There is nothing greater than the feeling of accomplishment. To set out to do something and then to do it. President Franklin Roosevelt said, “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
Anyone can start a project, only winners finish what they start. The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” Highly successful people are not those who know how to start a project, but rather those that know how to finish it.
The key to achievement is persistence. Persistence is the ability to stick with something until you have accomplished it. It is the ability to not quit or give up when the going gets tough. Robert Schuller says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Persistence keeps you going in spite of the opposition, setbacks or difficulties you may face.
Determine to finish what you start. Develop your persistence muscle. Be determined to not stop until you reach your goals. As author John Mason says, “Let go of whatever makes you stop.” A dream, hard work and persistence will make you a person of achievement.
Showing posts with label Phoenix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phoenix. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Acts of Kindness
“The days of chivalry are over” the woman said as I held the door open for her. “Perhaps they are”, I replied, “But the days of kindness aren’t”! Treat others with the same respect, dignity and courtesy you would like to receive.
Albert Schweitzer wrote, “Constant kindness can accomplish much.” As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstandings, mistrust and hostility to evaporate. It is amazing what a kind word or a kind act can do for a person.
In our society it seems that kindness has become a lost art. People live with only their own interests at heart. They constantly think only of themselves and their situations of life. Rare is the person who puts the concerns of others first.
Zig Zigler teaches that the key to becoming a success in life is in helping others become a success. If I can help you get what you want, it will help me get what I want. It is true that we reap what we sow.
In Ephesians 6:8 the Apostle Paul wrote, “Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord.” In other words, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you!
When was the last time you recall someone doing something kind for you? More important, when was the last time you did something kind for someone else? An act of kindness is something you do voluntarily. It is something you want to do not just because someone asks you to do it. Look for opportunities to be kind to someone today.
" And be kind to one another." (Ephesians 4:32)
Just a thought!
Albert Schweitzer wrote, “Constant kindness can accomplish much.” As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstandings, mistrust and hostility to evaporate. It is amazing what a kind word or a kind act can do for a person.
In our society it seems that kindness has become a lost art. People live with only their own interests at heart. They constantly think only of themselves and their situations of life. Rare is the person who puts the concerns of others first.
Zig Zigler teaches that the key to becoming a success in life is in helping others become a success. If I can help you get what you want, it will help me get what I want. It is true that we reap what we sow.
In Ephesians 6:8 the Apostle Paul wrote, “Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord.” In other words, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you!
When was the last time you recall someone doing something kind for you? More important, when was the last time you did something kind for someone else? An act of kindness is something you do voluntarily. It is something you want to do not just because someone asks you to do it. Look for opportunities to be kind to someone today.
" And be kind to one another." (Ephesians 4:32)
Just a thought!
Monday, March 09, 2009
Positive Thinking
All high achievers are positive thinkers. Being an optimist is essential to success in life. Believing for, and expecting the best are marks of people that accomplish great things in life.
This is true in all areas of life. Businesspeople, athletes, factory workers, homemakers, students, can all benefit from positive thinking.
Positive thinkers don’t just see things as they are now, but as they can be. They tend to be problem solvers instead of problem spotters. They see the silver lining behind the dark clouds.
Positive thinking has its origins in scripture. Solomon once wrote “as a man thinks in his heart so it is he.” Jesus said, “as your faith is so be it unto you.” The Apostle Paul declared, “be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Repentance, in its simplest definition means to have a change of mind. In other words, quit thinking thoughts that are causing you to fail, and begin instead to think positive, uplifting thoughts that will lead you to success.
Thinking in a positive manner is the result of making a conscious decision to do so. It is a skill that can be developed over time. You can train and discipline yourself to be optimistic.
Choose today to clear your mind of negative thoughts and determine to replace them with positive, faith-filled thoughts. Begin to focus on what can be, instead of what now is.
This is true in all areas of life. Businesspeople, athletes, factory workers, homemakers, students, can all benefit from positive thinking.
Positive thinkers don’t just see things as they are now, but as they can be. They tend to be problem solvers instead of problem spotters. They see the silver lining behind the dark clouds.
Positive thinking has its origins in scripture. Solomon once wrote “as a man thinks in his heart so it is he.” Jesus said, “as your faith is so be it unto you.” The Apostle Paul declared, “be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Repentance, in its simplest definition means to have a change of mind. In other words, quit thinking thoughts that are causing you to fail, and begin instead to think positive, uplifting thoughts that will lead you to success.
Thinking in a positive manner is the result of making a conscious decision to do so. It is a skill that can be developed over time. You can train and discipline yourself to be optimistic.
Choose today to clear your mind of negative thoughts and determine to replace them with positive, faith-filled thoughts. Begin to focus on what can be, instead of what now is.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Be Kind and Considerate
Mean spirited, manipulative people seldom enjoy success over the long haul. Bullying people, acting as a dictator, forcing people to do things your way or the highway, seldom produces respect and honor in others. In fact people resent aggressive, hard to get along with, domineering personalities.
As a young man my mother told me, “You’ll catch more flies with honey that you will with vinegar.” I have never forgotten this truth. I have seen firsthand the value of treating others with kindness and being considerate of their feelings.
