Finding Significance

Most people today equate success with the security of a job that provides for a comfortable living.  This can certainly be a degree of success, but I have known many people who had achieved that goal and yet felt something was lacking.  I have experienced that reality in my own life and it is one of the motivations that led me to start the "Seeds For Success" seminar and blog.

As I have stated before, here is what I believe true success is all about:  "It is achieving an inner peace which is a gift from God that comes from a correct understanding of how He has made us and who we were meant to be; what is our true purpose in this life and the pursuit and work to fulfill that purpose."  When we gain an understanding of who we are and what we are meant to accomplish in this life, we realize our significance which ultimately comes from God.

An outstanding book that I would highly recommend is There's More To Life Than Making A Living by Jack C. McDowell.  He develops and reinforces the point I am making.  He emphasizes the fact that we need to find our calling not just a career.  Here is a statement he makes on this subject:  "Your calling is how you best use all God has given you - talents, passion, resources, opportunities and experience - to serve His gracious purposes in the world."

Pause a moment and take stock of the realities of your life.  Reflect on what are your talents, what are you passionate about and what are the resources and opportunities available to you.  Then get to work on moving towards the life of significance  God wants for you.

"The nurture of your soul is finally a more important part of your calling than obtaining marketable skills."  -  Leland Ryken

Building On The Right Foundation

As a young teenager of sixteen, my first real job was that of a laborer for a construction company.  One of the main tasks we did was to dig foundations for buildings.  Today machines have taken the place of this kind of manual work. It was hard work and it made a real impression on me.  I realized then and there that I was going to pursue a quest to secure a good job with an appropriate income.

The most important lesson I learned was a lot about the importance and the critical nature of a foundation.  I discovered that the best possible foundation is one that is laid on top of solid rock.  This is always the ideal.  The classic example is the construction on Manhatten Island where the entire island is solid granite rock.

Poor foundations may not be seen but in time the problems they create will surface.  As a person builds their life they too need to build it on the right foundation.  There is only one truly right foundation in this life and that is the solid rock of Jesus Christ.  As the Bible makes clear - all other foundations are like sand - they will fail in the end.  

We all will experience problems and crises in this life and only those whose life is built on Christ will be able to weather these storms.  Above all else, seek Christ and His kingdom first and all the other things will fall into place.

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."  (Matthew 7:24, 25) NKJV

The Art of Patience

One of the characteristics of God, the Bible tells us, is that of patience.  God is never in a hurry.  He has a plan and He is carrying it out right on time, both for the entire creation and for each individual.  We all need to develop patience and model that patience in ourselves more after God.

In order to become successful, we need to learn that patience is an essential quality that will help us reach our goals and stay balanced.  Patience calls for  a determination to reach a goal with calmness.  Anything we attempt to do is going to take time.  Most things require a number of steps to accomplish and don't happen quickly.  Often as we move through the process to accomplish something, we learn and see things that prevent us from making  mistakes.  The old saying, 'haste makes waste,' is still very true.  Being patient helps you enjoy the journey and better appreciate when the task or goal is realized.

Patience is not to be confused with inaction.  We need to continually be responding to the changing conditions around us, and we need to stay proactive.  But as we act on things, we need to apply patience.  Our modern culture has brought the opportunity to become multi-tasking and provides a fantastic opportunity to be busy.  This blessing can also become a curse if we don't balance it with patience and restraint.

Using What You Have

Many people fail to realize the potential God has given them because they stay preoccupied with things they don't have while overlooking the things they do have.  Another way to put it, they are not resourceful.  Being resourceful is made up of a number of qualities.  It begins with a person using common sense to accept the given circumstances and adjust their goal to what is currently possible.  It also involves being creative by utilizing what you have on hand to get a task accomplished. It is amazing what can be done with limited resources when we employ our imagination and ingenuity.

A famous example of this was what occurred on the Apollo 13 flight.  After an inspace explosion, the situation looked grim for the three astronauts.  Without a fix on the machine that filtered carbon dioxide, eventually they would die.  The people at Houston Control began an urgent attempt to see if they could create something that would solve the problem making use of components and parts available from the space capsule.  After an exhaustive and trying team effort, they came up with a device that saved the day - and the lives of three astronauts.

Life brings with it limitations, problems and challenges.  Those who develop the quality of being resourceful are those people who become successful by continually producing ways to meet goals and objectives.


"Resourcefulness is using one's wits, proper judgment and common sense to solve problems and meet challenges.  It is using initiative in difficult situations, and it involves inventing, creating, imagining, synthesizing, evaluating, classifying, observing and analyzing solutions to overcome the trials that life throws at us.  Resourcefulness is dreaming up ways to meet our goals."
(Coach John Wooden)

Adapting To Change

As I have referenced before, reading good books is one of the essential activities that is required to become successful.   One such book is titled Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD.  It is a book that helps people learn how to deal with "change."  It is a simple little story, a quick read, but one that is loaded with sound advice and solid instruction on how to embrace the conditions of change that face us all.

Change is one of God's gifts to mankind.  He has given us intelligence and energy so we can continue to improve and grow in how we live our daily lives.  Change is part of life - it begins from childhood experiences until we reach old age.  Change can be exciting at times and at other times frightening.  Some people handle change better than others.  No one likes unexpected or sudden change.  Many people prefer little or no change.  They like their routine and become set in their ways.  When change happens, they resist it.  Some pretend it is not happening and do nothing to adjust to the change.  Many are slow to respond to change.

The message of this outstanding book can be summed up with these key points:

• Change Happens
• Anticipate Change
• Monitor Change
• Adapt to Change Quickly
• Change
• Enjoy Change
• Be Ready to Quickly Change Again and Again

Only those who master the art of change can ever be truly successful.

Organize For Success

Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to work at or tour a manufacturing facility cannot miss the impressive setup and organization these establishments display.  In order to become highly efficient in what they are producing, it is critical that everything necessary in the way of parts or components is close at hand and all the tools and equipment needed are available.  Manufacturing companies continually make improvements so they can boost their output and at a lower cost.

This same concept is also critical for anyone who is serious about becoming successful.  Once a person begins to understand who they are, how God has made them and what talents and abilities they have been given, it is then time to begin the hard work and planning necessary to develop and hone those attributes.  As a person forms a vision of where they want to go and what they want to pursue, it is essential that they organize for the task ahead.

To begin, here are a few tips on things to consider:

• Organize a place to work
• Pull together the items you need to get started
• Start building a reference library on your subject
• Work on a Life Mission Statement
• Set some goals and lay out a strategy to attain those goals
• Establish a timetable
• Ask friends and family for advice
• And last, but by far the most important, pray for guidance and direction from God

The Importance Of Practice

The 2012 Summer Olympics opened this week in London, England, with the customary parade of athletes from all participating nations.  For every one of these athletes, their participation marked the culminations of years and years of practice.  For many this quest had begun when they were only youngsters and they had been required to invest thousands of hours of hard work and repetitive exercises in order to move up to the level of an Olympian.

No one becomes successful without the discipline of practice.  The development of skills always involves practice.  This is one of the reasons discovering your giftedness and talents is so critical.  When people attempt to do somethings they were not meant to do, they almost never have the commitment and desire to practice.  They also become discouraged because they experience little or no progress.

Practice is hard work.  It requires an investment of time and energy.  It is, by definition, repetitive and at times can be boring and sometimes even frustration.  It is a slow process which requires that you keep your mind on the desired goal.

We continually need to be reminded - there are no shortcuts to biblical success.  It is part of God's plan.  Many times the practice is more important for our lives than reaching the goal.


"As the Holy Spirit leads and directs us and as we develop our skills through practice, we grow and produce fruit."  Basics for Believers Vol. 2, pp. 38-139

Take Note And Be On Guard

One only has to examine self to see the destructive imprint of the Fall of man.  We are all affected, some more and some less, but all are flawed.  It is only when we accept this reality that we will begin to address one of the reasons our pursuit of worldly success is so far off the mark.

