They say time flies, time is expensive. Once a second is gone, it's gone: contributing to a minute, hour, day, week, month, year and so on. Although it is constant, the way we live it varies. During moments of intense focus, time seem to be slow, while the opposite is true during joyful moments. Some philosophical sources urge that time is a universal dimension with an ability to organise events into sequence of past, present and future.
Time influences any aspect of existence, and it provides a framework for change, growth and decay. Regardless of any statio-temporal phenomena; time just keeps on moving forward, shaping human experiences.
The first verse in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 clearly tells humanity that, 'For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven'. Upon buying a machine, it is always provided with a User Manual...with clear instructions on how to use the machine to avoid errors that might cause harm. Similarly God created humanity and His Word contained in the Bible is like a User Manual which we must use in any situation at a given time.
Well, you are wondering why I am saying all this: The time and God's word! l want to dwell on 'Procrastination'. Something that l've struggled with over the years and l thought this article might help you or someone you know who is struggling with it. Procrastination: delaying or postponing tasks, not only because of improper management of time. To me, it was also because of various issues like perfectionism, fear of failure and sometimes an overwhelming feeling. I have a pocket-sized notepad in which l write my daily 'To do list’ but because of procrastination - these tasks end up piling, leading to last-minute rushes. I had my own consequences and you can easily relate.
Upon entering 2025, l realised that if l'm going to do and be better, l need to beat procrastination. The third Chapter of Ecclesiastes has been helpful, as it is helping me to set the tone towards purposeful action. It is a reminder that for every task, there is a specific time for it. It is also important to know the right task to do in the right time and space. From verse 1 going onwards; it is quite clear that life is like a circle where a sequence of opposite events takes place, without knowing the time and its purposeful work, it is easy to get lost.
From my first paragraph, l mentioned that time provides a framework for change, growth and decay; Ecclesiastes reminds us that change is inevitable and we must reflect and balance such life experiences. It is also important to know that God's plan is a mystery - He has made everything beautiful in its time and set eternity in the human heart - yet neither I nor you can fully understand. As a leader myself, it is true that work get tough sometimes, but we are reminded to always find joy in our work and life; to always be grateful and keep in mind that as an individual, one cannot have every task under control but the ultimate control lies with God.
Aligning any task with the appropriate time is important. This will help us to value time. Each season has a purpose, meaning every moment is to be valued accordingly. You and l need to continuously ask ourselves a question, 'What purpose does this moment serve? With such an understanding; huge tasks can be divided into smaller, purposeful tasks. This will be very easy to set 'SMART' goals. With commitment and dedication, surely all work will be done. What am l doing in this moment? - I am writing this article and what are you doing in this moment? - You are reading my article - forget not to eat and drink and find satisfaction in your toil, for every task is a provision from God and it is your life purpose in that very distinct moment.
Viewing from such perspective, the work becomes meaningful - motivating us to engage even more. What else am l doing to overcome procrastination? Telling God about such a struggle and inviting Him to walk with me in every task, committing every day's work to Him, asking for wisdom and discipline that l may use my time wisely, to courageously do any task, knowing that with God any task is achievable. Self-discipline is also important. With every season/time having its own task, creating a schedule is also key, not just a schedule but one that considers priority tasks. This helps you to avoid replacing/ rescheduling priority tasks and definitely, it can also reduce being overwhelmed. Above all, it is important to ask yourself, 'Is this task/work aligning with God's eternal purpose for my life?' I hope, you will find this helpful.
You may also have different ways to overcome procrastination, let's activate the comments section by sharing more.