The quickest way to earn the respect of others is to treat them with respect. Honor others for their abilities, knowledge and opinions. Praise them for their accomplishments. Celebrate their personal victories.
People will go to the ends of the earth for you if you treat them with kindness. There is something almost magical that happens when others know they are appreciated and needed.
“Be kind one to another.”(Ephesians 4:32)
As a young man my mother told me, “You’ll catch more flies with honey that you will with vinegar.” I have never forgotten this truth. I have seen firsthand the value of treating others with kindness and being considerate of their feelings.
The quickest way to earn the respect of others is to treat them with respect. Honor others for their abilities, knowledge and opinions. Praise them for their accomplishments. Celebrate their personal victories.
People will go to the ends of the earth for you if you treat them with kindness. There is something almost magical that happens when others know they are appreciated and needed.
“Be kind one to another.”(Ephesians 4:32)
Friday, March 06, 2009
What Is Important to Me?
All of us have different priorities in life. Some value a foreign sports car, others a big home, others an important title or position. What are your priorities? When was the last time you even thought about what is really important to you?
Making a list of your personal priorities can be an interesting and rewarding thing to do. It can help you get your life in order, increase personal success and make you feel better about yourself.
A sample list of priorities could be, 1) Serving God, 2) Spending time with your family, 3.) Your career, 4.) Having a hobby, 5.) Reading, 6.) Going back to school, 7.) Exercise, 8.) Eating right and so on. You get the picture!
By compiling a list of your personal priorities you are able to determine what is truly important to you. You are also able to gauge how much time you spend in each area and make adjustments as necessary.
Making a list forces you to be all you can be. It also protects you from the demands and expectations of others.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.”(Matthew 6:33)
Making a list of your personal priorities can be an interesting and rewarding thing to do. It can help you get your life in order, increase personal success and make you feel better about yourself.
A sample list of priorities could be, 1) Serving God, 2) Spending time with your family, 3.) Your career, 4.) Having a hobby, 5.) Reading, 6.) Going back to school, 7.) Exercise, 8.) Eating right and so on. You get the picture!
By compiling a list of your personal priorities you are able to determine what is truly important to you. You are also able to gauge how much time you spend in each area and make adjustments as necessary.
Making a list forces you to be all you can be. It also protects you from the demands and expectations of others.
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.”(Matthew 6:33)
Monday, March 02, 2009
Keys to Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is a much-needed ingredient for personal success. It is an inner passion that drives a person forward. Personal motivation comes from enthusiasm. Being enthusiastic about your project inspires others to become involved in what you're doing.
The ability to become, and stay enthused about a given project, vision, or idea, energizes a person. It causes a person to be motivated to action. It is a proven fact that people who are enthusiastic about what they are doing get more done. They are more productive because they enjoy what they are doing.
Being enthusiastic does not mean that you won't face difficult times. The fact is, regardless of what you are doing or desiring to do, you will face obstacles and adversity. Enthusiasm keeps you going in tough times.
The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek roots " en" and "theos" and means "God within." It is a fire, a passion within. Real enthusiasm is not something you "put on" and "take off" to fit the occasion. It is a way of life.
The following seven keys will help you be more enthusiastic.
Have a clear vision of where you are going and what you want to accomplish.
It is impossible to become or stay motivated without a vision. King Solomon wrote, "Without a vision, the people perish." Enthusiastic people are those who know where they are going and how they are going to get there.
Be totally committed to your vision.
Commitment to your vision is essential to enthusiasm. Many people fail in life, not because they don't have a vision, but because they are not committed to it. Robert Schuller says, "Irrevocable commitments that offer no loopholes, no bail-out provisions, and no parachute clauses, will extract incredible productivity and performance.
Focus on the end result everyday.
Stephen Covey says that one of the habits no successful people is "they begin with the end insight." It is easy to become distracted by the everyday problems and obstacles of life. Losing focus of the end result will frustrate you can cause you to lose enthusiasm. When you see your enthusiasm starting to wane, refocus on what you want to accomplish and where you're going.
See it accomplished in your mind’s eye.
Train yourself to see the job finished, by faith, before it actually is. Visualize how things will be when the project is finished. Strong faith, belief that what you're doing will be successful, is vital to being enthusiastic.
Talk about it.
Verbalize your vision. Notice that enthusiastic people usually talk lower and faster than people whom aren't. Become animated and passionate about your vision.
Go on a crusade.
What is your mission in life? If you could accomplish anything in the world, what would it be? Now, determine to do it. MADD was born out of a tragedy. A mother whose child was killed by a drunk driver used the tragedy as a springboard to launch a crusade against drunk driving. Her enthusiasm has motivated thousands of others to become involved in putting a stop to drunk driving. Untold numbers of lives have been saved because of her enthusiasm.
Hang around other enthusiastic people.
Enthusiasm is contagious. It rubs off on the others. Hanging around excited people helps to ignite your passion. Get away from negative people. Start associating with people that are successful. Allow their enthusiasm to inspire you.
The ability to become, and stay enthused about a given project, vision, or idea, energizes a person. It causes a person to be motivated to action. It is a proven fact that people who are enthusiastic about what they are doing get more done. They are more productive because they enjoy what they are doing.