Worldly success at its center is driven by a preoccupation with "self."  Along with that overriding impulse, we are driven by greed and selfishness.  It is plain to be seen even in our little children.  Another driving force for success comes from the motive of envy and the desire to have what others have.  In other words," we are covetous.  Unchecked, these motives can develop into the dominate driving force of our life.

The solution to this condition is to accept what God has done for us in giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to offer us a new beginning--to make us new again.  Then, and only then, can we begin to depart from the destructive behavior which was part of our old nature and move towards true godly success.


"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."  (Philippians 2:3, 4) NKJV

Integrity

Yesterday marked a tragic culmination of what has become known as the Penn State University sex abuse case.  It was the day that the NCAA issued its penalties that are to be levied against the University and its football athletic program for the failed action of leadership of the University to act with integrity against a known child molester.

The sentence was harsh but one that few disagreed with.  It also marks the continuing disgrace of their legendary coach Joe Paterno.  Two days earlier, his larger than life statue was removed from its prominent position on campus.  The ruling also represents the tragic consequences of someone who has lost his long-standing reputation and role of being a model of integrity.

True success will only be realized by those who live their lives daily walking in integrity.  Integrity should be a part of everything we think and do.  It is imperative that we embrace and apply it in all situations of our lives.  Integrity is built on a foundation of honesty.  Without honesty there can be no integrity.  It also addresses purity of intention or motive.  It means that a person of integrity is steadfast, committed and beyond reproach.

Last, integrity is what determines the depth of a person's character - who they are and how they conduct themselves.  Integrity involves the whole of one's life.  It is not only important to begin well and maintain one's integrity, but most important, to finish well.

Beware of becoming consumed with the wrong kind of success.  Take heed that you do not turn a gift of God, like sports, into an idol.


"Ability without honor has no value." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

A Clue To Who You Are

People today enjoy the benefit of numerous tools that aid them in learning to understand who they are and what it is that they are good at.  An outstanding example is the book with enclosed survey STRENGTHS FINDER 2.0.  This tool can provide excellent information based on the answers you give to  the one hundred and forty questions asked in the survey.  Learning to understand who we are is critical to becoming successful.

Another element which can be helpful in this quest is to reflect on what are the things that you dream about; what are those subjects which frequently come to your thoughts?  What is it that you would most like to do and to become?  What do you think about most often and what do you believe would be the perfect job for you?

The Bible tells us that "without vision the people perish."  Without a vision you will never come to true success.

Take time to write down the answers to some of the questions mentioned above.  Also, in a quiet place, spend time with yourself to reflect on who you are right now and who you believe you should become.

Don't forget this critical point - we all have a purpose in this life and the gifts and abilities to fulfill that purpose.  The job before us is in discovering this purpose and investing the time to develop those gifts and abilities to their full potential.

          "Most people think they know what they are good at.  They are usually wrong...And yet,
          a person can perform only from strength."
          - Business Guru Peter Drucker

True Success Begins With God

Many in our society today live a life that is in "overload."  They are attempting to live a life that reflects "success" both in their work and in their home and family life.  Unfortunately, they have bought into a flawed meaning of success and the resulting stress reflects it.  Many are living a life that is out of balance and consumed with the wrong priorities.  Expressions like joy, peace, optimism and contentment are, for the most part, not words that describe their life.  Instead words such as stress, anxiety, uncertainty and disappointment characterize their existence.  That is why it is so critical to learn the true meaning of success and then to embrace it.

Let me state again what I firmly believe is the meaning of true success based on a biblical worldview.
 
     "True success is achieving an inner peace which is a gift from God that comes from a
      correct understanding of how He made us and who we were meant to be, what is our true
      purpose in this life and the pursuit and work to fulfill that purpose."

As this definition implies, it is only from God that true success is possible.  He is the one who gives life genuine purpose and helps us to discover this purpose.  This discovery does not come quickly nor is it easy to gain.  It requires hard work, good planning, focus and commitment and most of all, prayer.  It requires that we discover our talents and abilities and work to strengthen them.  Last, it requires that we accept each day as an opportunity and challenge to be the best that we can be with God's help.

     "The whole premise of Game Plan For Life - Your Personal Playbook For Success is that
       God is in charge and that His plan for your life can be found in the Bible."
       (Joe Gibbs)

Focus on Fundamentals

Anyone who has ever participated in sports or other group activities such as the military knows that the first things addressed are the fundamentals or basics.  These are the elements or steps that are necessary  in order to advance in a particular pursuit.  They make up the foundation on which greater skills are built.  They are vital in order for one to become  successful.

Many people take shortcuts when it comes to addressing the basics of life.  Many are too eager to advance so they skip some of the steps in the basics of their respective objective.  Others mistakenly believe that they have little need of the basics, so they step over them and go to another level.  Eventually, this omission will catch up to them and they will realize the consequence of their mistake.

One of the main reasons elementary education is so critical is that it is intended to provide a student with the basics of learning.  Failure from those teaching, or from the student to grasp the art of mastering the basics, has lifelong implications.

Today we have opportunities to revisit areas where we may have failed to learn some of the basics.  If you recognize areas that you are weak in or key disciplines you lack, seek out a class that teaches those  specific basics.  Fill in your foundation so you can move ahead and become what you are capable of being.

Most of the topics I have written about in my previous blogs are "the basics for life and success."

     "Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life."
       -  Proverbs 19:20 (NLT)

Taking Control of What You Can

There are some things in this life we just can't control.  Weather is one of those we cannot.  Yes, it is true we have a much better ability to forecast what we expect the weather to be, but still we have no control over what the weather will actually be.  We have no control over who our parents are, no control over where we were born or what race or nationality we are.  We have no control over the formation of our DNA - the things that determine who we are and how we are "wired."

At the same time, there are many things God has given us the ability and opportunity to control.  Listed below are some of those things that each of us has the ability to utilize and manage:

     - the time we are given
     - the talents we were born with
     - the energy we have
     - the resources around us
     - the money available to us
     - the brain we have been given
     - the opportunities that come our way

Most people in this world have been given tremendous freedom to choose what they will control and how they will do it.  The choices we make on the list above will have a great impact on the level of our success.

Take time to reflect how well you take control of those things I have listed.

Poise and Confidence

It's never difficult to notice people who display pose and confidence.  They seem so comfortable with themselves, with the circumstances they are in and with life in general.  At the other end are people who are trying to display poise and confidence but it's easy to see right through them.  They put on an act, say the right things but still they lack what they are attempting to be.

Where does genuine poise and confidence come from?  What does it take to gain these enviable traits?

Poise and confidence come when a person has an understanding of who they are and how God has made them.  They use the natural gifts and abilities they have and work hard to develop and perfect them.  They reflect on what it is that captures their interest and the things they enjoy doing most.  They resist the worldly preoccupation with making money and accumulating more  things while nourishing the satisfaction that comes from excelling in what they do.

Poise and confidence occur through hard work and practice.  Those with poise and confidence have developed the mastery of the basic areas in which they focus.  Planning what it will take to become excellent in what they are going to do takes the investment of time and focus.

Successful people develop and display poise in what they are about and a confidence that comes from the investments they have made over time.  They stand on a foundation, though unseen, that is strong and secure.  They are comfortable being who they are and what they have endeavored to be.  They press onward, secure in where they have been, comfortable where they are and excited in where they are going.

          "Poise and confidence come with proper preparation."  - Coach John Wooden

A Model of Success

In May my wife and I attended the 50th reunion of my high school graduating class in Greenville, South Carolina.  We,  along with others of my class, also had the opportunity to take a tour of the rebuilt Wade Hampton High School, led by its principal Mr. Lance Radford.  Neither my wife nor I were sure what to expect but we were curious to get a look at the new school from which we had both graduated.  As it turned out, we received much more than just a tour of memory lane.

