How to Stop the Spiral & Overcome Procrastination

Audio By Carbonatix

If you could see my desk right now, you’d probably chuckle—or maybe wince. On any given day it’s a cascade of to-do lists, stacks of mail, books to sign, sticky notes, and half-filled notebooks. Real life as a writer, mom, caregiver, and faith-filled woman doesn’t come with tidy checkboxes and perfect planners. And you know what? I’ve learned that’s okay. But it doesn’t mean I can let procrastination win.

I still remember when I learned this the hard way.

Years ago, I meant to send a signed copy of my novel Night Song to a WWII veteran who’d helped me with research. Earl had shared such rich stories about being a medic—details that helped shape my fictional character, Nick. I was touched by his kindness and eager to send him a copy once the book released.

But deadlines crept up. Life got in the way. A week passed… then two. Finally, I mailed the book—only to find a letter from his son in my mailbox that very same day. Earl had passed away.

My heart sank. I had delayed something simple, meaningful, and important. I was sick to my stomach.

Thankfully, Earl’s daughter later wrote me to say he had grown impatient and bought the book himself—and had read it with joy before he passed. Thank You, God, I prayed, overwhelmed by grace. Even in my delay, God still made a way.

Procrastination Happens—But It Doesn’t Have to Rule You

Whether it’s mailing a book, finishing that task, or starting that project God’s nudged your heart about… procrastination can trip us up. And most of us don’t delay because we’re lazy—we’re often just overwhelmed, tired, or unsure where to begin.

So how do we stop procrastinating without stressing ourselves out even more?

5 Ways to Overcome Procrastination Without Getting Frazzled

1. Pray Before You Prioritize

Before diving into your to-do list, pause and ask God for guidance. He sees the whole picture and knows what truly matters today.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
—Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)

Take time to breathe and invite God into the chaos. His peace clears your perspective.

2. Break It Down Into Small, God-Sized Steps

Sometimes the mountain seems too steep, so we sit at the bottom staring at it. Instead, try this: Do one thing. Just one. Whether it’s writing a thank-you note, paying one bill, or opening that unread email—small steps add up.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
—Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

3. Create Margin, Not Mayhem

Leave breathing room between tasks. Build in buffer time so you’re not rushing from one thing to the next. Your soul needs space to breathe.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

In stillness, we refocus and refuel. This isn’t slacking—it’s spiritual wisdom.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

God isn’t asking for perfect results. He delights in obedience. Did you make a call you were dreading? Write a page? Declutter one corner? Celebrate that!

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord.”
—Colossians 3:23 (CSB)

Progress in the right direction—no matter how small—is worth rejoicing over.

5. Trust That God’s Timing Redeems Your Gaps

Even when we mess up or miss a deadline, God’s grace fills the space. He can redeem our delays, detours, and missed moments when we offer them to Him.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Just like He did with Earl and that book, God is faithful to bring beauty from our broken timelines.

Don’t Stay Stuck—You’re Not Alone

We all put things off. But we don’t have to stay stuck. God offers clarity for our confusion, peace for our pressure, and strength for our next step. You don’t have to hustle harder—you just need to walk with Him.

Even if you’re hobbling along like I was, late book in hand, God’s grace is there. He’s not scolding you for being behind. He’s inviting you to walk forward—one obedient step at a time.

A Prayer to Overcome Procrastination

Lord,
You see the mess, the list, the pressure—and You love me still. Help me to pause, pray, and trust You to order my day. Show me where to begin. Give me peace when I feel behind and wisdom to know what really matters. Teach me to walk in Your grace, not in my own strength.
Amen.

Additional Resources

If you haven’t had a chance to read Night Song yet, get your copy here!

Tricia Goyer tells the little-known, but true story of the orchestra started by prisoners in Hitler’s Mauthausen death camp. This courageous orchestra played the American national anthem as Allied troops arrived to liberate the camps. Around the orchestra story, Tricia weaves the fictional stories of a beautiful member of the Austrian resistance, the American GI who loves her, and a young prisoner who fakes his way into the camp orchestra in a desperate attempt to stay alive.

Find the full WWII Liberator Series here.