Think Positive
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” ~ Henry Ford
There are things that we can do to make sure that we are successful. One of the key elements is to be as positive as possible in our approach to things. In order to accomplish that, we should make sure that we surround ourselves with those who will help us, encourage us, and accomplish the task with us. We should make sure that we start with small, achievable attempts. When we accomplish our task, we should find something positive about it so that it can inspire us to do more. We should then think about what was accomplished and use our thoughts to plan the next step with a resolve to do a little bit more and to take a bigger step.
That same principle in being successful can and should be applied to our spiritual lives. As I have most likely said hundreds of times before, people often bite off more than they can chew when it comes to their spiritual lives and/or the practice of their faith. They set huge goals for themselves that practically guarantee failure rather than setting small goals that will guarantee success.
Consider the season of Lent. I have known people who will give up a whole host of favorite things for Lent: coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and the like. Instead of giving up one favorite thing, they resolve to give up all of their favorite things. Their cravings will soon ensure their failure. I have known other people who have said that they would get more involved in their faith by volunteering more. Instead of accompanying someone they know to test the waters, they volunteer for several different tasks at once, find themselves in above their heads, and abandon the idea all the while labeling themselves failures.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t jump in the deep end. Test the waters. Be confident when you finally take the plunge. Set yourself up for success, not failure, by making sure that you can accomplish what you set out to do. And if you do happen to get stuck along the way, remember that you have a powerful aid and ally in the Lord.
FAITH ACTION: Be confident and positive in your approach to life today and be the best disciple you can be.