I came away from that encounter with a sense that I had witnessed what true success is all about.  I met someone who loves what he is doing in life and someone who is extraordinarily gifted to perform that role.  Most important, I witnessed someone who is having an impact on the world around them and on a host of young people who are fortunate enough to come into contact with this man.

It is obvious Principal Radford is passionate about the responsibilities he has worked hard to earn, and his enthusiasm radiates to all around him.  Not only does he demonstrate hard work, good planning, enthusiasm and vision, but one can sense the ownership and responsibility he feels.

Principal Radford spent many years of hard work in the school system of which he is a part and after a number of years as assistant principal, he earned his current position.  In my opinion, he is an outstanding model of the good that exists today in our public schools.  He is also a model of what real success is all about.  I hope and pray that God will continue to bless his work and increase his impact on the young lives that he has been given to guide and shape.

     "If we truly ordered our lives according to the biblical idea of work, we would ask ourselves
      and our work not 'How much will I make?' but 'Will this work use my abilities and gifts to
      to the fullest?'"
                      - Ben Patterson

True Success

One reason we have so many people who believe they have not achieved success in their life is because the vast majority of the population have a flawed understanding of what true success really means.

In order to achieve any goal or objective, it is necessary to define what the goal or objective really is.  With this fact in mind, let's look at some realities about success that are often overlooked by most people.

Becoming successful financially is viewed by many as "being successful." Yet there are a multitude of financially well off people who are not happy, feel unsatisfied or unfulfilled.  Others believe that by reaching a high level of achievement in business, sports, entertainment or academics is becoming successful.  Here too, just take a look at many of these people's lives and you readily see those who do not feel fulfilled, satisfied or have peace of mind.

The problem is that they have missed the true meaning of success.

True success is achieving an inner peace which is a gift from God that comes from a correct understanding of how He has made us and who we were meant to be; what is our true purpose in this life and the pursuit and work to fulfill that purpose.

          "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." (1 Timothy 6:6)

Commitment

One of the character qualities necessary for success is commitment.  It is critical to become a person who makes and keeps commitments.  Many people in society today avoid commitments; it is just easier to take the easy way out.

Let me give you some examples.  Many people take a job but do not really commit to it.  Lack of commitment is reflected in their attitude.  They put in their time, perform the minimal expected and just get by.  They are not committed.

A vast majority of Americans have tried a diet.  They start, but don't stay committed.

This is also true in developing a habit of regular exercise.  People launch a regimen of exercise but soon discard the habit.

Another example is a commitment to get out of debt.  Many begin the endeavor but few stay committed for the long run.

If someone is going to initiate a new habit they are going to need the quality of commitment.  The same goes for breaking a bad habit.  Commitment is also necessary in the area of personal relations.  People highly value the person who demonstrates commitment.

Being committed doesn't come easily.  That is why many lack this quality.

Make commitment a part of who you are.  Make commitments and strive to keep them.

Adaptibility

One of the four books that I discuss and promote in my seminar Seeds For Success is Spencer Johnson's books "Who Moved My Cheese?".  It is a little book that contains a parable about the subject of change.  It is an outstanding reminder of the reality of change and how we should learn to handle changes in our lives.  By the way, it has sold over thirty million copies and continues to be used by organizations and businesses worldwide.

One of the seeds of success that we all need to nurture and develop within ourselves is the quality of adaptability.  Adaptability is being able to respond to changing conditions.  It requires that we stay observant of the realities around us, and that we accept the fact that everything in this world, including ourselves, is in the process of change.  The opposite of adaptability is stubbornness .  Many people refuse to accept change and even resist it.  They keep doing things the way same they have always done them and refuse to face the costly impact this decision has on them.

Adaptability begins with learning to accept and embrace the inevitability of change.  In many ways and in most things, change is good - it is just uncomfortable.

Work to overcome your resistance to change.  Learn to anticipate change and even begin to look forward to change.  Bottom line is that adaptability is essential if someone is going to be successful in life.

Getting Started

Every life is a gift from God.  Each of us is given opportunities to become what we were made to be.  Each day is a valuable gift and full of opportunity.  But we need to remember - life is short.  We are given only one life to sow seed of success.  It is imperative that we avail ourselves of these opportunities.  Each day is precious.

Take stock where you are at this moment.  Create a vision of where you believe you could be based on your gifts and abilities.  Develop a plan of what will be required for you to fulfill this vision.  Pray for wisdom and strength to carry out this plan.  Ask God for His blessings.

Then, get on with it!  Don't delay.  Don't procrastinate.  Don't put it off.  Put aside your fears and uncertainties.  Refuse to be gripped by fear.

Take that first step and begin the journey today.

Acquiring Skills

The dictionary defines skill as the proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience. It also means having the ability to execute the fundamentals necessary to a particular task.

Acquiring skills is basic to reaching one's potential in life.  That is why early schooling is so vital.  The ability to read, write and study are keys that open one to the seeds of success available to all.  The ability to effectively communicate and follow instructions is also critical for becoming successful.   These fundamental skills can be developed with proper training and practice and should be a priority for everyone.

As we grow in the understanding of ourselves, we should begin to learn or recognize special areas of giftedness or unique talent.  It is here that we should put emphasis on acquiring the additional skills that will allow us to maximize these gifts.  Developing skills takes time - some can take a long time, even years.  The important thing is to keep on gaining and strengthening your skills.  Having good skills is like having a toolbox full of valuable tools which allows you to accomplish things.

           "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is
             richly supplied."  (Proverbs 13:4)

Developing Good Habits

One of the most essential seeds of success that can be planted is that of developing good habits.  Good habits have impact on everything you do and produce bountiful results.

Unfortunately, good habits don't just happen.  In order to develop a good habit you must be intentional about it.  Usually, in order to plant a good habit you have to weed out a bad one.  As we all know, it takes no effort to develop a bad habit.

Here is a simple approach which can get you started on developing some good habits.

1.  Select three things that you would like to make a habit in your life.

2.  Take notice if this good habit replaces a bad habit.  Quite often this is the case.

3.  Commit to do these new exercises for forty straight days with no break.

4.  Write  out your goal and keep track of each day.

5.  Pray and ask God to help you accomplish this objective.

6.  Ask others to help you stay encouraged.

7.  Celebrate your accomplishment.

By the way, this process can help you eliminate a bad habit.  Keep in mind that when you develop a good habit, you create something that will continue to pay off for the rest of your life.

          "What matters most is what you do day by day over the long haul."
            - John C. Maxwell

A Personal Mission Statement

In Part Two of my book Tomorrow is a Matter of Choice, I develop an Eight-Step Action Plan that I feel is critical for anyone who desires to develop and strengthen their gifts and abilities and to achieve all that they are capable of becoming.

The third step in that plan is "Establish Your Priorities."  This step is critical because it is the foundation that you build on.  Given the frantic pace of life today and the countless distractions that influence us daily, it is no wonder that a majority of people haven't taken the time to establish what are the major priorities of their lives.

One of the best ways I recommend is to invest the time to go through an exercise of developing a personal mission statement and committing it to a formal written document which you review often and polish or revise as time passes.

Here are a few helpful hints on this exercise:

1.  Start by asking yourself what are the things that are most important to you in this life.

2.  What is it that you most want to accomplish based on the answer to the question above?

3.  Keep it short and concise.

4.  Start by making some brief notes and then organize those thoughts.

5.  Do this over the course of several weeks and allow time to pray and reflect.

6.  Do a rough draft and then revise it.

7.  Once you feel comfortable with your statement, commit it to a formal typed document.

8.  Use it to routinely evaluate your daily activities.

9.  Every few months take time to assess how well you are progressing towards fulfillment of
     your mission statement.

10. Commit to do a yearly revision if necessary because we do change with time.

          "You can thoughtfully chose what you want to do, have, and be during your
            life, or you can leave it to chance.  The difference between chance and choice
            lies largely in your level of commitment to creating the future."
            - Dave Ellis

Careful Planning

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden developed a teaching tool which helped him become the most successful coach in NCAA history.  It was called "The Pyramid of Success."  It was made up of fifteen building blocks and ten mortar qualities.  In my opinion it is one of the best teaching tools that helps someone carefully plan how they can become successful.  As a sidebar, it is one of the major components of my seminar Seeds of Success.

