Tag Archives: #fulfillment

Spirituality

Transformation

I have read a meme that says, “You’re only one decision away from a different life.” I understand. Many people live their lives in frustration and disappointment. Life didn’t turn out the way they planned.

God didn’t create us and then forget about us. He’s present, always, and desperately wants us to find fulfillment. But we won’t find it in a bigger house, a healthier bank account or a hotter spouse. Those are nice, but they are rabbit holes that keep us chasing.

I have seen stories of drug addicts, alcoholics, even porn actresses who have completely transformed their lives into something meaningful. Embracing a relationship with God was the universal game changer. Putting God first will give you what you are searching for, but it takes time. First, He has to change us. By change, I don’t mean you will turn into some religious weirdo. No, God develops our character.

Do you want a different life? Make the one decision to place God’s plans for your life above your own. It isn’t easy because the world is always calling us. But it can be done.

Then you will be unstoppable…

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Spirituality

Do It For You

In this column, I often write about self-work and how worthwhile it is. But why do we do it?

We do the work for ourselves. Personal growth is about growing yourself. Personally. Most people want to be better than they were, say, ten years ago. When I look back at who I was a decade ago, I can see how much I have progressed. Then I get excited thinking about where I will be ten years hence!

Growth is a slow process. I encourage you to be patient with yourself. Hold yourself accountable about sticking with your plans, but give yourself some margin if you fall back. Your life will hit plateaus and the occasional valley. Whatever you do, stay with it. Remain focused on where you’re going.

And remember, the better you are mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, the better you are for other people. And you will attract more healthy people into your life.

Guaranteed…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Boredom

Boredom can facilitate bad behavior! When I was a kid, I was bored in school. Most of the teachers didn’t keep me interested, so I got in trouble. Being bored and having a very high energy level is not a good combination.

Most of life is routine. We have schedules to keep, deadlines to reach and we find the time to eat. If we are doing the work God intended us to do, we will be fulfilled no matter how tedious the days are. God wired each of us individually and uniquely. There is only one you who has ever been created.

Are you experiencing a lot of boredom? Find your frequency…

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#inspiration

Prime Time

The word “prime” means the best. We have Prime Rib, prime location, prime example, Coach Prime and many more. Today I want to talk about prime time.

When we think of prime time, our thoughts might go to television. In that sense it means the time most people are watching television. Or we may think of our age. It’s been written that we are in our prime in our 30’s and 40’s. Does this suggest that life goes downhill from there? I don’t believe so.

You are in the prime time of your life right now. The wisdom and strength you have acquired will serve you well in life. And as you age, you continue to learn and grow. This never stops until you breathe your last.

Focus your thoughts on growing and improving. Look for opportunities to learn new things. Then use what you have to influence the world in a positive way…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Weights

Lifting weights is probably my favorite way to exercise. You can work up a great sweat while building muscle and toning your body. And unlike the cardio we do to strengthen our heart muscle, we can see our results.

Are you carrying excess weight on your shoulders right now? Painful memories, hurts, and just the daily struggles of life can weigh you down. Sometimes it seems there is no end in sight. But there is.

Any metaphorical weight you are holding onto can be released, freeing you to live more fully. Find the right psychotherapist and go to work on yourself. Financial stresses can be overcome through a change in spending habits. Whatever it is that occupies your mind the most is what you need to address. Start now.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Anything…

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#inspiration

Shortcuts

Shortcuts are good sometimes. For example, if I’m driving from Austin to San Antonio there might be a better route than I-35. That road is constantly under construction and traffic is unpredictable. Rerouting to the west and coming in on 281 might be the preferred option.

When we are trying to accomplish something great, it’s best to avoid shortcuts. To write a book or prepare for a podcast interview, you need to do research. You will do a much better job when you fully engage yourself. You owe your audience your best work. Nothing less is acceptable.

To do things the right way means you take the road less traveled. That road is a lot less congested than I-35, and you will meet some interesting people along the way…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Measures

How do you measure success? Many among us use wealth, position or their zip code as representative of how successful they are. It is true that moving into a more desirable zip code might give your children access to better schools, but that doesn’t guarantee they will take advantage of it.

Chasing wealth is fleeting. Someone has more, so the rat race continues. Fame rarely lasts. Look no further than the child stars who have become train wrecks of adults.

Success can be defined by the amount of fulfillment we have in our lives. Anyone with a pulse would consider Mother Teresa to have been successful. She had no money, and she didn’t seek the fame she received. Yet, she found fulfillment in her life.

We can learn a lot from historical figures. Read the autobiography of Booker T. Washington. You will be inspired by his drive, determination and work ethic.

Success comes from making a difference. Start making yours…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Teach Children Well

There are many dedicated, devoted teachers in our schools. I know several. They didn’t become teachers to achieve fame and fortune. Hardly! There are lots of careers available with less headaches along with better pay.

All of us had our favorite teachers growing up. Why were they our favorites? It wasn’t because they broke down difficult mathematical equations with ease, or they made English interesting. They captured our hearts. They truly cared about us. We remember them fondly because they reached us at a deeper level than most.

Teaching is a high calling. Even Jesus spoke about it. He said if anyone misleads a child it would be better for them to have a millstone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea. That’s not a casual statement.

Most teachers are off for the summer. But that doesn’t stop us from remembering the best among them…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Late

The word “late” has a lot of applications. For example, if a teenage girl tells her boyfriend “I’m late,” it might not mean she is late to their date. But if you tell someone you drive a late-model car it might promote status.

If you are reading this and are feeling some frustration with your life, it’s not too late to make a change. God is not finished with every single person who is alive and breathing. That includes you. His purpose for your life will bring meaning and clarity to your life. Your inner drive will be awakened.

Take inventory of what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. This will reveal what your purpose is. Then take a leap of faith and walk through that door.

Be brave. Be audacious. You’re going to need to be…

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#inspiration

Balanced Life

I hear people preach about getting balance in your life. You know, the whole work-life balance thing. I’m not sure that’s good advice.

It is true that all of us need rest, play, social interaction and nutrition in addition to our work. These are vital elements to maintain our mental health. Yet I have always leaned into my work while adding new projects. I enjoy it. That’s how I’m wired. Some people want a structured 9-5 job along with an element of predictability in their lives. That’s fine, too!

I believe the most neglected part of life is getting enough rest. You must take time to recharge. Deep, restful sleep prepares us to go fight another day.

Play is important, too. Take some time to let loose and have some fun! And don’t feel guilty for it. Solid playtime makes you better.

Find the balance that’s right for you. Don’t copy the templates of others, or what the “experts” tell you. You know what’s best for you…

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