If you looked in the dictionary under the word procrastination, you would find my name in the examples. I used to procrastinate on everything. I was usually late to arrive, sloppy in my homework and had MANY late nights. I assumed this was just the way of life. Only overachievers, who were a scarce part of the population, seemed to escape this cycle. I wanted to achieve the extraordinary, but my habits would not lead me there.
Right after high school I went to Bible college and relatively breezed through. I went on to get my Associate Degree and hit the wall hard. I found out the hard way that I could not excel with the minimal effort I had thought I was thriving on. I realized I was not only doing myself a disservice, but also God and His people. How was I supposed to change this? Honestly, I did not even have the categories I needed to begin. I just knew something had to give.
Figuratively speaking, I wanted to stand on top of Mt. Everest, yet I had not even walked a trail. We often have these grand designs, especially as Christians. We assume that if we think it, ask God to bless it, then it will come true. Do miracles take place? Absolutely! But, God works in the natural order as well. After all He created the system.
The power of ordinary practices in life are often underestimated. Some people think that when we put our faith in Christ we no longer have to exert any effort. Yet, It is in the everyday disciplines that allow for progress to take place. Some say, “But we have the Holy Spirit, and He transforms my life.” We have the Holy Spirit in order to do something. We are told from the beginning to end of Scripture that we should follow certain practices. These practices are part of what makes us better than our current selves. It is in our everyday practices that our endgame success or failure is determined.
Good intentions alone do not get you very far. If you wanted to write a book about your world travels, but never left your town and scoffed at the idea of writing. It would be safe to say that your practices do not indicate a future that will achieve that goal. I heard someone say many times, “The proof of the desire is in the pursuit.” Many of our dreams will only be dreams because our practices betray them.
What do your practices tell you?
I desired not to procrastinate, but I did not wake up the next day and just not procrastinate. I strategized what I would need to do differently to change my outcome. It took work, and lots of it. Everyone wants an easy button in life, but there honestly is no other way around it. Plus, there is no better reward than some good old fashion hard work leading you to your goals. The book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which sold millions and has become a classic, is filled with very basic principles. But, those very basic principles are what dreams are made of.
A Dream Written Down With a Date Becomes a Goal. A Goal Broken Down Into Steps Becomes a Plan. A Plan Backed By Action Becomes Reality. - Pinterest
Let’s get practical. Rip out a sheet of paper and write down 3 to 7 major things you would like to accomplish this year. Next to each one give your self a realistic timeline to accomplish each one (if it calls for one). After that, write a minimum of 3 things you would have to incorporate into your daily life to make it happen. For example: If you want to read more books this year then you might start by going to the library, or getting something off of your wish list. Then, set a time of day to read, and execute it regularly. Now that you have done that, tell someone. Yes, allow someone or a group to hold you accountable to these goals. Don’t give yourself an easy exit by keeping it to yourself. Allow others in to encourage you as you learn to develop an appreciation and intentional dependence on the habits of the ordinary.
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