Build a Better You
Every now and then, we self-analyze. We think of clean slates, new motivators, ideas or habits. However, if we are completely honest, we all face the same old risk of falling back into old patterns. Most of us have abandoned our resolutions within a month, most times making those declarations a distant memory. Staying focused on a goal isn’t about hype or fancy planners. It’s about the discipline of small intentional changes every day. It means being mindful of performing those unglamorous things that isn’t worth posting to our social media outlets because adapting to change, even if its’ for our good can be exhausting. Here are some suggestions on how to keep your eyes on the prize when the hype around change beings to fade.
1. Just Get Started!
The first goal after setting a goal is to just get started and be specific about the goal. Remember, procrastination kills dreams! If your goal is vague, it’s easy to compromise and abandon it. Saving more money sounds like a great goal, but if you put a weekly or monthly dollar value on it you are more likely to stick to it. If something like “I will save one hundred dollars out of every paycheck” is a goal you can achieve; you will feel a sense of accomplishment each payday. This will help you feel empowered and in control of your finances. If you’d like to get into shape, set a goal to walk three times a week on your lunch break. This is a goal that is easy to achieve because you are already at your work place. The hassle of driving to the gym after work is eliminated if you implement getting in shape into your work day. A specific goal helps to create a routine and gives you direction. Once you discipline is infused in your strategy, the momentum will become second nature.
2. The Power of Routine
Successful people rely on routines. When we establish routines, we take the guess work out of what to do next. A decision doesn’t have to be made because a routine encourages accountability and over time positive results will manifest. Routines remove distraction so we can stay the course to achieve our goal.
Create your routine but remember to alternate tasks related to your goal to lessen boredom. Have a slightly varying schedule during the week. It could look like Monday, Wednesday and Friday I will go for walks during lunch break. However on Tuesday and Thursday I will catch up on my reading list at lunchtime. Anchor routines around activities, professional or personal commitments to ensure consistency. The idea is to create a routine you look forward to doing which will keep you motivated even on days you just don’t feel like following through.
Continue reading “Build Yourself Back Even Better”
This past weekend I attended a home and patio show in my city. One of the vendors was selling sheds. These were not the structures one would see anywhere in America that is usually placed in the backyard to house their gardening tools. He was selling sheds as a counterpart to the man cave concept. He asked me was I in the market for one and I politely declined. He inquired why while sharing how beautiful they are, how they offer a place of solace and serenity etc. I reiterated that I wouldn’t need one. I replied to him that I have a home. He seemed puzzled while becoming irritated that he obviously wouldn’t make a sale with me that day. I explained to him that separate spaces are not the answer for a happy family; no matter how beautifully arrayed the structure. At this point he rudely walked away. The idea followed me home and God began to deal with me about how our society seeks separateness, yet yearn for relationship. 
The Healing Place Prayer Ministry! 