To get a good story, you have to start with a protagonist who wants something.
I'm pretty good at wanting things. Right now I want a nap and a thick pair of socks. But the things I really want, those life-things to which I aspire, are much more lofty.
The thing about dreaming and goal setting is that you have to be able to break things down into attainable steps - things that can be acted on in the short term. I can say to myself, "Today, I am going to be wise!" but of course wisdom is not something you can declare. Breaking it down, though, I can think, "Well, today I'm going to pray for wisdom. I'm going to claim it, because it's a promise from God and I know He won't say no. And I'm going to try to be deliberate about my words and actions today. If I don't rush, I'll be more likely to exercise wisdom."
So the challenge is to see the big goal, break it down into small and immediate actions, and figure out how to pursue the small steps with great discipline.
For me, the hardest part is discipline. Discipline. Following through on the new small steps day in and day out. The word reminds me of a lifetime of failure.
It's essential, though.
What are some things you do to discipline yourself? To incorporate good practices into your life and get rid of bad habits?
2 comments:
For me, it helps to have an accountabilibuddy to talk to and keep me on track. If it's something really important, I also feel like I have to bring God into it :) Lenten promises/sacrifices tend to work well because I have a specific timeline (40 days plus Sundays), I'm praying through it, and usually, the habit forms by the time Lent is over.
If you want to talk more, we should set a skype date. I've got 2 weeks more at camp, but after that am more flexible.
Accountibilibuddy. That's an awesome phrase. I agree that that's very helpful, but I've rarely found relationships that actually work well for accountability.
I'm just starting to learn about the rhythm of the Christian year, although I've often honored Lent in my own way. Something to think about.
I'd love to chat once your life is less crazy - even if only to hear about camp!
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