produce a pinhole of light. Using deadlines will help us move towards our ultimate goal....to be basking in light...like someone on a caribean beach while the folks back home suffer in a snow storm.
Whatever the task is, once done, I do feel that light shine on me....I forget to bask in it and I wallow in the fact that it will likely have to be done again...soon...at least those are the tasks I procrastinate on...the small things that add up...like the laundry or the dishes or making a healthy food choice.
So, my deadlines are going to be rays on light...but I am also going to keep the end in mind...the cumulative effect of these rays? A solar powered flood light that blesses everyone and creates peace for me. I will be talking to my voice...my voice doesn't say when...but says it doesn't matter...but I know...
every ray of light of my life matters to GOD. That light...is what God created me for...he created me to love actively. That Love...which come from God...shines in the darkness for all to see and feel.
I'm calling my deadline....ME and G Time! I'm focusing on spending 15 minutes in prayer, psalms, and worship everyday...Back to the basics!!!
ReplyDeleteSo, my deadline is actually a everyday appointment that I'm going to carve out for the Lord and I...
Thanks Becky for this motivation and also for my "Me and A Time" for my husband, Adam and I, to evaluate my work situation every 3 months...
Paige, I love the "light" and thank you for sharing such wonderful thoughts!
ReplyDeleteBecky, I appreciate hearing about procrastination being the flip side of perseverance. This is something that hits home , so will be used regularly.
Wanting to persevere and balance my personal and professional life, I must journal to record dreams and goals, and set reasonable deadlines.
Applying this, today I wrote personal goals for faith, family, and my future; and professional goals for students, employees, and community.
With these, I will reflect this week and try to identify deadlines for each. Of course, tenacity with prayer will help me keep a balance.
Q!-W3-D2 Thursday 20
ReplyDeleteDeadline= BY
Deadline= Stamped
Hi Everyone ~
ReplyDeleteI loved this week's topic and hearing that the opposite of perserverance is procrastination. One of the reasons why I joined this group was to be held accountable for finishing what I start and not putting off what I need to do that delays what God needs me to do.
My deadline word is "target date". I always thought deadline sounds so dreadful but having a target date sounds motivating to me to work towards accomplishing a goal rather than "getting work done".
I once heard a speaker say that we have 24 hours in a day and if that is not enough time for you to get everything done then there are somethings that you shouldn't be doing. It's those things that keep us from really living our purpose and achieving our goals.
Here's one for you.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend teases me because I always leave a dirty pan in the sink to soak before I wash it.
She is rather merciless about it.
So, and thanks also to Flylady, I'm trying to focus more on doing little things like that rather than putting them off.
I'm going to try to employ this this week, in the smaller things which will eventually payoff as I address bigger things.
As Becky said, it helps you and everyone who is expecting something out of you.
Do it now! If not, when? My Sanguine personality kicks in when I reward myself at the end of a task. It doesn't have to be a huge reward. For example, today I cleaned out the bathroom cabinet. I found several face care samples. Afterwards, I rewarded myself with a facial using all the "found" products.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful that God rewards me with His Holy Spirit, the Word and Eternal Life. Do it now is a reward in itself.
Really good comments! I have always had a little joke about if you ever want to get your house in repair, have a party! Nothing like the deadline of a big party to get carpets cleaned, furniture repaired, paint touch ups, yard cleaning and on and on...why does it take a party for me to get motivated?! I am a deadline kind of a person and I really can't think of another term for it. It turns up the fire under me and gets me motivated for sure. And why do I do everything BUT what really needs to be done at times? And then, once you do it, it isn't nearly as difficult or time consuming as you thought. Some things seem like climbing Mt. Everest. I think breaking things into small portions and PLANNING ahead help me a lot. I am going to set some deadlines for this weekend and then check back in....
ReplyDeleteI am working on the calendar. A day in advance setting the deadline. I loved the telephone call because the area I am not a procrastinator is at work. Another is drilling down the question. I love the deadline concept. I haven't determined the word. I am one who says, I will do it later. So the when question is great.
ReplyDeleteThis last week was great. I finally got it Becky. I packed my lunch at night, packed my bag the night before for the gym, but more importantly, I felt better because I moved my body. I met my friend for exercising, no excuses.
I also arrived at work early to do twenty minutes of my time with the Lord. Becky, I finally get it, when you are reading God's word and journaling in the areas, you allow God's word to direct your prayer. I am so compulsive about having to write on every lineof the journal page, but that was not what happened this week, I wrote just what I was praying in ever area. More importantly, I was aware of God's word to encourage people that I met that day in the hospital and to use God's word to encourage my friend.
So I am going to pray for a word for deadline.I know I need to use my time more effectively.
As far as eating, I have done well. I also am doing good with only weighing once a week and I will do that on Wednesday. The funny thing is I asked God for 1/2 to 1 pound and then realized when I had 1/2 pound loss I was disappointed for a little while until I reflected that God answered my prayer. My meals at work will be repitious but that is working for me.
So now what can be another word for deadline. I will do this task by gosh and by golly time. I do not know. So I love the encouragement above. And I will continue to ponder the right word. Blessings....Diana
I decide my word stead to deadline would be thrive line. Thriving to persevere.
ReplyDeleteThrive line
ReplyDeleteKaren I am with you about deadline. Deadline, of course, is made up of dead and line and originally referred to the line around a prison beyond which a prisoner could expect to be shot.
ReplyDeleteThrive line is ingenius.
This week I spend 3 days clearing out my mothers bedroom and putting it back together before my flight home. I worked like a energy bunny with a plan and a mission. I have been wanting to tackle this project for a year.
Do it now! If not when?
My brothers were amazed at the result. A clean room where my Mom could find everything and function. We gave 20 boxes of stuff to good will. When I got on that plane I was exhausted but felt accomplished. I had procrastinated that task because of it momentous size. I followed Peter Walshes suggestions and Becky's perseverance. With God by my side I got it done. God protected me from my allergies. Just being in my mothers house gives me congestion (dirt and animal dander). I had none. I kept the word compassion with me for my mother and brothers.