If you were to look up the word procrastination, you would find something along these lines of, Procrastination is delaying a necessary task, despite knowing there could negative consequences. Or, choosing to do something less important or more enjoyable because what is being asked of them, is a challenge (and less fun!). The decision to choose the less challenging task allows them to escape negative emotions associated with a task. Stated simply, procrastination is a (learned?) behavior that demonstrates laziness, poor time management and flies in the face life altering consequences (like losing a job).
I have blogged about ‘negative mental scripting’ before. I referred to “ANTS”, “Automatic Negative Thinking”, a theory that was developed some time ago. While attending a workshop recently my mind took me on a detour (I got mentally distracted) and this is what I came up with:
We are all time travelers moving in one direction—it this true? What if the past isn't as fixed as we think? Can we reframe or reinterpret situations and experiences that were painful and then, rise above them? What about the present, the now? What are you doing with your life? Your dreaming? Your problem solving and, do you take present time, to celebrate, even the small victories?
I am often asked, “What is your take on today’s culture and, what role is the Church to play in our culture ?” I want to begin to answer this question, using this past fall’s academic freshman entering universities as a starting place. (I undoubtedly will do this “Since You Asked” many more times on this website blog).
We live in an increasingly ‘reactive’ culture. Rather than stepping back, taking a breath, considering consequences or looking at the bigger picture people often say the first thing that crosses their mental radar screen. The adage, ‘Better to keep silent and be thought a fool than open the mouth and remove all doubt’ fits here. It has often been said of me, “The difference between Bill and most people is that Bill will tell you what he thinks.” Let me tell you, there is an upside and a downside to this. Over time, I have become better at waiting and giving a ‘measured response’ rather than unpack the whole wagon when only one cow shows up to be fed.
The best way to maximize this brief blog is to picture a person in your life that you struggle to have a meaningful conversation, on any level. These individuals often refuse to hear truth, have elaborate self-protection plans, and conveniently escape situations they know they cannot control. Denial is a defense mechanism or smoke screen that always yields an immediate benefit, a stressful reality has been temporarily dodged.
Encouragement: In my study my heart was reminded of those I know who truly long to have godly relationships. Relationship is all about a covenant partnering between people. I read 2 Corinthians through the lens of, relationships. I was amazed at the comparing contrasts between an “old” way of pursuing a relationship and, a “new” or more preferred way of having relationships.
My curiosity got the best of me. I looked up the words 'infected' and 'contagious'. I was reminded that the word 'infected' means to become sick, influenced by or be affected by an outside element or property (this word is usually associated with a disease of some kind). The word 'contagious,' however, is different. Contagious is defined as anything that has the capability of spreading (again, usually associated with a disease) from one person or group of persons. Here are some think-it-over ideas:
Each fall incoming freshman come streaming onto college campuses. Some “streaming wildly”, like a horse out of the barn for the first time. And then there are the others, who cautiously and fearfully dare not make the slightest poor decision. ‘Helicopter kids’ come from homes that were both heavily policed (meaning many rules), raised by well-meaning parents who we overly involved, and those whose parents were very ‘hands off’ (or, permissive). Studies show ‘Helicopter kids’ have certain traits that they carry with them, like the contents in their backpacks.
Here are some ‘think it overs’ about liars and lying. Men lie to preserve their reputation; women lie to avoid conflict. People of faith color-code (sugarcoat) their lies by using the term, “white lie”. People in business lie when they “over promise and under deliver." People in dating relationships lie when they say, “Your past is not important to me”. Students lie anytime they plagiarize an academic paper and pass it off as their own. And last, pastors lie when they cut and paste the totality of another pastor’s sermon and present it as their own. Minimizing, exaggeration, or withholding important information all constitute a lie.