I have a confession to make. I used to be a perfectionist who slowly became a procrastinator who is currently learning to find balance between the two. 
 
Procrastination is the process of ignoring or delaying a task until the last minute. I’m a little ashamed to say it, but I have used procrastination as a stress reliever to avoid anxiety and pressure. Nonetheless, procrastination is usually very momentary because in the end you feel guilty, ashamed, and trapped, and more often than not, you’re more stressed having to meet deadlines.  
 
Here are five things I started to do to help me find a good balance between perfectionism and procrastination: 
 
1. I identified the problem. I noticed that every time I felt some level of anxiety, fear, or pressure or became overwhelmed, I would run away or put things off. This was huge for me to identify so I could stop myself. 

2. I created a simple list. By writing things down, it helped me get a visual of what needed to be accomplished and to take one task at a time rather than let all things I needed to do burden me. 

3. I scheduled the time to take care of each task. Once the tasks were scheduled to specific days, I felt more focused and less overwhelmed. 

4. I completed the easiest task. Completing the easiest task built confidence in me once it was done. Surprisingly, this encouraged me and I started to see results which motivated me in tackling bigger tasks. 

5. I continually lay my anxieties at God’s feet. Matthew 11:28-30 is a good reminder for me that I do not have to carry the world on my shoulder.  

 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
 
It’s not easy to break old habits and develop new ones, but I take it one day at a time.