Being enthusiastic does not mean that you won't face difficult times. The fact is, regardless of what you are doing or desiring to do, you will face obstacles and adversity. Enthusiasm keeps you going in tough times.
The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek roots " en" and "theos" and means "God within." It is a fire, a passion within. Real enthusiasm is not something you "put on" and "take off" to fit the occasion. It is a way of life.
The following seven keys will help you be more enthusiastic.
Have a clear vision of where you are going and what you want to accomplish.
It is impossible to become or stay motivated without a vision. King Solomon wrote, "Without a vision, the people perish." Enthusiastic people are those who know where they are going and how they are going to get there.
Be totally committed to your vision.
Commitment to your vision is essential to enthusiasm. Many people fail in life, not because they don't have a vision, but because they are not committed to it. Robert Schuller says, "Irrevocable commitments that offer no loopholes, no bail-out provisions, and no parachute clauses, will extract incredible productivity and performance.
Focus on the end result everyday.
Stephen Covey says that one of the habits no successful people is "they begin with the end insight." It is easy to become distracted by the everyday problems and obstacles of life. Losing focus of the end result will frustrate you can cause you to lose enthusiasm. When you see your enthusiasm starting to wane, refocus on what you want to accomplish and where you're going.
See it accomplished in your mind’s eye.
Train yourself to see the job finished, by faith, before it actually is. Visualize how things will be when the project is finished. Strong faith, belief that what you're doing will be successful, is vital to being enthusiastic.
Talk about it.
Verbalize your vision. Notice that enthusiastic people usually talk lower and faster than people whom aren't. Become animated and passionate about your vision.
Go on a crusade.
What is your mission in life? If you could accomplish anything in the world, what would it be? Now, determine to do it. MADD was born out of a tragedy. A mother whose child was killed by a drunk driver used the tragedy as a springboard to launch a crusade against drunk driving. Her enthusiasm has motivated thousands of others to become involved in putting a stop to drunk driving. Untold numbers of lives have been saved because of her enthusiasm.
Hang around other enthusiastic people.
Enthusiasm is contagious. It rubs off on the others. Hanging around excited people helps to ignite your passion. Get away from negative people. Start associating with people that are successful. Allow their enthusiasm to inspire you.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Staying On Track
When I was a young man I loved going to my grandfather’s house in Oklahoma. He had a huge ranch, probably about 10,000 acres, and raised cattle and grew alfalfa, as well as other things. It was a lot of fun for a young man because there was so much to explore and so much to do. One day when he was going out to one of the fields to prepare it for planting alfalfa, he asked if I wanted to help him. I jumped at the chance because that meant maybe he was going to let me drive the tractor.
When we got out to the field he began the task of plowing the soil to prepare it for planting. I watched in awe as he expertly handled that big tractor. When we looked behind us we could see the straight as an arrow rows that he had plowed. After what seemed like an eternity he ask me if I wanted to try. With pride I jumped behind the wheel of the tractor and away we went. When we looked behind us the rows were as crooked as if a snake had plowed them.
It was then that I learned a life-lesson I have never forgotten. My grandfather told me the reason the rows I plowed were not as straight as his, was not because I couldn’t drive the tractor right, but rather because I was focusing on the wrong thing. You see when I drove the tractor I was constantly looking behind me to admire what I had done. He taught me the secret to plowing a straight row was to find something on the horizon to aim at and to stay focused on it. He taught me you can’t plow a straight row if you are constantly looking back. So I did what he told me to do. I picked a tree or a fence post on the far end of the field and never took my eyes off of it. When I finished my first row we looked back and the row I had plowed was as straight as any he had plowed.
This is the way it is in all areas of life. You cannot arrive at your destination if you get off course. Far too many never see their goals fulfilled because they lose focus of where they are going and what they want to accomplish. They allow circumstances and people to distract them from their main objectives. They constantly look back at what they’ve done or could have done differently.
Track stars understand the necessity of keeping their eyes on the finish line. One of the first things you learn when you begin to run track is to look straight ahead. You learn to not look around at what the other runners are doing. Why? Because doing so will distract you, slow you down, and cause you to get off course. By focusing on the finish line, you are putting yourself in position to win the race.
What are you aiming at? What goals do you want to achieve? What do you want to accomplish? How is your focus? Are you on track or are you off track? By learning to stay on track you can be assured that you will reach your destination if you don’t quit!
Here are some keys to help you stay "On Track."
1. Focus. Great achievers have the ability to focus and stay focused on their goals. They have the ability to block out things that would destroy their focus ability. To succeed you must learn to concentrate on what you are doing until. Don’t break your focus until you have reached your goals.
2. Beware of distractions. There are all kind of seemingly important things vying for your attention. Everything from phone calls, unexpected visitors, honey-do lists, and even emergencies can distract you from your objectives if you allow them to.
3. Don’t be easily discouraged. Another deterrent to staying on track is discouragement. Setbacks, criticism, unexpected circumstances, can all produce discouragement. To be successful you must learn to stay encouraged. Keep the end result in mind. By focusing on the joy of accomplishment you are able to ward off discouragement.
