Hi! If you are visiting my blog for the first time, welcome:) Many of you may have ventured over here due to the fact that my devotion was on the Proverbs 31 or Crosswalk website. If so, thanks for stopping by. I hope you will feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts, whatever they may be. Feel free to post, I'd love to hear new input, ideas, comments, and encouragement ... if you have some to share.
Procrastination is really what the devotion was about today. Even though I don't believe I ever mentioned the word, Today is Tomorrow is about breaking the habit of procrastination.
If I'm honest, I have to tell you that I am probably one of the best procrastinators this world has ever known. Even though some of my best work is done in the final hour, the stress and panic it brings to my life plus the chaos it brings to my family's life is not worth it. When I think back over the years of my life, I even remember doing my homework on the bus on the way to school, when I should have done it the day before. And that was when I was in the 2nd grade!!!!
Just like Scarlett O'Hara, I've put off things, tasks, and responsibilities off until tomorrow for too long. Plus, I'm old enough to know better! Even though procrastination is a problem for me, it's really not the main problem in my life. It's a bi-product of the real problem, which is more serious: Discipline.
Discipline by defintition (and I'm including all 6) is: 1. punishment (I knew it!..just kidding) 2. instruction 3. a field of study 4. training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character 5. self-control 6. a system of rules governing conduct or activity (from Merriam-Websters online dictionary)
I have great intentions of being disciplined. I can make the best plans. I usually get off to a great start. But then somewhere along the way, I fizzle out. My discipline fades.
There are 2 great ways that I have found to develop a healthier pattern of discipline. The very best is to seek God first every single day, being totally aware and dependent on Him ... and not just first thing in the morning, but continuously during the day. The other way is to seek help from another person, some healthy accountability. It's great when you can enlist someone else to help you. It doesn't mean that you are weak because you can't do it yourself, it means you are smart because you've realized your weaknesses and you are wise enough to get help!
I will tell you, that I have not mastered this Today is Tomorrow thing, but I am trying. I developed another blog titled I Am Beautiful (http://www.beautifulp31.blogspot.com/) to help myself and others with discipline, self-image, weight control, and to combat my negative thought life. I needed help in this area so I decided to turn it into something positive. Just last night, Joy, who I met by blogging, posted a comment saying that I hadn't posted my progress in 3 days. She is holding me accountable for the goals I posted on there! Now I have to tell her that I haven't posted because I haven't exercised in 3 days and for 2 days I've had a pity party for myself!!!!
To sum this up, I'm tired of putting off what needs to be done today until tomorrow. It makes me crazy! Whether you call it procrastination, lack of discipline, or whatever, it's not good. Join me in making a change, won't you? Or if you have some great insight to share on how you keep it all together, I'd love to learn from you:)
Have a great day!
Much Love,
Melissa
***to read today's devotion, visit http://www.proverbs31.org/.
***3 more days to get in on a free gift, visit http://www.beautifulp31.blogspot.com/ for details
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21 comments:
Hi Melissa! :)
Don't know that I have any great insight. I guess what is most important is that we keep striving to be more like Jesus. Praise God He loves us and forgives us when we mess up, and He also encourages us to keep pressing on in our relationship with Him.
I'm praying for you as you seek to have a deeper fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
Hugs,
"Pearls"
Loved your devo today Melissa!!!
holly
Wow! Your devotion today spoke to me in a huge way!As well as your blog entry. Yesterday morning I called my friend and told her that I was feeling like a failure that I just can't seem to accomplish anything these days. I told her I knew a lot of it was satan putting negative thoughts in my head, but a lot of it is guilt. I have become really bad about putting things off, or promising that I will begin tomorrow! I used to work out 3 times a week, over the holidays I got off track and have quit going all together I keep saying I am going back, but it hasn't happened. The same thing with house work and my business. I will tell you that I have been extremely tired so that hasn't helped my determination much lately. I know once you just do it it does get much easier I just can't seem to get started. I have also been thinking how I do not want this quality I have picked up to be one that my children see or pick up. I could go on forever on this topic!
Praying for strength... and discipline.
Margaret
Melissa,
I read your devotion this morning...from the P31 site. It was a great reminder to me. I call myself a 'Last Minute Lil'. Procrastination can be such a thief.
Thanks again for the blessed reminder!
Warmly, Joanne
Your devotion really spoke to me too. We can all see how we procrastinate, some of us more than others. I think my biggest issue is putting too much on my plate and then being frustrated with not being able to get everything done. So I tend to think in terms of "which thing can I procrastinate on today", instead of "I shouldn't procrastinate at all." Where is the balance? When I wake up in the morning, I have my coffee and my quiet time but it can't last long, I have 4 kids to get out of bed for school. Then it's off to work for a few hours then home to do my own homework. Needless to say, I won't keep going here, but with the kids, house, school full time, and work, I have a hard time doing it all. My husband is overseas and is also not a Christian so I do ask for prayers for him. I will work on my priorities and pray that God will show me the things each day that I have to do so that procrastination can diminish.
Thanks for listening!
Robin
Melissa,
I love the idea of a "to-day" list. That is a great nugget. I am so proud of you.
