“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday” --Don Marquis
I would guess that few people hold a thief in high regard. If you have ever had something stolen from you, feelings of being violated run rampant. It makes you mad that someone took what you owned and made it theirs. The thief that I speak of steals from each of us — and much too often. His name? Procrastination. His specialty is stealing time and motivation--the very things that determine our daily success.
He is often difficult to recognize unless you have been a victim of his schemes and maneuvering. He is silent and slow to argue; he rearranges the facts just enough to give you more time to wait. He steals from you as you defend him and justify his actions. Charles Swindoll describes this thief’s method:
“Like the proverbial packrat, he makes off with priceless valuables, leaving cheap substitutes in their place: excuses, rationalizations, empty promises, embarrassment and guilt. Like most crooks, this pro hits you when you’re weak—the moment you relax your defenses ...”
He comes out the winner every time because we succumb to his suggestions. We are weak. To fight the power of procrastination requires great determination to get on with life. There must be a calculated, moment by moment decision to be disciplined and fight this thief through constant action. When the thief whispers in your ear that there is no hurry, you respond by taking action.
What’s the secret for going free of this hideous thief? It is a small but powerful word that will set you free from the tragic results of living life in the success-stealing realm of Manana—Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow. Like all good information, it has to be implemented. So, as often as necessary, use the word “No.”