4. Commit to the long haul. Far too many give up to soon because of delays in reaching their goals. You must remember that in most things there is no overnight success. There are many delays on the road to accomplishment. Don’t allow yourself to give up because of delays.
5. Make on course adjustments. When NASA launches a spacecraft to travel to a particular destination, whether it is the moon or a planet, in order for it to reach it’s destination there must be constant course adjustments made. Being off just a few centimeters can cause the craft to miss its destination by thousands of miles. So it is with all of life. In order to successfully reach your goals and objectives you must make constant adjustments to your goals, plans and thinking, to get where you want to go.
When we got out to the field he began the task of plowing the soil to prepare it for planting. I watched in awe as he expertly handled that big tractor. When we looked behind us we could see the straight as an arrow rows that he had plowed. After what seemed like an eternity he ask me if I wanted to try. With pride I jumped behind the wheel of the tractor and away we went. When we looked behind us the rows were as crooked as if a snake had plowed them.
It was then that I learned a life-lesson I have never forgotten. My grandfather told me the reason the rows I plowed were not as straight as his, was not because I couldn’t drive the tractor right, but rather because I was focusing on the wrong thing. You see when I drove the tractor I was constantly looking behind me to admire what I had done. He taught me the secret to plowing a straight row was to find something on the horizon to aim at and to stay focused on it. He taught me you can’t plow a straight row if you are constantly looking back. So I did what he told me to do. I picked a tree or a fence post on the far end of the field and never took my eyes off of it. When I finished my first row we looked back and the row I had plowed was as straight as any he had plowed.
This is the way it is in all areas of life. You cannot arrive at your destination if you get off course. Far too many never see their goals fulfilled because they lose focus of where they are going and what they want to accomplish. They allow circumstances and people to distract them from their main objectives. They constantly look back at what they’ve done or could have done differently.
Track stars understand the necessity of keeping their eyes on the finish line. One of the first things you learn when you begin to run track is to look straight ahead. You learn to not look around at what the other runners are doing. Why? Because doing so will distract you, slow you down, and cause you to get off course. By focusing on the finish line, you are putting yourself in position to win the race.
What are you aiming at? What goals do you want to achieve? What do you want to accomplish? How is your focus? Are you on track or are you off track? By learning to stay on track you can be assured that you will reach your destination if you don’t quit!
Here are some keys to help you stay "On Track."
1. Focus. Great achievers have the ability to focus and stay focused on their goals. They have the ability to block out things that would destroy their focus ability. To succeed you must learn to concentrate on what you are doing until. Don’t break your focus until you have reached your goals.
2. Beware of distractions. There are all kind of seemingly important things vying for your attention. Everything from phone calls, unexpected visitors, honey-do lists, and even emergencies can distract you from your objectives if you allow them to.
3. Don’t be easily discouraged. Another deterrent to staying on track is discouragement. Setbacks, criticism, unexpected circumstances, can all produce discouragement. To be successful you must learn to stay encouraged. Keep the end result in mind. By focusing on the joy of accomplishment you are able to ward off discouragement.
4. Commit to the long haul. Far too many give up to soon because of delays in reaching their goals. You must remember that in most things there is no overnight success. There are many delays on the road to accomplishment. Don’t allow yourself to give up because of delays.
5. Make on course adjustments. When NASA launches a spacecraft to travel to a particular destination, whether it is the moon or a planet, in order for it to reach it’s destination there must be constant course adjustments made. Being off just a few centimeters can cause the craft to miss its destination by thousands of miles. So it is with all of life. In order to successfully reach your goals and objectives you must make constant adjustments to your goals, plans and thinking, to get where you want to go.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The I Am Messiah Syndrome
I was once caught up in what I call the "I Am Messiah" syndrome. I was of the opinion that if something had to be done; I had to do it in order for it to be right. If there were problems that had to be solved, I had to solve them. As a result I ran myself ragged trying to do things that I wasn't qualified to do. Fortunately, I woke up one day and realize that I was not "all knowing" or "all powerful!" I not only couldn't do everything, I wasn't required to.
Unfortunately, I meet a lot of people caught up in the same rat race. They are on the same treadmill that I was on. Always busy but never really accomplishing anything. Always on the go but never going anywhere. This is a fundamental reason why so many people burnout or fizzle out before their time.
The "I am Messiah" syndrome causes people to never fully maximize their potential. It keeps them limited in their accomplishments. As a result they fail to build relationships with people that could lighten their load and help them become more contented in life.
Here are some thoughts I have on breaking free from the "I Am Messiah" syndrome:
Know your limitations.
You can only be one place at a time. You can only do one thing at a time. You'll only be able to do so much. You cannot "save" the world. Go with your gifting and skills. Quit trying to do things you don’t know how to do. For instance, if you are good at fixing computers it doesn’t mean you are good at fixing automobiles. If your car needs repairs you are better off finding someone who is skilled in that area than to try to do it yourself.
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Admit it, there are some things you're good at, and there are other things that you're not so good at. Capitalize on your strengths. Develop them. Hone your skills. Become the best you can be, as the person you were created to be.
Network with others.
