Success 101

The most recent statistics show that the number of self help books published in the United States each is estimated to be at 15,000.   It is a expected to be a market worth over 14 billion dollars by 2025. 

Alot has been written and there are many different well thought out ideas and plans that can help you be successful.

While many of the books are useful and thought provoking I believe we tend to overthink what it really takes to be successful at times.

In it’s simplest form I believe to be successful you can follow this simple three step formula and success will eventually find you.

1.  Show up.  Just show up and be early.  Be where you need to be, are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there.

2. Work hard.  Every day.  Do what you are supposed to do and do it with excellence. How you do your work matters.

3.  Repeat the above two steps over and over again.  When you feel like you’re getting stuck make sure to go back to #1 and #2.

That’s not a book’s worth of knowledge but I believe it can get you closer to being where you want to be if you do it consistently.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How might the simplicity of the three-step formula for success challenge the complex strategies often presented in self-help books, and what does this suggest about the nature of achieving success?

2.  In what ways might overthinking and the abundance of self-help literature hinder rather than help an individual’s path to success, according to the author’s perspective?

Have Diligent Hands

Proverbs 10:4 reminds us, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” As Christ followers, we are called to embody diligence and dedication in all we do.

This verse teaches us that hard work is not merely a worldly virtue but a spiritual discipline.  When we commit our efforts to the Lord and strive to do our best, we honor God with our work.

Every task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to glorify Him.  Whether in our jobs, homes, or communities, let us approach each day with a spirit of excellence and perseverance.  Our diligence not only brings tangible rewards but also strengthens our character and faith.

Remember, success is not instant but comes through consistent effort and trust in God’s timing.

Keep your hands busy and your heart focused on His purpose, and you will see the fruits of your labor.  Trust in His promise, and let your diligence be a testament to His faithfulness.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can you integrate the principle of diligence from Proverbs 10:4 into your daily routines and responsibilities to better honor God through your work?

2.  In what ways can you remain motivated to maintain a spirit of excellence and perseverance, especially during challenging times, while trusting in God’s timing for the fruits of your labor?

It Wasn’t About

And one day you realize that it wasn’t about the game, it was who you watched it with.

It wasn’t about the round of golf, it was about who you played it with. 

It wasn’t about the house you owned.  It was the people in it.

It wasn’t about the best coffee ever, but who you made it for.

It wasn’t about all the work you put in, but who was in the trenches with you.

It wasn’t about the great dinner prepared for you.  It was who brought you your plate.

Learn, and then remember, how to value the time that someone gives you because that’s something you, and they, will never get back.  It’s priceless.

When you’re at the end of your years, what’s really going to matter?  Make it matter now.

Be Blessed!

First Impressions

Yesterday was filled with several first-time encounters, each leaving a positive mark.

One of our lawn care guys.
Meeting four different people who are going to do some work for us.
Our waitress at supper.

These interactions reminded me of the profound impact of making a good first impression.

When we approach new connections with kindness and openness, we set the stage for meaningful relationships.  Reflecting on the day, I realized how crucial it is to bring our best selves to every encounter, embodying the essence of “Iowa nice.”

As Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

This scripture underscores the importance of kindness and hospitality, reminding us that every person we meet is an opportunity to show God’s love and grace.  An opportunity to seize a moment that we will never have again.

Let’s strive to greet every new face with a smile and an open and loving heart, creating a ripple effect of positivity in our communities.

I could use it.  You could likely use it.  The world could use it.  Let’s start with the world around each of us. 

Be Blessed!

The Great Secret

Never stop learning, growing, and looking forward. 

Any day that passes without personal growth is an opportunity lost to improve yourself and help others to do the same. 

Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow, evolve, and discover your limitless potential.  

Life’s journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay resilient, fuel your passion, and never let setbacks diminish your spirit. 

Be a beacon of unwavering determination, and in the face of adversity, rise stronger.  Success is not about avoiding exhaustion but about navigating it with grace, emerging on the other side, renewed and unbroken. 

I’m cheering for you. 

Questions to Ponder and Pursue 

1. How can you identify and seize daily opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement in your busy life?

2. In what ways can embracing challenges and setbacks contribute to your long-term resilience and success?

Renewed Strength Through Hope In The Lord

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This powerful promise is a reminder for you that true renewal and strength are found in the Lord.

In life’s journey, filled with challenges and setbacks, you may feel exhausted and weary at times.  Yet, God offers you a divine source of strength. 

When you place our hope in Him, he will refresh your spirit and empower you to rise above your struggles.  Like eagles soaring effortlessly in the sky, you too can navigate your hardships with grace and come through them with a sense of renewal.

Embrace every challenge with the assurance that God will sustain you.   Stay resilient and fuel your passion with faith.  Trust in the Lord’s strength, and you will find the endurance to keep moving forward, unbroken and renewed.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue 

1.  How can you actively place your hope in the Lord during times of exhaustion and challenge in your life?

2.  In what ways have you experienced God’s renewal and strength, allowing you to soar above your struggles like an eagle?

Shortcuts Are Short-sighted

There are some shortcuts that are alright to use.  We use them quite often when we are using technology.  Ctrl+X; Ctrl+V. On and on.   You get the picture. 

We’re fine using them if it will save us some time editing a document but using shortcuts when we are pursuing a dream or working toward a goal is careless.

When it comes to reaching your goals there are no shortcuts.  

The only way to the top of the mountain is to climb it.

The only way to the other side is sometimes through the valley.  

There is no shortcut to the top or to the other side. 

Too many dreams are left at the foot of a mountain or the edge of the valley but don’t leave yours there too. 

Accept the climb.  You will find more people climbing the mountain with you once you start the climb.

Accept the journey into the valley. You cannot avoid it.  It will make you stronger and more resilient and there will be plenty of people on the valley path with you.

Don’t look for the shortcuts and if you find one don’t take it.  The best road to your dreams is to rise and face the challenges moment by moment, step by step.  

You will be stronger and better for it in the long run.  It will be worth it, and the view will be amazing. 

I’m cheering for you.