In the Pyramid of Success the number one block is Industriousness.  It has two components - work and planning.  My focus in this blog is planning.  I begin with planning because careful planning has a major impact even on hard work.  Careful planning multiplies the results of hard work.

Most people plan in some way.  A simple "To Do" list is planning.  Some over plan; they use planning as a substitute for doing.

Careful planning begins with taking the time to think about the goal or objective, the time period available to accomplish the goal and the key steps involved to take towards the goal.  Focus on the good use of time and having the best tools and conditions to work in.

Being good stewards of our time and talents is important and is something God blesses.

          Good planning and hard work leads to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts leads to poverty.
           (Proverbs 21:5)

Change Comes Slowly

"Anything worth while takes time."  "Rome wasn't built in a day."  These are two expressions that my parents quoted to me as a youngster and as I have grown older, the more I see the value of embracing the meanings behind these two statements.

There is no quick nor easy way to become successful.  It is something that develops over time.  It requires the gathering of the seeds of value, planting a crop (practice), making preparations and investing with hard work.  Most people are not where they would like to be in life and would like to change, but seem to never succeed.  One major reason is that they fail to take the long view when they approach the subject of change.  This "longview" is what I just expressed earlier.  Change cannot be make quickly.  It requires the change of lifestyle and the forming of new habits.  That can only be done slowly, day by day over the course of time.  It is said that it takes thirty days of doing something without any interruption in order to form a habit.  My opinion is that forty days is a better length to use because some people take longer to form a habit than others.

Many start to make changes but fail because they don't stick it out.  Others fail because they attempt to do too much at one time and become discouraged.  That is why planning and allowing adequate time to form a new habit is so critical.

Take time to think about an area of life where you want to become better.  Write down a simple plan of how you think this will be possible.  Commit to the plan and work to make it become a reality.

          "The future comes one day at a time."
            - Dean Acheson

         

Seeds Are Lessons Learned

If you are open-minded and pay attention, one of the places you will find "seeds for success" is in the lessons of life.  All around us, everyday we are exposed to valuable lessons if we will but take the time to open our eyes and note what is playing out in front of us.  It might be a simple action of someone doing a task in a way that we never thought about and from that example we learn.  It might be a comment or an observation from someone that reminds and helps us gain a better understanding regarding a subject which we have been struggling with.

In many cases, we learn from negative experiences.  Wise are those who learn from their mistakes.  We also can learn from ordinary events of life, things that happen to us every day.  So much of the ordinary can teach us if we are careful to observe.

Sadly some people never learn.  They maintain a closed mind to anything new or different.  They go on practicing bad habits and reaping the consequences.  There are others who fall into a routine and never give much attention to the lessons that could be learned.  There is so much available for us to learn.

Set aside some time to think about how God has ordered your life and in how many ways He provides lessons for you.  Begin to list some things you learn and from what source they have come.  Then encourage other to watch for opportunities to learn.

          "Every happening, great or small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the
            art of life is to get the message."
            - Malcolm Muggeridge

Teachability

One of the greatest needs in society today is for people to become more teachable.  This is a quality that is lacking in many.  Our culture is taking a great toll on the lives of many of our young who are being influenced by unreal settings like television sitcoms or most movies.  It amazes me how arrogant, self-sufficient   and self-centered many of the "heros" are in our entertainment arena.  So much emphasis placed on "I did it myself" and "I don't need anyone else" attitudes.

Another problem with most of our entertainment today is that it presents unrealistic accomplishments with little need for the process of learning, practice and significant time required to accomplish.

In the real world success comes to those who are open to learning from others through the channels of books, educational settings or personal mentoring.  Developing an attitude of teachability is critical to success.  We never outgrow the need to have an attitude that is teachable and a willingness to learn from others.

One way to test your teachability is try something that is new for you.  This will require help and advice from others.  In many cases it will humble you a bit but will also demonstrate your need for assistance.

          "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser."
            - Proverbs 9:9

Check It Out

As an avid reader I am always on the lookout for really valuable books which offer "good seeds" that will help me and others learn and grow.  Recently I came across a book entitled Lit! A Christian Guide To Reading Books by Tony Reinke that serves this purpose and I encourage you to obtain a copy for yourself.  

The author explains the purpose and objective of his book with the following description:

     "My book is for any Christian who wants to read books, and read them well.  This book
       covers a wide range of topics:  why we should read books in the first place, how to
       choose the best books, how to find time to read books, and how to find joy - not drudgery -
       in the pages of books."

Reinke's book is divided into two parts with six chapters in part one and nine chapters in part two.  There are two especially outstanding chapters in Part One:  chapter three Savoring Books in an Eye-Candy Culture, and How a Biblical Worldview Equips Us to Benefit from Books in chapter four.  In Part Two, chapter eight, How to Read a Book, and chapter ten, Too Busy to Read, are well worth the purchase of the book.

The bottom line is that all fifteen chapters (many are short) are all excellent and make this a book worth owning.  It is available in both book and e-book format.  I hope you purchase the hard copy in order to mark meaningful comments for yourself and to complement your library.

Remember, it's the books you read, the people you meet, the thoughts you have, and the choices you make that will determine who you are becoming.

Choice

Considering the topic of choice, most people tend to focus on the major decisions that we all face in life, such as what vocation to pursue, who we will marry, where we will live, when and if we want a family.  No doubt these are important choices that will have an impact on the rest of our lives.  Sadly however, many give very little thought to the everyday choices that significantly affect the person we are becoming.  Many daily options we are given that seem to have little or no significance can, over time have life changing impact.  As the author of a book on choices wrote, "The problem with most of the choices we make, like the seemingly incidental choices on my list, is that most of them are unconscious choices - we make them every day, without thinking about the fact that we're making them."

One of God's greatest gifts to mankind is the ability to make choices.  That ability has the capacity to slowly and surely determine the direction and outcome of our lives.  That is why everyday choices are so important. They are collective and accumulative and add up to who we are.  It is for that reason that any significant change that one determines to make cannot occur in a brief span of time, but will only take place as different choices are implemented and practiced over time.

Take some time to make a list of the choices you make everyday and decide how you would like to change some of these.  Create a goal that involves making different choices, keeping in mind that ultimately the world is made up of people who take control of their choices - and those who don't.  Success comes from making good choices on a daily basis.

           "Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.  It is not something
             to be wished for; but, rather something to be achieved."
            --William Jennings Bryan

Re-examining The Basics

It has been fourteen years since my first book Basics For Believers was published.  My aim with that book was to furnish fellow believers with a brief overview of the basic elements of their Christian faith.  The target audience for my book was new and immature believers, so I was surprised at the positive response I received from many even mature and long-time believers.

What that response reinforced to me was the fact that we never lose the need for a brief review of the "basics."  This is true in our life of faith and it is also true in our life in general.

Here are some areas that we should examine to see if we are strong in the basics.

     1.  Our ability to read
     2.  How to study
     3.  Our ability to write clearly
     4.  The effective art of communication
     5.  Time management
     6.  Establishing priorities
     7.  Planning
     8.  Organization
     9.  Budgeting
   10.  Follow-through

Regardless of what you are working to become, these "basics" should be mastered and implemented.  They never stop playing a vital role in our lives.

          "No believer is ever beyond the basics."
           --Pastor/Teacher John MacArthur

Attitude

Some years ago a movie titled Rudy was released that told the true story of the life of a young man whose great ambition was to play football at the University of Notre Dame.  Because of his small size, everyone discouraged him from even thinking about pursuing this dream.  Rudy had to strive hard just to get into the university and then, with great persistence, was eventually allowed to join the practice squad of the football team.