Find people who are strong where you're weak, and enlist their assistance. Two are better than one. Get people involved in your life. It is amazing how quick people are to assist you, if you only ask. You also need to learn how to delegate tasks to others and then allow them to do them.
Recognize that you don't know everything.
This is essential to lifetime success. People who are know it all's, have trouble learning, adapting, and excelling in life. Life is an ongoing learning experience. Allow those that are experts in areas you aren’t, teach, train, and mentor you.
Learn to say no.
Quit trying to do everything others want you to do. Set guidelines for the type of assignments you will and will not accept. Only agree to do those things that you know you can get done and can do your best. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in trying to please others by taking on responsibilities you aren’t qualified to do or don’t have the time to do.
Realize you can't save the world.
You can only do so much to affect positive change in the world. If everyone would simply do what they can do to make the world a better place to live, how much better we all would be.
Don't compare yourselves to others.
One reason so many people get caught up doing things they are not qualified to do is because they are trying to keep up with those around them. Unfortunately, this will lead only to frustration. The fact of the matter is you may not have the same qualifications, desires, and vision that others have. Be the person God created you to be.
Unfortunately, I meet a lot of people caught up in the same rat race. They are on the same treadmill that I was on. Always busy but never really accomplishing anything. Always on the go but never going anywhere. This is a fundamental reason why so many people burnout or fizzle out before their time.
The "I am Messiah" syndrome causes people to never fully maximize their potential. It keeps them limited in their accomplishments. As a result they fail to build relationships with people that could lighten their load and help them become more contented in life.
Here are some thoughts I have on breaking free from the "I Am Messiah" syndrome:
Know your limitations.
You can only be one place at a time. You can only do one thing at a time. You'll only be able to do so much. You cannot "save" the world. Go with your gifting and skills. Quit trying to do things you don’t know how to do. For instance, if you are good at fixing computers it doesn’t mean you are good at fixing automobiles. If your car needs repairs you are better off finding someone who is skilled in that area than to try to do it yourself.
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Admit it, there are some things you're good at, and there are other things that you're not so good at. Capitalize on your strengths. Develop them. Hone your skills. Become the best you can be, as the person you were created to be.
Network with others.
Find people who are strong where you're weak, and enlist their assistance. Two are better than one. Get people involved in your life. It is amazing how quick people are to assist you, if you only ask. You also need to learn how to delegate tasks to others and then allow them to do them.
Recognize that you don't know everything.
This is essential to lifetime success. People who are know it all's, have trouble learning, adapting, and excelling in life. Life is an ongoing learning experience. Allow those that are experts in areas you aren’t, teach, train, and mentor you.
Learn to say no.
Quit trying to do everything others want you to do. Set guidelines for the type of assignments you will and will not accept. Only agree to do those things that you know you can get done and can do your best. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in trying to please others by taking on responsibilities you aren’t qualified to do or don’t have the time to do.
Realize you can't save the world.
You can only do so much to affect positive change in the world. If everyone would simply do what they can do to make the world a better place to live, how much better we all would be.
Don't compare yourselves to others.
One reason so many people get caught up doing things they are not qualified to do is because they are trying to keep up with those around them. Unfortunately, this will lead only to frustration. The fact of the matter is you may not have the same qualifications, desires, and vision that others have. Be the person God created you to be.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Be A Person Of Value
Be A Person Of Value
Albert Einstein wrote, “Try not to become a man of success, rather try to become a person of value.” In our society many are selling themselves short simply by trying to succeed at any cost. While success is the by-product of vision, goal-setting, planning, action and determination, it should not be your ultimate goal. You must not get caught up in the web of trying to be a success so others will think you are great.
Jesus said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” Your soul is your mind, your will and your emotions. I have met countless numbers of people in my life who have experienced mental breakdowns, a loss of proper desires, and emotional breakdowns because they chased success instead of letting it follow them.
It is startling to finally reach the top of the ladder only to realize it’s propped against the wrong wall. Your life does not consist of the abundance of things you possess. When you die you will not be remembered for what you owned as much as for who you were.
A person of value not only has worth but also adds worth or value to others. There are many ways you can add value to those around you. Here are a few. Compliment someone that does a good job. Smile at others and make eye contact when you talk to them. Encourage others in the pursuit of their dreams. Find a need someone has and meet it. Place value on others by listening to their ideas. Always treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” In order to be the person you were created to become, your life must be founded on right and moral principles. Show me a person with no values and I will show you a failure.
In order to leave a positive lasting legacy you must seek to be a person of character. Seek to live a life based on principles and values. Be a person that makes the difference in the lives of others. Live a life that exemplifies the life of Christ in all you do. In other words be a servant. Zig Zigler says, “If you help others get what they want you will get what you want.”
To Your Success!
Albert Einstein wrote, “Try not to become a man of success, rather try to become a person of value.” In our society many are selling themselves short simply by trying to succeed at any cost. While success is the by-product of vision, goal-setting, planning, action and determination, it should not be your ultimate goal. You must not get caught up in the web of trying to be a success so others will think you are great.
Jesus said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” Your soul is your mind, your will and your emotions. I have met countless numbers of people in my life who have experienced mental breakdowns, a loss of proper desires, and emotional breakdowns because they chased success instead of letting it follow them.
