I WILL DO IT TOMORROW.

I will do it tomorrow 

I will start tomorrow 

I will apply tomorrow

I will send it tomorrow 

I will go there tomorrow 

I will check up tomorrow 

I will send the message tomorrow 

I will make the enquiries tomorrow

I will make the phone call tomorrow 

Ugh. There’s really a lot to do “tomorrow”. 

Have you used any of these statements before? Because I know I have said ALL…Having something to do but postponing it to another day then days turn into weeks, weeks into months, sometimes months into years, yet the task remains undone. 

I’m not here to make you read a long write up on procrastination based on theories. I am being real with you, because I was the queen of procrastination. LOL. Not that I am taking pride in negativity but procrastination didn’t just knock on my door, it moved in inch by inch and got comfortable. It’s crazy how easy it is to fall into that cycle. 

Saying “I will do it tomorrow,” often feels like a relief until “tomorrow” keeps moving further away then I find myself rushing to do what I should have done a long time ago. That bad habit led me to leave this blog space for over a year. And it hasn’t only affected this blog, It’s shown up in other areas of my life too.

For anyone reading this who may not know what I’m talking about, Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing something that you should do, even when you know it needs attention. Procrastination is not just a bad habit, it is a thief, quietly stealing your time, purpose and peace. You don’t realize how dangerous it is until it’s almost too late. It starts with delaying little things, then creeps into the important ones. It is a silent dream killer.  Each time you say “I will do it tomorrow” and don’t, you’re slowly drifting from the purpose God gave you. Delay does not just stall time, it affects destiny. I learnt that “tomorrow” never comes unless you choose to act today.

Here are some of the things that have helped me to break free from procrastination. I hope they help you too. 

Tell yourself the truth.

You are the first person who can be honest with you. Not sugarcoated honesty but the real kind. I literally sat myself down and said, “Sims, you’ve been procrastinating. No one is coming to save you. It’s time to do better.” 

That moment of truth was the beginning of my breakthrough. It’s like being in a dark room, if you don’t realize the lights are off, you won’t think to look for a switch. But once you know there is power supply, you naturally start looking for the switch to put on the light.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 NKJV

Face your Fear.

Fear is one of the biggest root causes of procrastination. Fear makes you avoid tasks instead of facing them. fear of the unknown, fear of getting it wrong, fear of what would people say, fear of failure, fear of imperfection, fear of stepping out. 

Ask yourself; “Why am I really afraid? Once you can name it, you can challenge it. Always remember that fear is not from God. It’s the enemy’s strategy to distract you. I use to run from the big task and focus on the ones that seem so easy but I have learnt that’s not the way to go. Don’t run from the big tasks, spend your time on it, you will figure it out.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV

Use a planner

Develop the habit of writing out your yearly/monthly goals, break down your goals into smaller goals and list out all the actions you need to take. Write out your to-do-lists; create a daily list, set your priorities then take action. You can read that again, TAKE ACTION! Writing things down makes them tangible and easier to tackle step by step. 

Then the Lord answered me and said; “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

Adopt the “Do it Now” Mentality.

If you’re sure of something, don’t wait for long, get to work immediately. Make that call, send that message, Ask that question. I have been in situations where it’s wasn’t convenient to get things done immediately but I pushed myself to do it and at the end, I’m always grateful. 

Adopt the “Do it anyway” Mentality. 

You don’t have to wait till things are perfect. This is coming from a perfectionist. lol I used to wait for everything to be perfect. I have learnt that there is beauty in imperfection because it is where you grow and learn. You will end up doing nothing when you wait for things to be perfect. Growth is rarely perfect but it is always possible. Like I’m not entirely satisfied with this post but you know what, I still published it. I will do better as I grow. I started to have this mindset and it’s been working for me. I understand the part of doing things excellently but learn to show up even when things are not perfect. Instead of chasing perfection, ask God for the spirit of excellence. All I’m saying is start that project, put in that work!!!…stop procrastinating. 

He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4 NKJV

Start your day early

Each day comes with 24hours, and that is enough when you start with focus and a plan. Trust me, 24 hours is enough. Go to bed early and wake up early. Rising early gives you a head start. Don’t leave things till the last minute and then complain about time. When you start early, you will realize that you have enough time. God created time and He made 24hours to be perfect for you. You don’t need more time, you need more intention.

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NKJV

Give yourself Grace 

Yes, you procrastinated. Yes, you missed the deadline or didn’t show up the way you hoped. You made a mistake and you have realized. But that does not disqualify you. It’s never too late to start again. As long as you are doing the right thing, you will figure things out eventually. No matter your age or how far ahead others seem to be, you can still start and get it right. It’s never too late to start again, it’s never too late to get back.

For a righteous man may fall seven times 

And rise again,

But the wicked shall fall by calamity. Proverb 24:16 NKJV

Holy Spirit. 

Holy Spirit sure knows how to show up on time and in time so He will definitely help you. A number of times I whisper “Holy Spirit, help me” and the next minute I’m doing the right things. He empowers us by giving us self discipline, wisdom and a sense of urgency. With the help of the Holy Spirit, You just know exactly what you need to do instead of delaying.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26 NKJV

After all of these, guess what?…I felt the need to procrastinate again, but instead, I got up to it. Of course I had genuine reasons to push the task to another day but I paused and thought, “why not now?”

 In life, there will always be genuine reasons. There will always be distractions, fear, temptation to wait for a more perfect moment but you must train your mind to act and show up. 

Thank you for reading. Please let me know your thoughts. Let’s share and grow together.