How long has it been since you had a good day?
My definition of a good day.
1. Do some meaningful work.
2. Have a deep conversation.
3. Emotionally experience gratitude.
4. Laugh myself to tears.
5. Share genuine love.
I believe good days aren’t had, they’re made.
And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day.
Esther 8:17a KJV
I want to believe my actions control my outcomes 100%.
I want to believe if I do good, I receive good.
I want to believe I’m in control.
The FACT is, there are always factors beyond our control that can cause famine, failure, and destruction. Bad things happen every day to wonderful people who are doing all the right things.
The question is, what are you going to do when things don’t go as planned? Facing this uncertainty and still pressing forward, shouldering the responsibility regardless of the outcome, is noble and honorable. Conversely, if you quit, stop sowing, and avoid responsibility, there will be no crop to harvest. If you choose the latter, don’t bother praying, even God cannot multiply zero.
You cannot guarantee your success, but you can absolutely guarantee your failure.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: [4] So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:3-4 KJV
What about my family?
What about my friends?
What about my children?
What about my neighbors?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Don’t let the simplicity of the golden rule fool you. It’s much more than smiling, a kind word, or helping someone across the street. Our actions both, good and bad, touch the lives of many others. It’s our responsibility to understand and limit the collateral damage of the things we do. On the flip side, we should never let our actions be dictated by the thoughts and whims of others.
Act with regard for others but without regard for what others think.
Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:
Nehemiah 9:33 KJV
I often use the phrase, “Spin Up”. It’s just a loose way of saying, get better over time. This morning, while reading Nehemiah 1-2, a process for the phrase became clear. You could call it The Success Cycle.
1. Need
This is the starting point and the inflection point for the success cycle. When you first start, you see there is a lack of understanding or ability within yourself. Later the need is exposed by action and adversity. Either way, it’s up to you to see it and then take the next step.
2. Preparation
School, apprenticeship, mentors, reading, and learning. Preparation can take place in a classroom, pasture, factory, or kitchen table. Build a solid foundation that will not crumble under the weight of what is coming. Beware that you don’t get stuck here. There are many would-be success stories that find comfort in preparation and turn it into procrastination.
3. Opportunity
Your preparation has sharpened your vision and you can see the possibilities. Choose and take the next step.
4. Action
I have always said, there is real magic in action. Action is the separator between success and failure. Face the fear and seize the opportunity. Remember, regret is the only failure that cannot be overcome.
5. Adversity
If you are in the game, seizing opportunities and acting on them, you will run up against adversity. Whether procedural or personal, adversity will expose your weakness and need. Embrace adversity because it will show you where to start your next cycle.
Now, the next time I say “Spin Up”, we will both know exactly what I’m talking about. 🙂
Outcomes can be predicted but they cannot be guaranteed.
Humbly plan, diligently work, and never boast.
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1 KJV
We often use phrases like…
That’s the last straw.
I’m at the end of my rope.
It’s over!
None of which are actually true.
In reality, you might need to find a new camel, get a longer rope, or start again. Either way, try to keep that negativity in your mind instead of letting it come out of your mouth. Have the mental battle and then speak the truth to yourself and everyone around you.
I’m not saying, there are no breaking points.Â
I am saying, you are stronger than you can possibly imagine.
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
2 Chronicles 36:16 KJV
If your house is on fire, you need to make haste and PUT IT OUT!
If your life is on fire, haste is probably not in your best interest.
Here are three things that might help you eliminate unnecessary haste.
1. Give it time.
Setting a future “due date” can temporarily put the fire out. When you have time, you can diligently think through what is best.
2. Ask questions.
Wise counsel is invaluable when making big decisions. Beware that you don’t become an ASK-HOLE. Do not habitually ask for advice and then never use it.
3. Forget about it.
It looks like a fire but it’s actually a mirage. If you can turn and focus on something else for a while, when you turn back it might be gone. 🙂
Hasty thought produces scarcity.
Diligent thought produces abundance.
Live in abundance.
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Proverbs 21:5 KJV
I’d rather be lucky than good.
I’ve heard this said many times, but it’s not a wise choice.
While it is true that many things happen to us outside our control, we are given the total control of our ACTIONS and our ATTITUDE.
The people we meet = The friends we choose
How people treat us = How we treat others
The right place = The places we go
The right time = Being on time
Our opportunities = Our work ethic
Our health = Our Diet
I will not deny that luck, good fortune, and blessings play a part in any success. But, if you are waiting on luck to deliver your success, it will never come.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.
2 Chronicles 27:6 KJV
Fear is a starting point.
Humility is a starting point.
Attitude is a starting point.
Repentance is a starting point.
If you want to achieve a goal…
If you want to do something great…
There are no shortcuts, only starting points.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15:33 KJV
Ever stepped in a nice big fresh pile of cow poop?
The first time is not pleasant. Most likely you will be wearing sandals or your favorite pair of sneakers (the ones with super grip soles). Your friends will be laughing and you will be angry. If you were wearing sandals, maybe on the verge of tears. After this initial experience, when entering a pasture, you will either have the proper footwear or you will look for dark piles as if they were landmines.
Ever over-promised and under-delivered?
Ever failed a teammate or family member?
Ever fumbled on the 1 yard line?
Mistakes are coming.Â
Setbacks are inevitable.
Struggle is necessary.
Cows are going to poop.
Learn not to step in it.
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Proverbs 14:4 KJV
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