It is startling to finally reach the top of the ladder only to realize it’s propped against the wrong wall. Your life does not consist of the abundance of things you possess. When you die you will not be remembered for what you owned as much as for who you were.
A person of value not only has worth but also adds worth or value to others. There are many ways you can add value to those around you. Here are a few. Compliment someone that does a good job. Smile at others and make eye contact when you talk to them. Encourage others in the pursuit of their dreams. Find a need someone has and meet it. Place value on others by listening to their ideas. Always treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” In order to be the person you were created to become, your life must be founded on right and moral principles. Show me a person with no values and I will show you a failure.
In order to leave a positive lasting legacy you must seek to be a person of character. Seek to live a life based on principles and values. Be a person that makes the difference in the lives of others. Live a life that exemplifies the life of Christ in all you do. In other words be a servant. Zig Zigler says, “If you help others get what they want you will get what you want.”
To Your Success!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Success in Life is Like Growing a Garden (Part Two)
If you haven't read yesterdays blog you will need to as it is part one of this blog.
Sixth, I learned the value of constant, consistent, effort. After I had planted my garden I had to work it every day. There were pests I had to keep a way. There were weeds I had to pull. I had to water it. I had to fertilize it. You will never accomplish anything in life if you are inconsistent in your efforts. The easiest thing in the world is to start a project. The hardest is to finish it. I love watching marathon runners in the Olympics. There are hundreds of runners that start the race. While there is only one person that can take the gold medal, it is considered a personal victory just to finish the race. The runners have to pace themselves so they don’t burn out to soon. They have to push themselves. They have to be consistent and keep plodding ahead if they intend to cross the finish line. So it is with all of life. Anyone can start a project. Winners finish! Are you a starter or a finisher? The Bible says, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8) Determine today to finish what you start through constant, consistent, effort.
Seventh, I learned the value of being patient. We live in a microwave society. We want everything and we want it right now! Everywhere you go you find quick oil changes, fast food restaurants, clothes tailored while you wait. Instant gratification is what we seem to be after. However, sometimes what you want takes time. For quite a while after I planted my garden it didn’t look to me like anything was happening. There were times I wanted to run out and pull the seeds out to see if they were working. But my dad said, “Just wait. Give it time. They’re working.” It was days before there was anything that resembled a plant poking its head through the soil. It was months before it was full grown and ready to be harvested. It was during this process I learned a lot about patience. Between the time the seed is planted and the time the crop is harvested is a lot of time. The Bible teaches us “Be not lazy, but follower of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) Are you patient or is that something you need to work on? Like my dad said, “If it’s worth having, it’s worth waiting on. Be patient!
Eighth, I learned that when the fruit is ripe you have to pick it or it will rot. Once my seeds had become plants, and the plants produced fruit, it was time to harvest. The first day of harvest was one of the most exciting days of my life to that point. I was able to pick tomatoes, and cucumbers, and carrots, and radishes. I will never forget that first meal using produce that I had grown. I had a sense of pride. A sense of accomplishment. I had set out to do something and through a lot of effort and patience I had succeeded. This is the way it is in all of life.
Ninth, I learned that what I had produced didn’t really bring me joy until I shared it with others. The looks of joy on my families face when they were able to partake of what I had grown still make me smile today. Nothing is more satisfying than to be able to share with others what you have been blessed with. The Bible teaches us that we are blessed to be a blessing. God has never blessed us with anything for us to just hoard to ourselves. Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” You see when I started this project I wasn’t just thinking about what I was going to be able to enjoy. I started with the idea of sharing it with others. Some I sold and made a profit on so I could do again. Others I gave a way to others so they could enjoy.
Tenth, the last thing I learned is very important to remember. Once you have successfully completed one project you have to start a new one. The joy of successfully growing a garden didn’t last a long time. After a while the vegetables and fruit were all eaten. The plants and vines had withered and died. If I wanted to enjoy a harvest the next year I had to start all over again, only this time with knowledge and wisdom. Never forget, accomplishment is an ongoing endeavor. Success is not a destination it is a journey. Celebrate your victories but don’t dwell there too long. There’s another battle waiting to be fought.
To the growth of your life, your business, your family, your health, your finances!
Sixth, I learned the value of constant, consistent, effort. After I had planted my garden I had to work it every day. There were pests I had to keep a way. There were weeds I had to pull. I had to water it. I had to fertilize it. You will never accomplish anything in life if you are inconsistent in your efforts. The easiest thing in the world is to start a project. The hardest is to finish it. I love watching marathon runners in the Olympics. There are hundreds of runners that start the race. While there is only one person that can take the gold medal, it is considered a personal victory just to finish the race. The runners have to pace themselves so they don’t burn out to soon. They have to push themselves. They have to be consistent and keep plodding ahead if they intend to cross the finish line. So it is with all of life. Anyone can start a project. Winners finish! Are you a starter or a finisher? The Bible says, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8) Determine today to finish what you start through constant, consistent, effort.
