Procrastination is the assassination of your dreams

Are you a procrastinator? Do you often delay tasks, even urgent ones, until they feel too overwhelming to complete? I know I’ve been there more times than I can count. But here’s a little secret I’ve learned along the way: I talk to God about it. When I feel the urge to push things off, I pause and tell Him. I take a breath, take it slow, and lean into His grace when the pace feels too heavy to bear.

One day, I came across a post on Instagram where a woman said something that caught me off, guard. She wrote, “Procrastination is a spirit, and it's linked to the spirit of poverty.” I sat with that for a while. It made me think. While I do believe there can be a spiritual side to procrastination, I also believe it's often rooted in deeper emotional and mental battles—fear of failure, anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or simply feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s Talk About What Procrastination Really Is

According to Google, procrastination is “unnecessarily delaying or postponing something despite knowing there may be negative consequences.” It’s often associated with depression, guilt, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy—and yes, even laziness. But let’s not be too quick to label ourselves without understanding the why behind our delay.

So take a moment and gently ask yourself: Am I procrastinating because I’m afraid? Am I emotionally exhausted? Am I silently battling discouragement or depression?

When Procrastination is Rooted in Fear

Sister, fear has a sneaky way of creeping in and paralyzing our progress. But here’s the truth that anchors me: God tells us “Do not fear” 365 times in His Word—one for each day. He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

When we abide in Christ, fear begins to lose its grip. Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” And Isaiah 41:10 echoes: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”

There are days when even with these verses, I still delay. It’s a daily battle—a tug-of-war between truth and hesitation. But I’ve learned that declaring God’s Word over my life slowly chips away at the fear. Be patient with yourself. Sometimes God is the one asking us to pause so we can hear Him more clearly. But other times, He’s gently urging us to rise in courage and move forward.

When Procrastination is Tied to Weariness or Depression

Depression and anxiety can silence even the strongest voices. They make simple tasks feel like heavy burdens. If that’s where you are today, please hear this: you are not alone, and you are not lazy—you’re weary. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let Him come close.

If you find yourself struggling to function, talk to someone. There’s no shame in seeking help—therapy, support, or even rest. Healing sometimes looks like receiving, not performing. And in those moments when you feel immobilized, breathe and remember: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

When It’s Simply a Lack of Motivation

Some days, the task just feels like a thorn—painful, unwanted, and inconvenient. But avoiding it won’t make it easier tomorrow. Proverbs 20:4 says, “The sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.”

These verses are not to shame us but to stir us. God is not looking for perfection, but participation. He blesses the plowed field, not the untouched ground. Even Jesus chose disciples who were doing something—fishermen, tax collectors, workers. He needed willing hearts and active hands. Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” And Colossians 3:23 urges, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Your diligence is worship. Your small steps are seeds. Keep going, even when it’s slow.

How to Begin Healing and Overcoming Procrastination

So how do we truly begin to heal from procrastination?

• Be Honest. Admit that you’re struggling with it. Acknowledge the reason behind your delay, whether it’s fear, depression, tiredness, or uncertainty.

• Start with Prayer. Pour your heart out to God. Tell Him the truth—“Lord, I feel lazy, unmotivated, and stuck. Replace my desires with Yours.” He can work with vulnerability. He always does.

• Take Small Steps. Don’t overload yourself with long to-do lists. Focus on progress, not perfection. One task completed with excellence is better than five half-done.

• Define Your “Why”: What’s your purpose? What assignment has God placed in your hands? Having a clear vision helps you rise with intention.

• Ask for Help. If your procrastination is rooted in depression or anxiety, consider speaking to a counselor or mental health professional. Healing is holistic—spiritual, emotional, and physical.

• Stay Rooted in the Word. When you’re weak, lean on scriptures like:

  • “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” (Galatians 6:9)

  • “No discipline seems pleasant at the time… but it produces a harvest…” (Hebrews 12:11)

  • “The lazy person is full of excuses…” (Proverbs 22:13)

    
    

A Word for the Woman in Waiting

If you're reading this and feel defeated, please know this: your delay does not disqualify you. God is still calling you forward. He is still writing your story. And even in your hesitation, He is present—whispering truth, nudging you gently, loving you unconditionally. Procrastination may try to rob you of time and opportunity—but grace restores what was lost. And your dreams? They are still valid.

So today, choose to rise again. Pick up that pen. Make that call. Send that email. Take the first step.

Your healing is not just for you—it’s for the generations your obedience will touch.