top of page

Home // Blogs

Don’t Knock Your Engine: The Hidden Cost of Procrastination


Don’t Knock Your Engine: The Hidden Cost of Procrastination


Procrastination is a thief of time and a killer of potential. Yet, many of us wrestle with it, often unknowingly. I recently had an insight into procrastination, and it struck a chord in my spirit so deeply that I felt compelled to share it.


James 1:8 says, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." This verse came alive for me in a new way as I reflected on how indecision and hesitation affect our progress and our inner stability.


 


The Engine Analogy


Imagine a car engine. Starting and stopping it repeatedly without purpose does more harm than good. Over time, this erratic behavior drains the car battery, and eventually, the engine won’t even start.


Now think about your ideas, dreams, and goals. Every time you entertain them and then put them aside—questioning, doubting, or overthinking—you are doing the same thing to your internal “engine.”


 


I see this even in everyday moments with my daughter. When she flickers the light switch on and off, I instinctively tell her to stop, not wanting to damage the bulbs or the circuit. Similarly, when we start and stop our efforts toward something, we risk “blowing a fuse” in our minds, bodies, and spirits.


 


The Cost of Indecision


The back-and-forth dance of “Should I or shouldn’t I?” is more damaging than it seems. It’s not just the loss of time; it’s the creation of instability.


You confuse your mind.


When you start and stop repeatedly, you’re training your brain to expect inconsistency. This makes it harder to trust your decisions and follow through in the future.


You confuse your body.


Your body is designed to respond to the cues you give it. If you keep hesitating, your body absorbs that hesitation, creating a sense of unease and stress.


You create an unstable environment.


 


Procrastination fosters doubt, and doubt invites fear. This vicious cycle not only hinders progress but also destabilizes the environment within and around you.


 


 


Idle vs. Knocking the Engine


There’s a difference between keeping your car engine idling and knocking it out through reckless starts and stops. Idling means preparation. It’s about gathering energy and focus while staying ready to move forward. But knocking the engine through indecision drains your energy and motivation.


 


How to Stop Knocking Your Engine


Decide and Commit.


Make a decision, however small, and commit to it. Even if you’re unsure of the outcome, taking a step forward builds momentum.


Guard Your Thoughts.


Doubt often creeps in when we overthink or entertain too many external opinions. Protect your vision from unnecessary negativity.


Trust the Process.


You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. Trust that as you move forward, clarity and direction will come.


Embrace Action Over Perfection.


Progress is better than perfection. Start where you are with what you have, and let the journey refine you.


 


Final Thoughts


Procrastination isn’t just about delaying tasks; it’s about delaying your potential. Don’t let the sporadic starts and stops knock out the engine of your dreams. The world needs what you have to offer.


So, start the engine. Put it in gear. And drive toward your purpose.


 


Don’t knock your engine. 💡


What’s one thing you’ve been putting off that you can start today? Share by replying to this email.


I’d love to hear from you!


 


And for me - Prepare, Pray, Plan 2025 - Get READY!!


 


P.S. If you don't want to miss out on future events, subscribe for reminders Here.


 


Till next time,


Stay Fearless! 


Stella Ihenacho

Comments


Recent Posts

Archive

Tags

bottom of page