Seventh, I learned the value of being patient. We live in a microwave society. We want everything and we want it right now! Everywhere you go you find quick oil changes, fast food restaurants, clothes tailored while you wait. Instant gratification is what we seem to be after. However, sometimes what you want takes time. For quite a while after I planted my garden it didn’t look to me like anything was happening. There were times I wanted to run out and pull the seeds out to see if they were working. But my dad said, “Just wait. Give it time. They’re working.” It was days before there was anything that resembled a plant poking its head through the soil. It was months before it was full grown and ready to be harvested. It was during this process I learned a lot about patience. Between the time the seed is planted and the time the crop is harvested is a lot of time. The Bible teaches us “Be not lazy, but follower of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) Are you patient or is that something you need to work on? Like my dad said, “If it’s worth having, it’s worth waiting on. Be patient!
Eighth, I learned that when the fruit is ripe you have to pick it or it will rot. Once my seeds had become plants, and the plants produced fruit, it was time to harvest. The first day of harvest was one of the most exciting days of my life to that point. I was able to pick tomatoes, and cucumbers, and carrots, and radishes. I will never forget that first meal using produce that I had grown. I had a sense of pride. A sense of accomplishment. I had set out to do something and through a lot of effort and patience I had succeeded. This is the way it is in all of life.
Ninth, I learned that what I had produced didn’t really bring me joy until I shared it with others. The looks of joy on my families face when they were able to partake of what I had grown still make me smile today. Nothing is more satisfying than to be able to share with others what you have been blessed with. The Bible teaches us that we are blessed to be a blessing. God has never blessed us with anything for us to just hoard to ourselves. Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” You see when I started this project I wasn’t just thinking about what I was going to be able to enjoy. I started with the idea of sharing it with others. Some I sold and made a profit on so I could do again. Others I gave a way to others so they could enjoy.
Tenth, the last thing I learned is very important to remember. Once you have successfully completed one project you have to start a new one. The joy of successfully growing a garden didn’t last a long time. After a while the vegetables and fruit were all eaten. The plants and vines had withered and died. If I wanted to enjoy a harvest the next year I had to start all over again, only this time with knowledge and wisdom. Never forget, accomplishment is an ongoing endeavor. Success is not a destination it is a journey. Celebrate your victories but don’t dwell there too long. There’s another battle waiting to be fought.
To the growth of your life, your business, your family, your health, your finances!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Success in Life is Like Growing a Garden
As a young man growing up in East Texas I tried my hand at gardening. I had a vision of a garden that would produce vegetables my family could enjoy as well being able to sell what we couldn’t eat for a profit. I had seen others grow productive gardens so I believed it was possible for me to do the same thing. I sat down with my father and together we came up with a plan for making my vision a reality. With money I earned from my paper route I bought all kinds of tomato plants and different kinds of packages of seed of vegetables I wanted to grow. My father borrowed a friend’s rotor tiller and we spent a few hours preparing the soil for the garden. Then we proceeded to plant the seeds and tomato plants. Every day I worked in that garden. I made sure it was watered, fertilized, and weeded. I put up a scarecrow to keep the birds away. I got sunburned and developed blisters on my hands. It was hard work, working in the heat and all, but I knew it would be worth it if I didn’t quit. In the end, not only did I receive a harvest for my hard work, I learned some valuable lessons that have stayed with me my entire life.
First of all, I learned the importance of having a vision of what you want to accomplish. Everything around you, whether it’s the house you live in, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the job you work, or the church you attend, started as a vision in someone’s mind. We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision or lack thereof. Helen Keller, who was both blind and death, once said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision.” She’s right. Vision is what inspires us to do what we do. It is what motivates us to action. It is what gets us up in the morning. Former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, says “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” I meet a lot of people that are just running in circles never going anywhere. Why? Because they don’t have a vision of where they want to go and what they want to accomplish. Do you have a vision of what you want to accomplish? If not, you need one, if you are going to win in life.
Second, I believed it was possible for me to grow a productive garden. I had seen others, with no more talent than me, grow luscious bountiful produce. My dad encouraged me. He told me he believed I could do it. His encouragement helped to strengthen my belief. If your vision, whatever it is, is going to become a reality you have to believe it with all your heart. A strong belief in what is going to be, keeps you going when the going gets tough. I’ll have to admit, there were times I didn’t want to work in that garden. There were all kinds of obstacles I had to overcome. The sun was too hot, at first I couldn’t see the results of my labor, I was tired, my muscles ached, my hands were blistered, my friends were going swimming or playing baseball and I couldn’t join them because I had responsibilities. But my belief in my vision and in the finished product kept me going when I wanted to quit. During this process I learned if you have a strong enough belief you can accomplish whatever you want. Jesus taught, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” Do you believe in your vision? No I mean do you REALLY believe in your vision?
Third, I learned the value of planning and preparation. Everyone enjoys the end result, the finished product, but few want to go through the planning and preparation stage of a project. My father taught me that if I wanted to be successful gardener it was important to “Plan my work and work my plan.” I wanted to just run out and plant some seed. But, he told me I needed to sit down and plan out exactly what I wanted. I had to figure out what I wanted to grow, where I wanted to plant the seeds, how deep to till the soil, what kind of fertilizer I would need, what the watering schedule was going to be, etc. So, we took out a piece of paper and proceeded to make a plan of action. We plotted out everything necessary for me to grow the garden. We made a list of everything I needed. We even went so far as to draw out a diagram of what would be planted where. Remember what Jesus taught about planning? He said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.” (Luke 14:28) Planning and preparation always precede productivity. Do you have a plan of action for making your vision a reality? “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now” says Alan Lakein. If you want it you have to plan it!
