Please check all that apply:

• Are you avoiding a task because you have to do it perfectly (or it has to be "just so" before you start)?
• Are you stressed by what you must do?
• Do you feel guilty from what you're avoiding?
• Have you become sluggish, just giving up on every day things because you feel overwhelmed?
• Is everything... and everyone else suffering because of what you haven't been doing?
• Have others laughed at you, teased you, or joked about what you can't get done?

Procrastination (as defined by Wikipedia) is the deferment or avoidance of an action or task and is often linked to perfectionism (a belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable). For the person procrastinating this may result in stress, a sense of guilt, the loss of productivity, the creation of crisis, and the chagrin of others for not fulfilling one's responsibilities or commitments.

If you're waiting to get something done so it can be done "just right" (at least in your eyes) and not doing what NEEDS attention because of how you want to do things, then you're being selfish.  Things only spiral from there... You get overwhelmed at everything that HAS to get done because you've waited (until it could be done "just right") but  because you've procrastinated, now there's even more to get done ("just right").  Giving up or slowing down only makes it worse, physically and emotionally.  Things get further behind and your heart gets more and more frustrated, overwhelmed, and anxious and you begin to feel as if you'll never get it done... let alone, "just right".

A cluttered and chaotic life is a result of procrastination and procrastination is the reflection of a selfish heart.  YOU are waiting because YOU want things done the way YOU want them.  YOU have a plan that YOU want executed.  YOU think it would be better the way YOU have envisioned.

So what are you waiting for?  You know the problem...  An alcoholic can't only admit there's a problem... there must be an action taken in the direction of recovery.  You must do the same.  You must rise above yourself, fall on your knees, and look to the One who is the Restorer, ask to be restored... and then MOVE!

So you've procrastinated... maybe for years... maybe with many things... maybe to many people... So, go ahead... say it... say "I'm a procrastinator"... now get over it and be overcome by Him.  His grace is enough to cover it all... every last procrastinated thing.  Stop waiting until you can get it done "just right".  That day may never come.  That's not a scare tactic... that's a reality check.  We're not promised what tomorrow will bring.  Life is what you're living right now... not what you're hoping or planning to have in the future.

I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. My friends, I don't feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.  Phillipians 3:12-14 (CEV)

If you wait long enough, some day will come... whether you're ready or not... and if you're not moving ahead... you're moving backwards.  Time stops for no one...  it keeps ticking... Will you go toward or fall behind?  You must choose... but you are not alone... the Lord is there to help.  Stop waiting.  Run away from procrastination and toward completion... and with HIS help... it will be "just right".

Bless your heart and home,
Amy