Mess and motivation
Are you a procrastinator or a “gotta get it done” kind of person?
Maybe, like me, it depends on what the task is.
Most of the time, I’m a “get it done” type. I like to settle on the project that needs to be completed, organize a plan, establish an order of tasks, go to work, and get the entire task finished–EARLY. Of course, people like me drive the procrastinators crazy because as they wait for the deadline to arrive (so they will get motivated), we “get it done early” folks are breathing down their necks wondering why the task isn’t finished already.
It becomes really complicated when you have a procrastinator and a “get it done” person working together. Or worse, when the procrastinator and the “get it done” person are married. OUCH!
What about those tasks we don’t want to do?
In this case, I’m speaking of tasks or projects that we need to do, but we just can’t seem to get motivated to do them. Sometimes even the “get it done” folks put off these tasks. Perhaps it’s something we delay so long that it has now become overwhelming (i.e. cleaning out the basement, garage, spare room, or “catch-all” closet) or it’s a job that is very painful (looking through and disposing of a deceased loved one’s clothes or personal papers). It may be reaching out to someone with whom we’ve had a disagreement and we need to offer or seek forgiveness.
What are those hard tasks you’ve put off?
Paul writes of the struggle to do the right thing:
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do. Romans 7:15
Paul, of course, was writing about sin, making wrong decisions that lead to separation from God. Not only does this refer to sin–this struggle to do the right thing can be applied to putting off tasks that we should be doing, but we choose another activity instead.
For example, I really dislike house cleaning–so . . . if I have a choice, I will work in the yard instead of doing much needed chores inside the house. Thus, I have a pretty yard and a messy house. What I would like is both–a clean, neat house and a pretty yard. But my choices aren’t allowing me to accomplish both.
If you read my blog this past week, you know that I escaped to a peaceful spot to complete some writing projects. Part of my plan (see above for my planning strategies) was to get away from the ongoing demands of life, to a place where I could garner some uninterrupted writing time. But I also needed a plan to complete my writing goals. After all, I was vacationing at a beautiful lake, I had family and friends to talk with as we lounged beside sunny, sandy beaches. There were lots of FUN things to do.
Temptation was there.
I could have chosen to spend all my time playing the many available water activities, chatting with friends as a cool breeze blew away our stress, reading an exciting book, or being mesmerized by gorgeous sunsets.
I was very tempted not to work–after all this was a vacation.
Who wants to spend their vacation in front of a computer? But my primary goal was to complete these two projects, so I developed a plan. My basic strategy–write some every day. I blocked out two hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. That still left time for my early morning walk, some time with friends at lunch and dinner, and game time in the evenings.
I stuck to my plan. You’ve heard the question: “How do you eat an elephant?”
“One bite at a time!”
How do you write a book? How do you clean out a garage? How do we build a house? How do we finish any challenging task?
One bite at a time–complete one small part of the task–regularly and consistently–and don’t give up.
There is one more aspect…the most important part.
Seeking God’s guidance is the most important part of any plan.
Paul the Apostle realized this, too. We can only be good with God’s Guidance. We can only DO good with God’s guidance.
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to go good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18
It is through our prayers and our consistency of being in God’s Word that we are able to make the right decisions of what to do and what not to do. Our Lord will help us make the right decisions to follow in His path and He will help us complete tasks in service to Him.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters. Colossian 3:23
Praying for you, my friends. We all face those hard, often messy, challenges.
Sigh . . . I guess this means I’ve got to clean my house . . .
I too immediately answered, “It depends on the task.” 🙂 Sure glad to know I’m in good company ma’am. Something I’ve learned to ask myself is, “If I’m not motivated to do it, then it is worth my time to do it?” It’s surprising how some things naturally fall off my plate while others are prioritized. Whether it’s writing or cleaning out the workshop, both tasks seem to go better when we start with prayer. I’m certain it has something to do with including God in the planning. Well said ma’am. I see you’re still teaching willing minds.
Glad to be in your company on this one, my friend. You’ve made a great point, sir. “Some things fall off my plate while others are prioritized.” God helps us do that, I think, when we continue to seek His guidance in our work. Thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers for my writing and for peace and healing.
Making lists and then determining priorities according to time sensitive, necessary, important, what someone else wants/needs and “I want to” help me clarify. It’s easy to be distracted and start something and be interrupted. I need to learn to give myself grace and not be overwhelmed. A wise friend once told me “it will be there tomorrow.“
Your friend is truly wise. I have the tendency to push too hard sometimes and need that encouragement to “slow down.” Love your recommendations for prioritizing, particularly the reminder to give ourselves grace. Thank you for sharing.