Fourth, I learned the value of working smart and working hard work. I like to say, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” In life you can’t have positive results without positive effort. I learned if you have a vision, believe in what you are doing, make proper plans and preparation, and work hard you can accomplish anything you want. When you are doing something you believe in, I learned that work can be fun. Somebody wrote a book one time entitled, “Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow.” This gardening thing was fun for me. I enjoyed working the garden because I knew in the end I was going to be able to enjoy the fruit of my labor. Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Are you working smart and hard at what you want to accomplish? If not, why not? Contrary to what some would have you believe, nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. If you want it you have to work for it!
Fifth, I learned that if you want a harvest you have to plant seeds. This is a principle that is talked about all through the Bible. It is the law of sowing and reaping. It is the fundamental principle that all of life is built on. In the natural we call it the law of cause and effect. I learned if I wanted to reap watermelons I had to plant watermelon seeds. If I wanted carrots I had to plant carrot seeds. And so on. I couldn’t plant radish seeds expecting to get carrots. I had to put in the ground exactly what I wanted to put on my plate! Before I could reap the benefits of my garden I had to sow the right seeds and the right effort. What kind of seeds are sowing in your life?
Parts six through ten tomorrow!
First of all, I learned the importance of having a vision of what you want to accomplish. Everything around you, whether it’s the house you live in, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the job you work, or the church you attend, started as a vision in someone’s mind. We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision or lack thereof. Helen Keller, who was both blind and death, once said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision.” She’s right. Vision is what inspires us to do what we do. It is what motivates us to action. It is what gets us up in the morning. Former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, says “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” I meet a lot of people that are just running in circles never going anywhere. Why? Because they don’t have a vision of where they want to go and what they want to accomplish. Do you have a vision of what you want to accomplish? If not, you need one, if you are going to win in life.
Second, I believed it was possible for me to grow a productive garden. I had seen others, with no more talent than me, grow luscious bountiful produce. My dad encouraged me. He told me he believed I could do it. His encouragement helped to strengthen my belief. If your vision, whatever it is, is going to become a reality you have to believe it with all your heart. A strong belief in what is going to be, keeps you going when the going gets tough. I’ll have to admit, there were times I didn’t want to work in that garden. There were all kinds of obstacles I had to overcome. The sun was too hot, at first I couldn’t see the results of my labor, I was tired, my muscles ached, my hands were blistered, my friends were going swimming or playing baseball and I couldn’t join them because I had responsibilities. But my belief in my vision and in the finished product kept me going when I wanted to quit. During this process I learned if you have a strong enough belief you can accomplish whatever you want. Jesus taught, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” Do you believe in your vision? No I mean do you REALLY believe in your vision?
Third, I learned the value of planning and preparation. Everyone enjoys the end result, the finished product, but few want to go through the planning and preparation stage of a project. My father taught me that if I wanted to be successful gardener it was important to “Plan my work and work my plan.” I wanted to just run out and plant some seed. But, he told me I needed to sit down and plan out exactly what I wanted. I had to figure out what I wanted to grow, where I wanted to plant the seeds, how deep to till the soil, what kind of fertilizer I would need, what the watering schedule was going to be, etc. So, we took out a piece of paper and proceeded to make a plan of action. We plotted out everything necessary for me to grow the garden. We made a list of everything I needed. We even went so far as to draw out a diagram of what would be planted where. Remember what Jesus taught about planning? He said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.” (Luke 14:28) Planning and preparation always precede productivity. Do you have a plan of action for making your vision a reality? “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now” says Alan Lakein. If you want it you have to plan it!
Fourth, I learned the value of working smart and working hard work. I like to say, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” In life you can’t have positive results without positive effort. I learned if you have a vision, believe in what you are doing, make proper plans and preparation, and work hard you can accomplish anything you want. When you are doing something you believe in, I learned that work can be fun. Somebody wrote a book one time entitled, “Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow.” This gardening thing was fun for me. I enjoyed working the garden because I knew in the end I was going to be able to enjoy the fruit of my labor. Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Are you working smart and hard at what you want to accomplish? If not, why not? Contrary to what some would have you believe, nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. If you want it you have to work for it!
Fifth, I learned that if you want a harvest you have to plant seeds. This is a principle that is talked about all through the Bible. It is the law of sowing and reaping. It is the fundamental principle that all of life is built on. In the natural we call it the law of cause and effect. I learned if I wanted to reap watermelons I had to plant watermelon seeds. If I wanted carrots I had to plant carrot seeds. And so on. I couldn’t plant radish seeds expecting to get carrots. I had to put in the ground exactly what I wanted to put on my plate! Before I could reap the benefits of my garden I had to sow the right seeds and the right effort. What kind of seeds are sowing in your life?
Parts six through ten tomorrow!
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