This story reveals an individual who displayed an unbelievable positive attitude while enduring continual beatings from larger and stronger players - but was never discouraged to quitting!  In his senior year at the last home game, Rudy's fellow players had come to respect him so much that they threatened to quit if he was not allowed to dress for the final game.  The coach finally gave in and Rudy joined the team on the sidelines.

As the game was just about to end, his teammates began to chant for Rudy to be permitted one play on the field.  Before long, the entire stadium joined the chant, "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy."  At last, the coach sent him onto the field, fulfilling Rudy's lifelong dream.  The movie ends with the football squad carrying Rudy off the field.

Attitude plays a huge role in our potential for success.  It is not, however, everything.  Attitude will never be a substitute for talent and giftedness.  We cannot be whatever want to be if we just "try hard enough."  Rudy's story proves that point.  Like Rudy, we should strive to have a great attitude - it will affect everything we do.  But remember, examine yourself and match your goals to your abilities.

          "A positive, confident attitude can transform a culture of failures into
           unexpected success..."
           --Jack C. McDowell

Learning Who We Are

On of the most successful TV programs over the past ten years has been American Idol.  This program is a modern version of the old TV talent shows of the past.  Its hopeful contestants compete for the opportunity to be named American Idol for the current year.  As a result of the show's success over the past ten years, many of the hopeful singers have been launched into stardom and fame.

Each presentation begins with initial tryouts in various cities of the U.S.  In this phase of competition, we are introduced to a series of comedies with the exposure of some contestants who lack little or no musical talent but are willing to make fools of themselves to grab a moment of notice on TV.  It also includes contestants who really believe they have talent, when in reality they do not.

It amazes me how unrealistic some people become regarding their own obvious lack of talent and ability.
Becoming successful with any venture requires that we match our innate gifts with the appropriate endeavors toward those talents.  That is why it is so critical to make certain we understand who we are and how God has made us.  Everyone has some talents and abilities that, if properly developed in those gifted areas, can produce success.

There is a critical need to learn and cultivate the strengths we are born with and to recognize the areas of life in which we are not gifted.  These are the first steps necessary to move towards true success.

          "I was determined to find something I was good at."
            --Lance Armstrong

Developing Your Seeds

There are seeds of success everywhere!  We only need to become aware of them and plant them - which is, in essence, to embrace them.  Once we make that move, it is then time to develop those seeds.  Here are some ways to initiate this process.

First, be sure you have grasped what is the potential and value of the seed.  Work to learn everything you can concerning the seed .  Once this is done, develop a means to help this seed become a habit.  Over time the habit will become a natural part of who you are.  

Here are four steps to help you with an example - Reading.

     Step One - Learn how to read a book.
     Step Two - Realize the value of good books.
     Step Three - Make reading a habit.
     Step Four - Read continually.

If you are desiring to be successful and realize your full potential then you must read.  Reading is the doorway to a vast storehouse of more seeds.  One of the most valuable books on reading is How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles L. Van Doren.

          "Success is a continuing thing.  It is growth and development.  It is achieving one
          thing and using that as a stepping stone to achieve something else."
          --John C. Maxwell

Keep on Growing

One of the ways God has provided for us to continue to grow mentally is through our ability to keep planting seeds of knowledge into our minds.  We experience growth as these seeds grow.  There is no problem with over-planting.  The storage capacity of most people's brains is so great that we only use a small portion of it.

There is also no lack of seeds for our use.  In fact, the availability of knowledge in today's world is so immense that the problem is not one of supply, but more one of discernment of what information will be of the most benefit.  With the advent of computers and the internet, access to unlimited information is at our finger tips.  Add to that the millions of books, DVDs and educational programs on television that are now available.

Given this ocean of resources at our disposal today, why does it appear that many have stopped growing mentally, or at best, growing at a very small rate?  There are a number of reasons.  First, people become lazy and reduce their pursuit of learning.  Second, there are so many distractions to  divert our attention that require no effort on our part.  And third, people become satisfied with the status quo.  They don't feel a need to grow.

When we stop growing mentally, we actually begin to decline.  The reason is that change is always at work around us.  If we don't grow, we fall behind.

Growing mentally is critical to our success.

          "The wise are mightier than the strong,  and those with knowledge grow stronger
          and stronger."  Proverbs 24:5

Intentness

In his concept, Pyramid of Success, basketball's coaching legend John Wooden titled one of the building blocks 'Intentness.'  Coach Wooden's definition involves the setting of realistic goals and the determination and persistence to strive to achieve those goals.  Being intent means to stay focused, to resist diversion and distraction and to not give up.  Being intent also involves having determination and patience to go the distance.

One reason that so many today lack intentness is a mindset of immediate gratification.  People are not willing to work long and hard to achieve a goal.  They are impatient and lack determination and persistence.  They want reward without work.

Another reason for a lack of intentness is that people experience obstacles and problems as they pursue the achieving of their goals and just give up.  What many fail to realize is that it is in the midst of adversity and roadblocks that we grow.  Life is full of obstacles that present us with problems and discouragements, but it is when we overcome in spite of these that we grow and learn.  There are no
'free rides' in this life.

Coach Wooden sums up this point with a great quote:

          "In every way - physically, morally, emotionally and spiritually - we increase our
          strength when life is hard; therefore, we must not dread adversity, nor can we allow
          it to stop us from becoming the best we can be through the steadfast pursuit of our
          goals...Without intentness we can't possibly become all we can be."

This concept is by no means one of recent promotion.  Read what our thirtieth president said back in the 1920's.

          "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.  Talent will not; nothing is
          more common than unsuccessful men with talent.  Genius will not; unrewarded genius
          is almost a proverb.  Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
          Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

          --Calvin Coolidge

Being Proactive

In his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey lists his first habit as "being proactive."  Covey makes a key point where he says that proactivity means more than merely taking initiative.  It means that as human beings, we are responsible for our own lives.

           "Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions.  We can
           subordinate feelings to values.  We have the initiative and the responsibility
           to make things happen."

Taking responsibility for our decisions on how we respond and react to daily life has a great deal to do with how we succeed in life.  As we grow in our ability to be proactive, we accept responsibility for personal actions and avoid blaming circumstances or conditions - we stop being reactive and become proactive.

A central theme of the teaching of Christ Jesus is that we are to live our lives governed by the laws of God and not on the natural response of our feelings.

           "Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been."
           --Oswald Chambers

         

Mentors

One of the basic truths that most successful people embrace is that of the value of friendships.  People can play a key role in our lives if we allow them to be involved with our lives.  Among the circle of people that we often interface with, a few could become life-changing sources of 'good seeds.'  These few are the ones who can teach us by  being a model to us and enabling us to learn the important lessons of life.  These people, or perhaps only one person, are desirable roles as mentors.

Mentors draw from their life experiences - both good and bad - and help guide us toward achieving our own life's purpose.

If you don't currently have mentors in your life, seek them out.  There are always people who are willing to teach someone who is willing to learn.

           "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success."
             --Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)

Positive Thinking

We are all familiar with the phrase 'you are what you eat' and there is no debate that there is an element of truth to that.  Today, poor eating habits has become a major topic of discussion.  However, I would submit that there is a far more important statement which has far greater impact on everyone than food and it is this:  Our thought life is the precursor and major determinant of how we live our lives.


What we allow to come into and play out in our minds, to a great extent, will affect everything we do.  It begins with what we say and then it works out in our actions.  One of the valuable 'seeds from the Bible' is the verse from the fourth chapter of Philippians:  "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."  (NKJV)

What God through the Apostle Paul is telling us is that we need to train our minds to think on good things.  Changing how we think and what we think on is a critical step in becoming all that God purposed us to be.

The Bible throughout its pages leaves no doubt that people's lives are the product of their thoughts.  Our thoughts have rewards and consequences.

         "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."
            --Proverbs 4:23


         

Seeds of Common Sense

As we move into the 21st century, it is amazing the level of advancements being made in areas like medicine, technology, telecommunications and transportation.  From that standpoint, these are wondrous times to live.  At the same time there are areas within our society that give you pause for concern. One such area is a lack of the use of common sense.

