"No unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome by putting them off till tomorrow. It is only when they are behind us and done, that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards, and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant. Accomplished, they are full of blessing, and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us. Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility, and hindering our communion with God. If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink, go straight up to it, and do it at  once. The only way to get rid of it is to do it."

- Alexander MacLaren (quoted in C.J. Mahaney - Biblical Productivity)

This, I am coming to realise, is a lesson more important than any statistical analysis skill or writing ability. It may not be the most important lesson but it is certainly up there.

I am often so quick to want to race ahead to the easier, more enjoyable tasks that those which demand greater attention get shoved to the side. Surely, if I do these couple of small tasks it will help me feel I have achieved something and build my confidence? Well, maybe. But that Thing will still be waiting for me and will meanwhile niggle at the back of my mind, feeding the fear.

And how much sweeter will that cup of tea be when the rest is done, out of the way?