Charlene
I am also doing LA weightloss. However, I've got a lot more then 20 pounds (15 down 55 to go). I was refreshed by this mornings devotion. It's exactly what I needed to hear. I put of things all the time--except the fun things. Some of the things on my list. I'll budget...tomorrow.
I'll spend time with the Lord...tomorrow. I'll clean/organize...tomorrow. I'll exercise...tomorrow. Tomorrow hasn't come for months or years.
I'm making my "to-day" list and checking it off.
Thanks!
Melissa,
I just found your blog about 3 days ago and have been really enjoying reading it.
Wow! You could have been looking over my shoulder while you were writing today's post! I think that is my number one problem....putting things off until later! And then, as you said, rushing like crazy to get them done at the last minute! I'm sorry that you have that problem too but, honestly, it makes me feel better just knowing others are going through some of the same things I go through on a daily basis! It encourages me to do better as I see your determination to do better! Thanks so much for sharing your world with us!
God bless you!
Melissa, I wandered over from today's P31 devo and I am so glad I did! You have got my number, girl! I am the world's worst putter-offer!! I pray all the time for God to help me with my discipline issues. I, too, have great intentions, but just can't seem to pull it off. Thanks for being honest and writing the exact words I needed to hear. I printed the devotion and have it posted on my desk to remind me daily that today is the tomorrow I have been waiting for. You are a blessing!
Starr
Hey, Melissa!
Thanks so much for the devotional today. I am a great procrastinator as well. Right now,I'm looking at the dust bunnies calling me to mop them off the hardwoods, and I'm ignoring them!!! God does make us stewards of His time and what we do with it is so important. I need to pray--as you said--for more discipline. It is not going to happen based on me--I need God's help with this. I too appreciate your honesty and thoughts.
Blessings,
Susan
It all comes down to discipline. I want to blame alot of other things but really at the heart of it is my lack of discipline. Thankfully He gives us the power to be disciplined yet I always look to other things.
I have made made some recent choices in the area of food and exercise. I have put off dealing with some things for too long. So I am going to make a list and set some goals. Thanks for you insight! Darla
Hi Melissa,
I have struggled with procrastination so much my whole life. The Lord has really been teaching me and encouraging me in this area for the past year. I'm so thankful for all He's taught me. He certainly has unlimited patience.
I enjoyed reading your blog today because it encouraged me to know I'm not alone in this. This is a struggle for a lot of women.
Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Crystal
Hey my friend, I hope you know I asked because I love you.
I just read this after sending you the e-mail - thanks for your honesty. I've been too distracted today to do anything....don't know that exercise or violin practice will happen - zippo energy. I'll let you know!
Keep going Melissa - I want to encourage you - you've been such a blessing to me.
Hugs,
Joy
I wanted to visit because I read your devotion on Proverbs31 today. I, too, have a little girl at home named Haley Grace. Thanks for the lovely devotion today.
Oh, Melissa!
I needed this prod today! I have always been a procrastinator, and it used to work because I used to thrive under stress to produce great things under a deadline. I agree with you, though, that a lifestyle like that doesn't work with a family!
I will be checking out your other blog, too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Melissa,
I came back to tell you thank you! This afternoon my husband came home and said he was going to the gym, I really didn't have an excuse as dinner was cooking in the crock pot and everyone was settled for homework, but I said I was too tired and would go in the morning, then I thought about your words from todays devo got my self changed and went! Yes! As I mentioned in my earlier comment today I have not been in months. Maybe I am on the road to recovery from the lack of discipline that has been hovering over me. Thanks again!
p.s. I still dont think I am ready for the foot surgery though
Margaret
I got the devotional today and just finished reading this blog...it totally describes me. -- to a tee!!! And we even have the same background for a blog. I so wish I could get with you and talk about my frustrations in my lack of discipline. My husband is VERY disciplined which is the only way I stay on track in exercising and eating right. HOWEVER, when he is not around, I don't eat very good, I must admit. Agh! It's so frustrating. I want to and I always think, but it can wait till tomorrow. Thank you so much and I will be back to visit more.
WOW! Thanks for being honest. I put off doing a blog for over a year. But finding and keeping up with yours got me inspired to get back to it.
I know for me the times that I am not in a happy place it is easy for me to be a "procrastinator". I was encouraged to set a goal of at least one thing a day. If I could do more than that it was a bonus. I started doing that and then I didn't feel overwhelmed.
Thanks again for staying open and honest.
God Bless,
Diane
Hi Melissa!
Thanks for the devotion today. I too am a procrastinator. Then, I justify it by saying that I work so much better under pressure. Truth is..that is just cause I am working faster. Its so much more peaceful when things are done daily and not done in a rush at the last minute!
Blessings~Alyce
Your blog spoke to me today and that is exactly how I have been feeling - everything out of control because I don't handle things on a timely manner. And the same thing happens I start out ok but fizzle out after a few tries. Glad to know that I am not alone. Lord help us
You are so right! Putting it off is not the best use of my time- I only have a limited amount of time that God has given me. I want to accomplish as much as he has fo rme to do. I really love your devotions/blog entries. Thank you.
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