Some key questions at this point:  What has happened to common sense?  Why do so many people seem not to have or to use this faculty?  What explanation can there be that might help us see why this trend has occurred?

I believe that a major reason for this unfamiliarity with common sense relates to the drift of many years in our country to overlook and discount the value and emphasis and, most importantly, the acceptance of the Bible.  Common sense is a gift from God and many of its elements are spelled out in the Bible.  As a people becomes disconnected from the Scriptures, they become disconnected from the wisdom of God, much of which plays out in the basic activities of life.  When we lose the foundations for common sense, we leave a vacuum that is filled with the wisdom of the world and of the natural man, leading to many of the disasters so prevalent around us.

For centuries most people read the Bible and valued the wisdom that it contains.  This was true of believers and unbelievers alike.  Society in general recognized the profound wisdom of the Scriptures.  Sadly, over the past sixty years, we are seeing the results of a society which has discarded the need to read the Bible.

Common sense is defined in Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as:  sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment.  The world is captivated by the sophisticated but in many ways it has abandoned the sound and the prudent. If you desire to have good common sense and let it impact your life, go to the Bible and discover the treasure of wisdom within its pages.

     The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
     --Proverbs 10:21

Reliability

I am continually amazed at how some businesses spend all kinds of money to get you to become a customer, then completely drop the ball in the execution of what they promise.  Sadly, this problem occurs not only with businesses but also happens with all areas of our society and individuals.

Unfortunately, reliability in our culture today is not something you can count on.  People are quick to over promise and under deliver.  Follow through is not the standard.  Poor customer service has sadly become the standard mode of operation for many companies and institutions.  Granted, there are exceptions and when you encounter one of those exceptions?  What a pleasure!

Reliability should be a trade mark of everyone who wants to be successful.  It is one of those important qualities that will distinguish you over time.

               "The only thing that exceeds 'right-doing' is 'right-being.'  Your motives must be so
                 pure that God Almighty can see nothing to rebuke."
                 --Oswald Chambers            
               

Talents

Within the complex code of every person's DNA, God has purposed certain talents that are unique to that individual.  No one has ever or will ever have this same combination of unique skills.  Every person born is distinct and one of life's challenges is to discover and develop those distinct, individual talents within to their full potential.  This is a key element of success.

The familiar expression, 'You can become anything you want to be if you are willing to work hard enough', is not true.  Sadly, some people spend time pursuing goals that will never be realized for the simple reason it is not what they were meant to be.  The vast majority end up in vocations that will fit some of their talents while missing others, then they tend to remain half satisfied for the rest of their life.  Others find an excellent fit for their skills, become successful and enjoy what they are doing.  However, they use their success to accumulate 'the toys life' and spend their time investing mostly in themselves.

God's purpose for giving gifts, I believe, has three main objectives:

• Truly discover your talents
• Apply and develop those talents to their full potential
• Employ the success of those talents to serve others

One of the great tragedies in many people's life is their failure to discover their God-given talents.  They pass through this world never realizing the treasure of true success hidden within themselves.  

                         "Lord, you have put me in this world for something; show me

                          what that is and help me to work out my life purpose."                                

                                  --Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Deceit Versus Honesty

Today, in large measure, we live in a culture which operates in a deceitful manner.  We are continually bombarded with falsehoods, lies, scams and tricks.  Most people who operate in business, government and the media are guilty of some degree of deceitfulness.  Very few people ever stop to consider this biblical truth - 99% truth is still a lie.  The concept of upfront, open and honest is, in most cases, just an advertising slogan without much reality to back it up.

Given the condition in the culture today, being honest is a challenging exercise but one we need to continually work at.  Being honest is doing the right thing and not giving in to the temptation to go against the truth.  Honest people don't lie, don't shade the truth, and don't withhold part of the truth.

In the long run being honest pays huge dividends.  It builds respect from others.  It builds a good reputation and builds our character - who we really are.  Finally, and most important, it maintains our relationship with our Creator.

Honesty is the best policy and is a key part of what it means to be successful.

      " Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.  Think about 
      things that are pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things
      that are excellent and worthy or praise."  (Philippians 4:8) NLT

 

Ambition

Like so much of life, ambition can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing.  When ambition is centered on self interest - personal goals focused on success with little regard for others - then it is not being used as God intended. We see this type of ambition displayed all around us in those who are consumed with becoming famous or others who make their primary ambition to become rich or to gain power.  Sadly, in many places and in many ways this behavior is applauded.

Biblical ambition begins with our desire to be the best we are capable of being in the area God has placed us and to continue to learn and improve so that we can be used by God to fulfill the purposes we were created for.

It is also having a passion to achieve noble goals.  It begins with an attitude that is focused away from ourselves and towards others.  An example of this is where we want to help others by using the gifts and abilities God has given to us.  It may be belonging to a team or group or it might be playing a key supporting role for those groups.

Having a noble ambition is when you learn to see meaning in every activity of life and that you learn to place value on these activities.

To develop this point further, I highly recommend a book by Mark Sanborn titled, "The Fred Faction."  The sub-title gives an idea of the theme of the book:  How Passion in your Work and Life Turns the Ordinary into the Extraordinary.

The Importance Of Reading

In an earlier blog of January 11, 2012,  I referenced the value of books as a great source for discovering seeds for success.  The importance and benefit of reading good books cannot be overstated.  But as in most cases, it is not the knowing of something that is critical - it is the doing - following through with the knowledge one has learned.  Books must be read if they are to become profitable to a person.  Take the Bible, for example.  It is by far the best-selling book of all times and continues to be so year after year.  At the same time, a great number of people never get around to reading it.  Its value to these people, therefore, is lost because the contents remain unknown to them.

The vast majority of books published are not worth reading.  So, at the outset of your pursuit to read, it is critical to be selective in what you choose to read.  The following tips will assist you as you begin the process of examining a particular book.

• First, learn about the author.  Examine the back cover or the inside flap of the book (if it's a hardback book) for this information.  If you decide this is someone from whom you would be open to learning, are they qualified to write on the subject you are considering reading?  

• The next step is to review the Table of Contents.  This information will provide you with a basic idea of the fundamental elements contained in the book.  

• Chapter titles can also be helpful in providing an overview of the book.

• Scan the preface of the book.  Often the author will provide a summary of the book and what he hopes you will learn from it.

• Be sure the book is written in a clear and readable fashion.  If you are not a regular reader, start with books that are short and simple to grasp.  

• Practice making a book your own.  Mark in it, underlining key sentences.  Makes notes on things that impress you and review those notes from time to time later on.

To get you started let me recommend my book 'Basics For Believers.'  It has 52 short (2-3 pages) sections, is easy to read and provides sound biblical directions on each of these subjects, as well as recommendation of a corresponding book.

The Need To Examine Ourselves

It is easy to live one's life never asking hard questions.  It takes little effort to simply get into a routine and continue with that course.  Socrates was correct when he wrote his often quoted statement, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Improving one's life begins with a serious examination of the make-up of what constitutes the life we are now living.  We need to be honest and face the truth about ourselves.  Only then can we establish the first step in planning how we are going to improve.

Over the course of the next few days, take time to examine your life.  How are you investing your time and your money?  What are your main interests?  Are you learning and broadening yourself?  What excites you?  What are your goals for this year?

          To grow in knowledge of God we must also grow in knowledge of ourselves,
          and the knowledge we must acquire is largely painful and unwelcome.


         --David B. Clotfelter

Defining Success

If you were planning to go on a trip, the obvious question is, 'Where are you going?'  If you said you were going to write a book, the key question would be, 'What kind of book?'

When someone says they want to be successful, the critical question is, 'How do you define success?'

There are many ways the world measures success -- Becoming successful in one's field of involvement.  Acquiring wealth.  Making an impact or an impression on culture.  All of these represent an element of success but may miss the mark from a biblical standpoint.

