A Writer's Seven Deadly Sins of Procrastination

by D. Jay Powell

Why do we put things off? 

It is a fact: life itself gets in the way. It's impossible to meet deadlines solely with good intentions. Somewhere between a realistic goal and great ambition, a writer often lacks a healthy writing schedule.

As you consider why you don't get things done and why your schedule creates challenges for your writing...think about the following Seven Deadly Sins of Procrastination.

1. Being overwhelmed adds unnecessary stress.

Toss the idea of entering into a project before thinking about a reasonable timeframe it deserves. It doesn’t mean the idea is a waste of time. Usually, we expect too much of ourselves. The novel, Gone With the Wind, took ten years to research and write. If Margaret Mitchell wrote this in less time, it probably would not have been a classic.

2. Writer’s block becomes a leaning post.

Words tend to flow freely at times. But they can also stop, and so do we. Then it’s a temptation to force feed, or we simply add our project to the file of other unfinished manuscripts. It’s a proven fact,:the project will never be completed. 

If you feel that your project is worth the investment, it’s okay to set it aside for the moment, but not for an eternity.

3. It’s low on the priority list.

Why is it not important enough to set a daily routine? Great writers plan their schedule appropriately. As a Christian writer, no task is unimportant. To be efficient, it must be included in the daily routine of taking care of the family, the daily chores, church activities, employment, and other duties.

4. Comparing ourselves to others will often keep unfinished projects filed.

The Lord made each individual unique. Some make a living as an impersonator or a ventriloquist to make people laugh. In writing, it’s called plagiarism. Writers could use a heavy dose often of reading Psalms 139. When we understand what the Lord thinks of us, our writing becomes a service for the great KING.

5. "I want to be told what to do and be praised for it."

As Christians writers, what does it matter if we get recognition? Look at characters in the Bible that went against the grain. Peter was a fisherman, King David killed his Goliath. Jonah had a whale of a problem, and God got them out of all of it.

6. "My experience can’t do it justice."

It isn't good enough. You can get the education and with patience and practice, you are on your way. If you are called as a writer, the Lord will equip you with the ability to finish. Make it a matter of prayer.

7. "I want it now!"

We often need a good dose of patience. Great writing takes time. Not everyone is called to write the piece that becomes a bestseller, write the classic manuscript, or become famous. None of the Bible writers earned a dime, and many gave their lives. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, he was grateful the Lord had put him into the ministry (see 1 Timothy 1:2).

Peter stopped walking toward Jesus when he stepped out of the boat because of the storm. Then he called for help. The Lord brought him back to safety.

Remember the words of Jesus. In John 15:5, “...without me, ye can do nothing”.

Never fear what you can't accomplish alone when you have been equipped to walk together. If you have been called to the task, the time to keep writing is now.

D. Jay Powell is a long-time member of the Southern Christian Writers Conference and is the publisher of South of the Smokies travel guides and numerous travel articles. His devotional book for writers is Be Inspired: 101 Inspirational Thoughts for Every Christian Writer. Powell lives in Georgia with his wife Alice, and enjoys time with his grandkids and (of course) going on road trips.