Tag Archives: #goals

Spirituality

Mind Games

Years ago, Earl Nightingale told us some truth when he said “we become what we think about.” Nightingale wasn’t the first to say this. Rene Descartes wrote “I think, therefore I am” in 1637. So what’s the point?

Our mindset will determine our success. When we picture a desired outcome, energize it with emotion, there is no place for doubt in our mind. Our mental picture of us succeeding overpowers any hurdles or setbacks we might encounter.

The mind is powerful. It is way more powerful than any supercomputer ever built. Artificial Intelligence is pretty amazing, but it doesn’t reach the level our brains are capable of. Our brains are one of the greatest gifts the Creator gave us.

Your mind can work against you, too. It can trick you into thinking that your situation will always be the same, that you are powerless to change. Nothing could be more untrue. If you have fallen into this trap, you must take control of your thoughts and build new, positive neural pathways.

The mind will work towards what you believe. I encourage you to tap into the powerful resource between your ears! Direct your thoughts to what you want from this life. It is waiting for you…

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Spirituality

Newness

We have begun a new week! All year long we hear about new products, projects and opportunities. We begin the year with New Years Resolutions, and I hear “New Year New You” so often I want to puke.

It’s estimated that only a small percentage of people keep their resolutions. Many have thrown in the towel in less than three weeks. As I have written before, this is harmful. Set one goal/resolution, commit to it and don’t let anything stop you.

When I was growing up, it seemed like some product was labeled “new and improved” every week. We don’t hear this too often anymore. There are probably no more improvements to be made in laundry detergent and toothpaste!

The media gets ahold of a new story and beat it to death until something new replaces it. There’s always plenty of craziness to report.

Newness only happens once. Joe Namath guaranteed the New York Jets would win the Super Bowl. But many players have copied Namath. Some even acting like they are the first to issue a guarantee. Seeking fame has no shame.

The truth comes from Solomon who wrote, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Words to consider…

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Spirituality

Great Expectations

Please don’t be confused by the title. This column is not about the Charles Dickens novel. When I was in middle school I was forced to read it. The book is known as a classic, but for me reading the book felt like child abuse!

Have you ever been disappointed? This is a rhetorical question because I know you have been. In this life we will experience unmet expectations. Although a situation didn’t turn out the way we wanted or hoped for, we don’t have to change course.

When we were kids we had dreams. Big dreams. We were going to set the world on fire. Then life came along and knocked us around. Some gave up. They threw in the towel on pursuing their dreams. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Life is imperfect. You can go after what you want. This life will give you all your desires if you refuse to accept defeat. Drifting through life and accepting whatever comes your way is not living fully. It’s merely existing.

Past setbacks and failures are where they belong, in the past. I encourage you to pursue the full life you desire, realizing that every expectation might not be fulfilled immediately. But keep going and set your goals high.

Dwell in possibility…

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Spirituality

Goals, Dreams & Desires

We achieve some of our goals every day. It might be something as simple as getting to work on time or completing a project. But it is still important.

In the 1947 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the main character is a mild-mannered proofreader who is pushed around by his boss, his mother and his fiancée. In his mind, Walter escapes into a fantasy realm where he is the hero of the story. Then through twists and turns, Walter Mitty becomes the courageous man he dreamed he could be. Watch the film.

Many people had great plans for their lives when they were younger. Life knocked them around, they lost some of their confidence, and they began listening to the wrong people. Insecure people will try to talk you down. For some reason they are threatened by your success. Remove them from your life.

Your dreams of greatness aren’t dead, they are just lying dormant. Dust them off and start living. You never know how far you can go until you try…

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Spirituality

Frozen

Sometimes I see people posting about the past, those times when life was simpler. But was life really that different from today? Maybe it just seems like it was.

Life is a progression. We grow and evolve. We marvel at technological advances which make our lives more efficient. To stay young we must use our minds in productive, challenging ways. Living in the past, longing for an earlier age can paralyze us.

Perhaps the people who regularly post about the past are reflecting on the opportunities they missed. It’s happened to all of us. We know that we are here for a great purpose. Eventually we will run out of time.

There is nothing random about your life. God didn’t create us and then forget about us. If you are reading this it’s not too late.

