Glynnis Whitwer - Taming Your To-Do List

L ooking back, its obvious procrastination has been a lifelong companion of mine.

Its always been easy to find other things to blame. But digging down deep unearths the truthI put things off that I really should do. And in doing so, my to-do list gets out of control.

My procrastination first showed up in school, when Id wait until the last minute to finish an assignment. Just good enough to make the grade... but never feeling like Id done my best.

It then showed up at my first job, when I faced hard, challenging work that quite honestly made me wonder what Id learned in four years of college. It was easier to plead busyness than to admit I felt underqualified and afraid to try. Would my work show I didnt have what it took?

Procrastination then popped up its bossy head as I got involved in church, volunteering, and leading small groups and Bible studies. But its influence truly escalated when I answered Gods call to write and speak. It hasnt controlled all areas of my life, but its impacted me enough that I finally said no. No to the lies that tomorrow would be easier. No to the fear that Id look like a fool. No to the threat that my best wasnt good enough.

And I also finally said yes. Yes to addressing the underlying issues of my procrastination. Yes to being brave enough to face some weak areas. Yes to hard choices that bring my responsibilities under control. And yes to sharing it all with you.

Heres what you wont find in this book: advice written from someone who has only studied this topic in a classroom or laboratory. Or advice from someone standing on the sidelines with a megaphone yelling instructions. You wont find any advice like Just do something or Get over yourself!

Rather, what I hope and pray youll find is encouragement from someone who knows all the doubts, frustration, and personal disappointment procrastination causes because she has lived it. But youll also find hope, encouragement, and truth that procrastination doesnt define you. Plus Ive included practical tools that have helped me, and others, face the reasons we delay addressing our highest and best work.

Were on even ground, you and me. And were both standing in the shadow of the cross of Jesus, where theres much-needed grace to be found.

Thank you for joining me here.

In His love,

Glynnis