Procrastination.

"When a man does a household job, he goes through three periods: contemplating how it will be done; contemplating when it will be done; and contemplating."

-Marcelene Cox

"We are all fugitives, and the things we didn't do yesterday are the bloodhounds."

-Prism

"Procrastination is not only the thief of time; it is also the grave of opportunity."

-Christian Clippings

"Procrastination is my sin.

It brings me naught bur sorrow.

I know that I should stop it.

In fact, I will--tomorrow!"

-Gloria Pitzer

"Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday."

-Napoleon Hill

"If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest."

-Proverbs 20:4 NLT

Why do today what we can put off until tomorrow? That seems to be the motto of today. Do you suppose it's because everyone is so busy that it is absolutely impossible to do all we want to do or are we content to just get by? I grew up in a farming community and I know that there will be no harvest unless there's been plowing and planting . . . at the right time. This verse, however, says nothing about being too busy; it says something about being too lazy. No matter what, too lazy, too busy, or too unorganized, you won't get anything accomplished unless you start.

Procrastinate doesn't even sound like a healthy word, does it? It means, to "delay or postpone action; put off doing something." Why do today what we can put off until tomorrow? Think about this:

1. Forget about tomorrow. "How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like a morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone" (James 4:14). Do it today!

2. No excuses! When we procrastinate we always make excuses:

"I need to think this through."

"I need to get organized."

"I'm not in the mood."

"This is harder than I thought it would be."

"I have other things to do."

"I have plenty of time."

"I work better under pressure."

We've used some of those, haven't we?

3. Count the cost. Procrastination produces, stress, anxiety, guilt, lack of self-confidence, broken relationships, and bad consequences. Will Rogers said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!"

4. Set some goals. Start small and only do one goal at a time.

5. Beware of too much. Busy doesn't make us successful and it doesn't make us spiritual; it just makes us busy! Learn to say, "No" and do it often. Did you ever notice that God called men and women in the Scriptures to do one thing at a time?

6. Write 'em down. Write down your goals and plans, journal about your accomplishments and completions. Celebrate too! The same planning that seems to take your time will also make more time.

7. Find time, make time, and take time. Use your calendar, schedule your days, and review from time to time. Do a two week evaluation of how you use your time. You'll be surprised!

8. Clear clutter. Organize. I have three major goals right now. They could also be placed in the file, Three Major Miracles! My goals are to clean and organize the garage, clean and organize the study, and clean and organize the basement. These three places are the places I can be the most productive . . . when they are organized. I read in a time management book that the number one culprit for wasting time is . . . looking for lost items, tools, books, etc. I'm King of Clutter right now but that is changing!

9. Get accountability. We need someone reliable to check up on us and our progress. We've got to be honest too . . . and no excuses (See No. 2)!

10. Enjoy the excitement of getting things done on time and for God's glory: "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people" (Colossians 3:23).

If we don't plow, we won't harvest. Everybody knows that, even folks from the cities! Truett Cathy, in his book, "It's Easier To Succeed Than To Fail," has a chapter entitled, "You Can't Succeed If You Don't Start." He begins that chapter with these words, "The longest journey begins with the first step. Ahead of each person is a pilgrimage to success, a journey characterized by challenge and adventure."

But who will start? And when?