Hello Friends,
Welcome back on another journey towards a Steady Mind.
Here were are at the moral of this story.
The journey of discipline and vision can be so lonely. Putting in the work and consistent effort not just to achieve a goal but to form new habits can become crippling if done without strategy.
I completely understand the cycles of starting and stopping, the feelings of crumbling under the pressure of starting something new and the pain and disappointments of fighting to come out of what's seen as "normal."
I know what it is to feel like the only way to get ahead, be accepted, and be acknowledged is by being mediocre. What I am trying to say is that these thoughts aren't uncommon. In fact, these are the thoughts of someone who has an innate desire to be different.
The thought that you are limited by your geographical location - normal. The feeling of not being qualified for what you desire to do - normal. The awkwardness of not being able to explain the passion burning inside of you - normal.
If you're struggling with thoughts as such please remember that they are indicators that you are on the right track. Though it is okay for these perceptions to come, it is not okay for you to allow yourself to live in them. Most times the thoughts we struggle with are just boulders that God has called us to climb over. Not placed there at random, but there to increase our strength for what's to come.
Are you really limited by your geographical location? Maybe. But what if God has placed something in you that will change the whole city? Are you really not qualified for what you desire to do? Or is God using you as an example of how He can turn little into much?
Is it really that you can't explain what's burning inside you, or is God protecting you from communicating a vision prematurely? Catch this:
"The very thoughts that we use to hold ourselves back are the same thoughts that God uses to motivate us into taking the leap. "
It was my high school counselor who taught me when you start to feel annoyed and uncomfortable with where you’re at its usually a sign that it's time for change! Before you take that leap, there are just a few things I want to remind you of.
Standing Taller Than the Pressure
There will come moments when the pressure of it all will feel like it's going to crush you at any point - that’s inevitable. In order for us to grow we can’t be pushed AT our limit we must be pushed PAST our limit.
The pressure will come, but what I love about it is that it prepares us. And what felt heavy in this season will be an easy load in the next. Pressure prepares! Know that you are being trained to lift something big and carry something heavy.
Calculated Risks
Simply put, a calculated risk is calculating the chances of failure before taking some sort of action. It’s the risk taken after careful thought.
Catch this:
Though you might have to close your eyes to take the leap, you aren’t doing this blindly. You are simply jumping into what you have been planning and preparing for. This risk is calculated.
Not only is it calculated by you, but I am a firm believer that when we give ourselves over to God, through grace He prepares us even when we don’t know we’re being prepared. It doesn’t mean that it will be easier, but it shows that you are not out of balance and you are not running out of time. You are right where you're supposed to be and doing what you're supposed to do. Just remain focused.
One Day at A Time
Many times we turn our focus to the big picture when we truly should be looking at the smaller pieces of the puzzle. The only way to eat a whole elephant is one bite at a time. We're often overwhelmed and burned out when we take on too much at once.
Yes, you are capable of achieving all your goals, but you don't have the capacity to achieve them all at one time. Sit down, plan, strategize and find someone to hold you accountable to those strategies. But if you try to accomplish everything at once, you'll soon realize that you're too unorganized to accomplish anything. You can do this, but doing this takes time.
You're Called to This
I wholeheartedly believe that this is the reason for your frustration. This is why you've been uneasy. Why you've been depressed and discouraged. You are called to step Out Of the Box. You are called to break the barriers and set the standard. I woke up this Thursday morning and heard these words:
"The difference you so desire to see is the difference you are called to be."
As you go on this journey of stepping Out of Your Box, there will be times when it might feel easier to step back in it. But remember, you are called to do this. That means that God has already provided the resources to meet whatever need you will face, the strength to carry whatever needs to be carried and the endurance to run the race!
Keep going, because what we do isn't always for us. So, get out of that box, and be the blueprint for the masses that will be affected by your decision.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11
Until next time.
Here's to a Steady Mind...
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