Find your purpose and live it…

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Spirituality

Just For Today

Every day we have an opportunity to not only make a difference, but we can make a change in our lives. We might want to eat better, get some exercise or begin writing the book we have been thinking about. Why not begin today??

None of us are getting younger. We have a limited amount of time on this side of eternity. God wants us to use it. He gave us special talents to use which will bring glory to Him. You know in your heart that what I’m saying is true.

Since childhood, you knew you were here for something great. You would set the world on fire. No one could stop you. Then life happened. You got knocked down and knocked around. It is time to pick yourself up and get back in the game of life.

There’s no one stopping you from pursuing greatness. Keep God in your plans. He can remove every obstacle placed in your way. Start today…

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Spirituality

Peak Performance

Some coaches goad their players by telling them “they want 110% effort.” This is ridiculous. We can only give 100%. Better coaches would encourage us to “leave everything on the field.” In other words, give it everything you have.

In order to be at your optimum, you must do the prep work. Eat right, rest, stimulate your mind and throw in some exercise on a regular basis. By doing these things consistently, you put yourself in position to succeed. This applies in sports as well as daily life. You won’t be your best if you are running on an empty tank.

Of course, sometimes things don’t go our way. When we are mentally right we adapt, we adjust. We realize today wasn’t our day, but we live to fight on.

Each day will present its own set of new challenges. Look forward to them. You must push yourself harder on some days than others. If you are operating at peak strength, you put the odds in your favor…

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Spirituality

Greener Grass

You have heard it said that “the grass is always greener on the other side.” This saying could be applied to a work situation or a relationship. Things might look better in a new environment, but this is a distortion.

Every job and every relationship has challenges. Difficult times are part of life’s ups and downs. You might be unhappy in the moment, but it’s just a feeling. Feelings pass. Things change. We grow and we adapt. If we throw in the towel every time a setback is thrown our way, we will spend our lives in a constant state of turmoil.

There is another old saying about grass which I believe is a better idea. That one says “the grass is greener where you water it.”

Spend time focusing on where you are now. Consider your long term goals and what you really want from your life. Are you aligned? If the answer is yes, then I encourage you to stay the course. And if the answer is no, maybe it’s time to water your lawn…

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Spirituality

Those Annoying New Years Resolutions

It has almost arrived. The New Year! I hope 2026 brings you health, fulfillment and growth. I also hope what you begin anew in the coming year continues beyond just 2026.

In the United States, multiple surveys have shown that anywhere from 31%-48% of adults set resolutions for the new year. It’s interesting to note that the percentage has been steadily declining for quite some time.

But whether you set them or not, here is a guaranteed way to be successful: Set one, only one, goal you want to accomplish and write it down. Review your goal multiple times each day. Keep it in the front of your mind.

After 90 days have an honest conversation with yourself about your progress. Be fair, but be honest. If you are on track, great! Keep doing what you’re doing. If not, simply adapt. Airplanes adjust course during flight due to wind and weather, so why shouldn’t we? Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t where you want to be. You will get there if you really want to.

The other ingredient to add is a mindset of commitment. Be relentless with this one. It’s impossible to beat a person who refuses to quit. And remember to congratulate yourself for your success along the way.

You really can do anything you set your mind to…

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Spirituality

I’m Trying

Did you have any bad habits you need to break? It is my belief that all of us have room for improvement. Perhaps we need to drop a few pounds, stop being judgmental of others, or something else. Let’s take a look.

A habit is only bad if it causes harm to you or others. Abusing alcohol has ill effects on all the organs of the body. In addition to the physical damage, it’s awful to be around a drunk. But rational thought goes away if someone wants to get drunk. Let’s hope they don’t get in a car, have an accident and cause irreparable harm.

If there is something you want to change, you can if you really want to. It takes more than willpower alone. Ask God for help. He cares about every detail of our lives. He will show up. Every single time.

The New Year is going to be here soon. Make a decision to change one thing in your life. Think about what you are gaining, not the bad habit you are eliminating. Break it down to one day at a time.

Finally, write your goals down. Physically write them. Review them daily. If you experience a setback, get right back up and try again.

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

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