Do You Lack Motivation?
It’s been another disappointing, unproductive day. Soon it will be bedtime, and you sorely wish you had done the day better.
Ignoring the grammatical incorrectness of that last sentence, isn’t this the way you feel, day after day, when you’re stuck in a procrastination season? So discouraged that you’ve given up hope of redeeming the few remaining hours of yet another day?
But … what if, right now, you were to recall 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV), “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,” and tore yourself away from the TV or the internet and … got something done?
Wouldn’t that be awesome?
You still have a few hours left in your day. These hours can be the best part of your day – if you want them to be. In light of 2 Timothy 1:7
- Imagine how a person who has been given a spirit of self-control would use these hours.
- Pray and ask God to help you be self-disciplined.
- Then, with the Holy Spirit’s help, act like a self-disciplined person.
We will soon be celebrating Labor Day. In honor of the holiday, tackle that task you’ve been putting off or at least put a good-sized dent into it. Get up and wash the car, make those business calls, empty the dishwasher or start a load of laundry. And before you lay your head down to sleep, make a list of what you hope to accomplish tomorrow in the first hour at home or the office.
Shoot for progress, not perfection.
Even with the best intentions, you’ll most likely slack off again. But don’t let it spiral into a perpetual problem. When you mess up, repent. Literally. Ask God to forgive you for wasting the time He has given you. Each day commit again to do better. Resolve to work hard. Determine to honor God with your time and all you do.
Several years ago, I struggled to complete even the smallest tasks. Desperate, I began setting my timer for five minutes. It was almost miraculous how motivated I suddenly became. I was amazed at how much I accomplished before the timer dinged.
Try it. Set your timer for 60, 30, 15, or even five minutes, then start a project or continue one you’ve been working on. When you get moving and experience the good feelings productivity brings, you’ll kick your procrastinating season in the teeth and, maybe for the first time, really celebrate Labor Day!
And at the end of each productive day following, you’ll go to bed feeling encouraged because you did the day better.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
- How does procrastination affect you?
- What helps you when you’re stuck in procrastination season?
- Have you tried setting your timer to help you get moving?
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You have spoken directly into my life. I am very much caught in a season of procrastination. And along with it comes self-doubt and depression. Thank you for addressing this topic. I wish I could say that I have done something to combat it -other than wish I could do better and feel guilty for failing. I will set my timer -and ask for God’s strength to enable me to accomplish His will.
I LOVE your comment, Paula, on at least two levels:
1. Your honesty.
2. Your decision to take action!
Please let us know how you do after setting your timer, Paula. I’m praying for you!
AND thank you for stopping by Today Can Be Different. I’ve missed you.
Hello, everyone. If this post speaks to you, remember . . .
You still have a few hours left in your day. These hours can be the best part of your day – if you want them to be. How will you use these hours?
Hmmmm… It’s 1:22 PM. I need to prepare a devotional for a meeting at 6:00 this evening. I think I’ve found my topic!
Wonderful! Let us know how your devotion goes at your meeting, Ellen.
Self discipline and motivation are the two words that really gripped me with this one! I will definitely start a wash today and my kitchen sink is clear of any dishes! I believe I’m off to a good start! Thanks Sheryl!️
Yay! I love it when we’re “off to a good start!” Kim. I hope the rest of your day continues in this momentum.
Thank you, again, for stopping by!
And thank you, Kim, for sharing this post on the POTSy Praise Facebook page.
If you’re having trouble getting out of a procrastination season … shoot for progress, not perfection. Set the timer for 5 minutes and see what you can get done!
Iam doing better this week. My biggest challenge at times is because, I clean for others is keeping on task with things at our place. I am thankful for the help my husband lends me at home. I am also thankful that God gives me the energy and strength for me to get some exercise worked into my routine. I am still a work in progress but,thankful with God’s help I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
I’ve OFTEN admired you, Susan, on many levels. Your constant reaching out to help others has been such an example of the kind of life I want to live. Thank you for modeling Christ so well.