Many years ago I came across a definition of success that has become a standard to apply for myself.

                 Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in
                 knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of
                 becoming.
                                    --John R. Wooden
                                      Head Basketball Coach, Emeritus
                                      UCLA

It's not accumulating wealth and things; it's not moving up the corporate ladder; it's not gaining fame and power.  Success comes by acquiring peace of mind.

Self-Control

One of the essential components of self-control is discipline.  Discipline involves training so as to produce a certain outcome.  It also involves controlling one's behavior which, in turn, produces self-control.  Discipline is necessary to accomplish anything in life.

Self-control also involves keeping our emotions in restraint.  When we allow our emotions to be the driving force, we are usually going to make mistakes and have poor judgment.

A lack of self-control has impact on everything.  Take your thought life as an example.  Without self- control, our minds tend to be idle or not particularly engaged.  We tend to be influenced by random input that we retain but very little is discarded or questioned.  The same is true in your physical condition.  Without self- control, most people eat too much, exercise too little, and worry about the consequences of both.

In order to implement a course of change in our lives, we must employ self-control.  Establishing and implementing priorities requires self-control.  Working hard requires self-control.  Productive study requires self-control.  Becoming godly especially takes self-control.

A Key Question:  How do I develop self-control?  

          The Answer:  Self-control is an ability given by God which must be
                                 nurtured and strengthened over our lifetime.  As we
                                 learn to know God better, we grow in our self-control.

          "...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness"  (1 Timothy 4:7)

   

Priorities

Of the many lessons that life teaches us, the importance of establishing priorities is one of the most critical.  Without an understanding of one's priorities, success to any degree, in anything, is extremely unlikely, if not impossible.

Fundamentally, there are two ways to approach the exercise of establishing priorities in one's life.  The first is generally based on a world perspective with regard to money, career status, security, pleasure, appearance, etc.  Coupled with the influence from the world, most people determine to establish priorities based on what they believe will bring them the most satisfaction and what is most important to benefit them in this life.

The alternative approach to establishing one's priorities is to base those priorities on the revealed wisdom from God - the Bible.  To many this appears to be very simplistic and even old-fashioned, but if pursued, the results will be to help you align your life with what God made you for.  It will provide the foundation for you to build a life with purpose and meaning and one that will give you true success.

Take the challenge to pursue this alternative.  Begin to read God's Word.  It will not disappoint you.

      "Lord, you have put me in this world for something; show me what that something is and
        help me to work out my life purpose."  (Oswald Chambers)

Peace of Mind

Much of what appears to provide satisfaction and enjoyment in this world will not ultimately produce "peace of mind."  Countless numbers within our society appear to have peace of mind, but if you could spend much time with them, you would discover that true peace of mind is a missing element in their lives.

Most people are striving for that missing component but cannot seem to ever realize it.  For many this true peace is sought through the use of drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol or entertainment diversions.  Ultimately, peace of mind comes to us from God through the way He has made us and how He intended for us to live our lives.  It begins with our relationship with the Triune God of the Bible.  Until we have a restored  relationship with God, there can never be real, comprehensive peace of mind. This can only occur when we realize that we were made for a purpose, and that purpose is to fulfill God's plan in our life rather than following our own agenda.  All of us are formed and given certain talents and abilities that make us uniquely suited to carry out God's plans.

When we choose to pursue our own agenda, we eliminate the possibility of ever gaining that calm called  "peace of mind."

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard you hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6, 7) NLT

Having A Game Plan

One of my favorite football coaches is Joe Gibbs.  He would also be my favorite stock car team owner if I were a NASCAR fan.  Joe Gibbs has been a three-time Super Bowl champion as well as a three-time NASCAR champion.  But most importantly, Joe Gibbs is a disciple of Jesus Christ and understands that the Bible provides the essential details for shaping the "game plan for life."

In his book Game Plan for Life - Your Personal Play Book for Success, Coach Gibbs states that his major goal in writing this book is to show just how practical and relevant the Bible really is.  A bonus feature of this book is his bringing together eleven gifted professionals to address eleven critical topics that should be part of everyone's game plan for life.  Here is what Coach Gibbs states at the end of his chapter, The Ultimate Play Book, "The whole premise of a game plan for life is that God is in charge and that His plan for your life can be found in the Bible."  It is at this point that Coach Gibbs introduces us to one of his contributors, Josh McDowell, who writes on the trustworthiness of the Bible.  In my opinion, I believe that, within the 19 pages that he discusses this topic, John provides one of the best overviews and summaries of why a person can trust the Bible.

Here are the titles of a few of the critical topics and their authors:  The Coach - Who Is God?  by Ken Boa;  Salvation - How Do I Get On God's Winning Team? by Chuck Colson; Vocation - How Do I Build A Successful Life And Career? by Os Guinness; Heaven - Where Will I Spend Eternity? by Randy Alcorn.

I encourage you to secure a copy of this excellent book to help you discover God's game plan for your life.

Talent

In working to better understand ourselves, one of the most important exercises we need to undertake is to evaluate and list our talents.  Talents are generally understood to be those special natural abilities or aptitudes that stand out over numerous other abilities, those that  provide the potential for us to become above average or successful.  They can be considered to be those "seeds of success" that God has planted within everyone's DNA.  In seeking to grasp the meaning of talent, a far more comprehensive definition comes from the authors of the book Now, Discover Your Strengths.  It goes as follows:  "Talent is any recurring pattern of thought, feeling or behavior that can be productively applied."

One of the ways to get a handle on your talents is to evaluate your thoughts.  What are the thoughts that come naturally to you?  What subjects tend to remain pre-eminent with you?  The same question should be applied to your feelings and to your behavior.

Another tool that can become invaluable in defining your talents is the book Strength Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.  This a a unique book because it provides the means for an online test from the Gallop Organization which will give you a comprehensive Strength Discovery and Action Planning Guide.  With this action plan you will receive your top 5 theme reports and 50 ideas for action (10 for each of your top 5 strengths).

Discover your talents so that you can concentrate and develop them as well as avoiding wasting time trying to become someone God never made you to be.

"Most people think they know what they are good at.  They are usually wrong...and yet, a person can perform only from strength."  (Business Guru, Peter Drucker)

The Value of Hard Work

Over the years I have built a large library of books that I have read and come to value and appreciate.  I look on most of these books as storehouses of good seeds.  A number of these books have had a profound impact on me and have played a major role in shaping the person I am today.

One such book I want to reference is Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success - Building Blocks for a Better Life by John Wooden and Jay Carty.  In this book Coach Wooden shares how he came to form the concept of a pyramid and how it was designed to help his basketball players develop vital disciplines in order to achieve the best they were capable of becoming.  At the base of this pyramid one of the cornerstones he labeled "Industriousness."  As Coach Wooden explains, industriousness has two parts.  One is good planning and the other is hard work.  His point is clear and simple - without good planning and its implementation through hard work, there is no chance for success.

Part of good planning is being sure you are prepared to work smart as well as work hard.  The development of this disciple will pay dividends throughout your life.  Avoidance of this discipline will adversely affect everything you attempt to do.

Strive to be known as a hard worker.  Sow the seed of hard work.

The Starting Point

If you plan to go somewhere, you must begin by knowing where you are.  If you want to become a successful person, you begin with having an accurate understanding of who you are.  It is absolutely necessary that you ask yourself some honest, tough questions to be sure you have a correct assessment of your talents, abilities, and the things you do well and those you don't.  Sadly, many people won't address these issues nor ask themselves hard questions.  Some even live in a fantasyland of dreams and in a life of self deception.  Many pretend to be something they are not while others simply accept their current condition and make no effort to change.

Today there are numerous aids available to assist a person who wants to better know himself.  Growing in our understanding of how God made us is, in itself, part of what I believe success is all about.  As we progress in the apprehension of this knowledge, it provides us with the goal of becoming all that we were meant to be.  Find where you are so you can move to where you were made to be.

