Practice Discipline, Not Procrastination

I am discovering some steadfast truths this year, and one of the most obvious that brings enlightenment to any resolution is that one must constantly practice discipline on a daily basis. I truly believe that those who are most successful at anything in life have practiced discipline on what they choose to be great at – practice makes perfect as the old saying goes. Whether it be a new blog entry, finishing another book, editing the next photo, and so on, I am much happier when I get started on even the smallest task, like finishing a book that I read this afternoon with the notion of beginning another one. I will be sure to provide book reviews in blog entries to come. Procrastination is a scheme of the Enemy; in fact, I believe the Devil plunges in our deepest of insecurities when we procrastinate. Sometimes at least for me, I think “down” thoughts when I procrastinate sitting alone in my refuge of silence. I thrive when I begin a project in my place of solitude. Even sitting in meditation or taking an active nap (not just laying around but actually sleeping) qualifies for doing something. When I procrastinate, I lose the discipline to be effective in productivity and therefore the idea of small accomplishment. When I become disciplined, I thrive moving forward through hard work one hour at a time. It is truly amazing how much one can accomplish even in an hour if we just sit down and do it. I think that is sometimes my biggest feat is to sit down, just do it, and get started by getting done with the task at hand. If I have a prayer request for any of my readers, it would be this: that I not procrastinate and in effective discipline I work towards the dreams God has instilled in my heart one step at a time. I find that my confidence is most boosted when I am doing what I know I should be doing working towards goals of the future. When I don’t procrastinate, I find that the anxiety of not doing disappears and that tasks are quickly accomplished without remorse. Now I believe that in discipline that is a Godly way of moving forward for the better good of myself and the work I am doing.

Please realize I think it is okay to have an occasional lazy day. We all need to rest. I think there is a fine balance. My personality has always been one that thrives on doing as opposed to not doing, meaning just staying active even if just on a small capacity. You have to rest, but you also have to work hard. I believe in hard, real hard work without procrastination and with great discipline.