Just. Do. It.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

~Walt Disney

Scripture:

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 

Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her

bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Perspective:

If obstacles and fears did not exist, what would you want to do in the next year?  How about with the rest of your life?  What would your goals be in each life area: spiritual, family, relationships, health and fitness, growth and learning, professional, and financial?  What would be on your bucket list?  Too often we do a great deal of thinking and dreaming about what we would like to have and do in this life, but our actions and efforts do not match those desires.  Goal achievement takes action on your part!  If you want something, you must create a plan and then put in the effort to work your plan, step-by-step over time.  Your actions must align with your goals for you to arrive at those goals, much like a road map does when you are on a road trip to a specific destination.  Dreaming is fun but it will not help us attain our dreams, not by itself.  In this world, we reap what we sow, the results we get are almost always the direct result of what we did, or maybe did NOT do, to get them (Galatians 6:7).

So, where do you start?  What do you do first, second, third?  The first thing we should always do is pray!  Life is always “easier” when we are living out God’s will for our life.  He has a plan for each of us, one that our mistakes cannot interfere with.  From my experience, I believe that if He has not blessed what you have been doing for some time, you may be doing what you want instead of what He wants for you, your purpose.  When I look back over my messy life and put together the pieces, it makes sense that I am doing exactly what I am doing now.  God prepares us for our purpose, even if it does not feel like it or make sense at the time.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Trust that where you are in this moment is not a mistake.  Right or wrong, God will use this moment, this place, for your good and for His glory, it is part of your testimony.  All that we go through is meant for us to learn and grow through.  Do not waste the opportunity to embrace each moment, each struggle, and learn from it, using it as a steppingstone.  Sometimes our plan is not complete when we begin to act, and it does not have to be!  Sometimes we must just try something that makes sense in the here and now.  Taking that first step will reveal a new view and maybe a step that we had not thought of before this new view.  We do not need to know the whole plan to act, to take a single step in what we believe is the right direction.  We only need to be willing, to be available, and to trust that God will in fact guide us.  Often, He does not begin guiding us until we are willing to step out in faith, He follows our lead.  If you ask for guidance and trust Him with your whole heart, He will send you confirmation.  To receive God’s confirmation, you must believe and be willing to listen for His voice despite all the noise in this crazy, busy world pulling you in too many directions.  Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20).

Some good news, you are never stuck!  No matter where your choices and actions have taken you thus far, you can create change, although it may be small, with your very next action.  Do not be afraid to pursue your dreams with all your heart and mind.  However, go about your pursuits with a true self-awareness, with an open mind, heart, eyes, and ears, so if it does not feel right or seem to be working, no matter how hard or long you try, you can make changes.  Sometimes what feels like the wrong thing can actually be meant to lead us to the right thing.  An important part of working toward your goals is not just planning the steps you are going to take, but also assessing their (your) progress every step of the way, so you can modify the steps you are taking at any point if need be.  Pursuing anything whole-heartedly does NOT mean blindly.  You are driving your life in the direction you are going, but you must be aware of when to turn, stop, slow down, change lanes, heed to a hazard in the road, etc.; your own self-awareness and your awareness of God’s voice is your personal GPS!  Though, it will only work for you if you listen to it.  Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24).

So, dream to your hearts content; remember, the sky is the limit.  Pray for guidance as you prepare to step out in faith.  Write down your goals and take the time to thoughtfully write out the specific steps you will need to take to reach those goals.  Trust God and continue to listen for His guidance along the way.  Be willing to do the consistent hard work.  Assess your progress every day and learn from every single mistake, no matter how small.  Do not be afraid to make changes that you believe will help you along your path.  You CAN do it, just take one step at a time, and enjoy the journey!   

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being

the biggest step of your life.  Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.”

~Naeem Callaway

Life Applications:

>Write down your dreams for the next year in each life area: spiritual, family, relationships, health and fitness, growth and learning, professional, and financial…

>>Keep dreaming, where would you like your life to be in 10 years, remember, the sky is the limit if you are willing to put in the effort!  

>>>OK, now set a goal for each life area, with those all-important specific steps to help you achieve each goal.  Make sure your goals and their steps align with where you want to go over this next year.  Your choices and actions (the steps) will take you in that direction, one step at a time, so be patient.  Take that first step, assess, and modify when necessary.  Learn from every single step, success, and mistake along your path.  Now get started making your dreams become a reality!