Thoughts

The substance of our thoughts is what produces the choices we make.  This in turn leads to the actions we carry out.  For that reason, a critical examination of our thought process is needed.  The question to continually ask ourselves is:  what are the sources and content that we are allowing to influence our thoughts?  That is why the books you read (especially the Bible) are so important.  Other forms of media - radio, television, music, DVDs and movies -  all have impact on our thoughts.  Another influence is the people we associate and interface with. These people can have a strong effect on our thought life whether for good or bad.

We all have the power to choose the influences and directions of our thoughts.  This choice on your thought life is one of the most important decisions you will make because with this choice you impact  other choices and subsequently the actions you take.  The continual evaluation of what we allow to shape our thought life will help us become who we are meant to be.  Becoming intentional with what we are going to dwell on mentally is a key element to one's future success.

Learning

Of the numerous gifts God has given to mankind, one of those gifts is our ability to learn. It is wonderful to witness the rapid learning experience of a toddler, for example.  They are consumed with learning because it is their nature to want to learn.  They learn by sight, by sound, and by doing.  Often they fail at first, but soon they master a particular task.  Then it's on to something new.  It is amazing the progress they make over a short period of time.  For most children learning becomes formalized in a school setting and continues until they reach adulthood.  Sadly, for some, broad learning begins to become a low priority once they settle into a career, then slowly declines over time until very little growth in new knowledge is taking place.

There is a wonderful quote from one of the truly great painters/sculptors, Michelangelo, at age 87 which I think captures the value he put on this subject:

                   "I am still learning."

Pablo Casal, the great cellist, was asked why at age 85, he continued to practice five hours a day.  He replied, "Because I think I'm getting better."

We should all keep on learning.

True Success

One of the foundations of true success is to learn the importance of character.  Yes, it is possible to gain a certain type of success without addressing the need to recognize the importance of character but it is not true biblical success.

A major problem with so many today is that they have bought into the notion of "personality ethics."  Here success is predominantly focused on the development and presentation of personality, on one image as perceived by the public and the presentation of a positive "I've got it all together persona."  Sadly, many have bought into this manipulative approach and believe it can lead to real success.  The fact is they are wrong.

True biblical success comes from a progressive understanding of how we were shaped and gifted and what we were meant to become and achieve in this life by our Creator and becoming dedicated to achieving that end.

As you strive to become successful, work to make sure you understand what true success really looks like!

The Value of Good Words

Sometimes someone can say something that has a real impact on you.  They capture in a few words profound truths that stop you for a moment and force you to think about the point that is being made.

On such quote that I read years ago has remained with me to this day.  In fact I had it typeset and printed so that I could have it framed to keep on my desk.  It's a daily reminder to me of the urgent need to keep a biblical perspective on my life.  It is a quote from Jonathan Edwards, who, most people agree, was the greatest theologian to come from America.

                "Much that pertains to dress, to accomplishment, to living, to employment,
                 to amusement, to conversation will appear, when we come to die, to have
                 been like the playthings of children.  We shall feel that time has been wasted
                 and strength exhausted by that which was foolish and childish."

Take some time to reflect on these words of profound truths.

Sowing Seeds for Tomorrow

In my little book Tomorrow Is A Matter of Choice I wrote this statement:

"What we do every day of our lives does have eternal implications.  Our life is cumulative - what we do today will affect tomorrow, and our actions that day will affect the next.  Over time we will make a life, but far more important we will mark eternity for good or for bad."

Looking back over my life, one of the regrets I have is the amount of time I wasted when I was a freshman in college.  Numerous times over the years I have wished that I would have used that time more wisely.  One of the wrong habits that comes so easily to most people is the habit of wasting time.  If this habit is not replaced with the good habit of using your time wisely before you realize it you will have missed numerous opportunities.

Time is one of the most precious gifts we have received from our Creator.  We need to continually determine to use it wisely.  Note this poem that speaks well to this point.

                             TAKE TIME

     Take time to work - It is the price of success
     Take time to think - It is the source of power
     Take time to read - It is the fountain of wisdom
     Take time to be friendly - It is the road to happiness
     Take time to love and be loved -It is nourishment for the soul
     Take time to share - It is too short a life to be selfish
     Take time to dream - It is hitching your wagon to a star

Seeds From Other People

Another great source to glean good seeds is from other people.  As Abraham Lincoln has been quoted as saying, "You can learn something from everyone you meet."  It is part of God's plan that we are best served when we draw ideas, suggestions and input from others.  The book of Proverbs tells us that there is great wisdom in seeking the counsel of many.

People who think they can "go it alone" miss out on a vast storehouse of good seeds that could have offered them numerous benefits.

There is a well known quote which I frequently reference that drives this point home:
"Who you will be in the next five years depends to a great degree on three things:
     - the books you read
     - the people you meet
     - and the choices you make."

One Source For Seeds - Books

One of the best places to find good seeds is in books.  The Bible is by far the best source to find them because it contains seeds of wisdom that cover the entire spectrum of life.  But today I am going to focus on all the other books.

The vast majority of books that see publication are not good sources for seeds.  Many, sadly, contain bad seeds that are presented as being good; and many just don't have any seeds of value at all.  The truth is - most books are not worth the time required to read them.

This is why good books will be one of the main topics of this blog.  Good seeds come from good books.

One of my goals is to provide the reader with a ranking of books in order to guide and direct them.  Many books provide a few good seeds and are worth a quick read.  Some books are solid and contain a number of good seeds and should become part of your library so they can be reviewed on occasion.  A few books contain seeds, that if embraced, applied and practiced, can change your life.

These are the books that you want to make your own by incorporating them into your life.

Potential

One of the familiar "seeds" that most of us know well is the acorn. It is the seed of the mighty oak tree.The acorn is an excellent symbol to help remind us that there is the potential of an oak tree in every acorn and more important there is great potential in every human being. We need to keep reminding ourselves of that potential and to take actions that will help us discover and unleash that potential. Discovering who we are, how God made us and the strengths he formed into us is a key way to unleash that potential.

The "Seed" of Knowledge

One type of "seed" is knowledge.  We grow by taking in seeds of knowledge.

This growth comes from becoming familiar and gaining understanding through experience and study.  Another way of expressing this is that we gain knowledge through the process we call learning.

There is a great quote from Charles H. Spurgeon which brings light to the urgent need to pursue learning:  "Do not indulge the notion that you can be contented without learning, or learn without discipline....It is not a power that may be exercised naturally but a science to be acquired gradually."

Learning is a process.  It requires time, patience and commitment.  We are never too old to learn, and we should keep on learning as long as we live.

Changing Habits

A quick reading of a book on "change" will rarely if ever produce a change in behavior. If a person is really serious about change, they need to read a book slowly, taking time to begin to apply what they read. They need to begin to work on application. They need to write down what they have learned and create a reminder card so that they can make the change become a habit.

Struggle and Opposition

In my book Tomorrow is a Matter of Choice, I point out in the second step of my 8 Step Action Plan the need to accept reality.

Struggle and Opposition Are Part of Life.

Oswald Chambers makes this statement in his devotional for December 4th from his book My Utmost for His Highest:  "It is a fact that there is a continuing struggle in the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual areas of life."

 He goes on to say regarding the mental life:  "If I want to maintain a strong and active mental life I have to fight,   This struggle produces the mental balance called thought."

It is no wonder that we so easily avoid the process of thinking.  It takes effort and it takes practice.

The Goal and Desire of This Blog

One of the many blessings God has provided to man - both in the world around us and the world within us - is the abundance of "seeds of success".

My goal and heartfelt desire is to be a catalyst to guide and direct people to what some of these "seeds" are and how they can use them to reach true success in life.

Join me  as I share the treasures and potential which lie within these wonderful "seeds".

Welcome To Seeds Of Success

Welcome to the Seeds of Success blog by WillMary Basics! This blog will feature building blocks that become the foundation for a successful life. William Thrasher will be conducting SOS seminars that equip you with these tools. 


Stay tuned for more information to come!