It depends on the task for me too. What I’ve discovered though is that once I start one of those unpleasant tasks I dread and put off is that they’re not as bad as I’d feared. (Or at least that’s what I tell myself.)
I’m glad you took some time to decompress in such a beautiful setting. Spiritual renewal is important if we’re ever going to finish that elephant!
I agree, Candyce. Getting started is often the hardest part of a dreaded task. Like you, I try to convince myself that “it’s not so bad” or “it will be better when it’s over.” Shows how “self-talk” helps us through the tough times. Finishing the elephant seems to be an endless challenge, but you are right–spiritual renewal is essential for us to keep going. Wishing you a blessed week.
Some great nuggets of wisdom here, Katherine.
I’m glad to find an l-hate-to-clean-house buddy. After all, is there a more convenient place to leave notes than on furniture?
Thanks for the encouragement and the smile, Sherry! I’m always excited to meet other folks that dislike housework as much as I do. Yes, furniture is a good place to leave notes–especially my dining room table, which seems to be the catch-all for notes, mail, books, and more. Wishing you a blessed day, Sherry, hopefully with few housekeeping chores.
Katherine, you challenged us in a winsome way, as you always do. Thank you for including the value of planning and designating time slots for those “must-dos.” Colossians 3:23 is a favorite verse. You reminded me that part of working for the Lord is planning, after prayer, of course. I loved your transparency and your humorous ending.
Thank you, Jeannie. I confess to being a planner and I prioritize my goals. It works for me, but some of my loved ones are “pantsers” (procrastinators that fly by the seat of their pants). It’s made for some interesting dynamics in our family. But, we love each other! God makes us all unique and it’s important to appreciate the gifts we’ve been blessed to receive.
Great post Katherine! Definitely depends on the task, and about a million other things…at least when it comes to certain tasks. Thanks for the encouragement to stick to the plan!
I agree, Sylvia, there are many factors that impact our motivation. To complicate matters even more, strategies that work for one person, may not for another. But there is one sure thing–God will help us “get it done” if we seek His will and guidance. Thanks for stopping by and sharing encouragement.
I like the idea of having a plan to get something done and also asking God to help you prioritize the things you need to get done. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your encouragement, Joanna. I confess that sometimes I plan first, before consulting God. That’s not the right order! It always turns out better to pray about the project or task, wait for God’s guidance, then proceed. I am getting better about seeking His will. Blessings!
I agree–it depends on the task. If I enjoy it or have a good grasp of how to do something, I want to get it done, but when a task seems overwhelming and beyond my skill set, it’s so easy to procrastinate. So your advice to take it one step or bite at a time is great and we sure need God’s guidance and help for all our tasks, but especially the ones we want to put off! Thanks, Katherine! I’m glad you developed a plan to get work done and still have some vacation!
It seems that my planning was excellent while at the lake–I got so much done. But life has gotten in the way since I returned home and I cannot get organized. I miss that idyllic setting that was so conducive to writing. Just a reminder for me that my organizational plan might need a little tweaking. Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kathy.
Katherine, I applaud you for sticking to your plan. I am one of those that can make a plan but I also procrastinate, without meaning to. I just intend to do something later and after I put it aside I have forgotten about it. I’m glad you were able to have a good vacation and also meet your goals!
I have that same problem sometimes, Barbara–good intentions, but a lapse in memory can throw our goals out the window. I try to make lists to help me not to forget (but then I lose the list). Thank you for your encouragement.
I can be both a procrastinator and a “get it done” person. Like others, it depends on the task. Which reminds me–I need to update today’s to-do-list.
Me, too! The task can really make the difference. I’m glad to know I’m not the only person that makes “to do” lists. Hope you get most of it done!
Hi Katherine.
Like you, it depends on the task–and on the day. I usually like to get the work out of the way and then enjoy “play time” without distraction. I pray that God gives me insight to complete the important assignments!
Blessings,
Tammy
Play time–yes! I agree, Tammy. That’s why I’m not a procrastinator. If I get tasks done early, then I don’t feel the least bit guilty about some play time. And I avoid that feeling of worry about an incomplete task which keeps me from enjoying play time. Praying for you, and all of us, that God will guide our paths as we write, speak, sing, and serve in praise to Him.
I’ve always been a “gotta get it done” person. I do ok with planning for unpleasant tasks, but my problem is when they take longer than I had planned. When my schedule gets thrown off track, I get discouraged and become a procrastinator. Then nothing gets done!
I know about those roadblocks that put a halt to our best laid plans. Like you, challenges sometimes put such potholes in our road that it takes me a while to get back on track. But we know who can clear those barriers away to help smooth our journey. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry.