Archive for the ‘Success’ Category

Are you a Champion?

Monday, June 21st, 2010

“No surrender, no retreat we take the battlefield over EVERY time!” Wow. What a statement!  Taken from the Los Angeles Lakers’ Ron Artest’s new single, “Champion”, which he made sure he ‘shouted-out’ during his post game interview, this is a mantra that I am definitely adopting. Today marks the first day of summer and what I see as a season for champions.  Summer, the end the NBA season, the peak of the World Cup, the time of year where what was previously planted blossoms brightest; and if you have been diligent a time of rejoicing in the fruit of your labor.  Yes, summer is a time for champions to shine.

So why are there so few champions sprouting about? Why does it seem at a time where Believers should be blooming they are instead barely penetrating the surface? Is it because Believers are not realizing their champion potential?

Let’s take a look at three key characteristics every champion must possess:

  1. Champions dream BIG. – If what you are aiming for isn’t enough to make you stay awake at night it’s not enough to make you fight for it.
  2. Champions take ACTION. – When was the last time you saw a champion sitting around talking about winning? You don’t. They are busy working, doing what it takes to become a champion. “Champion: those who make going hard a lifestyle.”
  3. Champions think like champions. What is the story playing in your head? Is it one of defeat? Are you constantly comparing yourself and/or your ministry to others? If so, you are not thinking like a champion.

I would like to encourage you on this first day of summer to determine that this will be your season to shine.  Becoming a champion isn’t easy or convenient, but it is possible.

  • Share/Bookmark

Keep Moving Forward

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

“No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom…” Luke 9:62

One of my all time favorite movies is Meet the Robinsons. Not only is it a brilliantly crafted animation, which is quite entertaining, the overriding moral message is one that has stuck with me now three years after its release. It is no wonder why this fit-for-the-family film received 8 academy nominations.

While Lewis, the main character had a hilariously, strange family and a life full of witty inventions it was what he said that has left a lasting impression on my heart. “Keep moving forward”. Those words are echoing in my head even as I type. When times are hard, ideas seem to fail, when life throws you a curve ball…”keep moving forward.” When you feel misunderstood and your BIG plan doesn’t work out…”keep moving forward.” Lewis understood that in order to succeed in life, he couldn’t let his failures, let downs, or life’s unexpected occurrences stop him from pursuing his dreams. This was his mantra and is now mine: Keep Moving forward!

Yep, it’s just that simple. Say it with me “keep moving forward”. Perhaps you’re at a crossroad in your ministry, business, or relationship and things are not going quite as you expected. Determine within yourself that no matter what, you are going to “keep moving forward.” The easy thing to do is quit, the cowardly thing to do is shift blame, and the right thing to do is to keep moving! The past is the past and there is nothing you can do to change it. Leave the past behind. Commit today to, that’s right, you know this by now: “Keep Moving Forward!”

How do you intend to overcome what seems to have you temporarily stuck? What will be your next step? Please share.

  • Share/Bookmark

“Um…WAIT, let me check just one more thing.”

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

You have been selected to run in the most important race of your entire athletic career. Your country is calling you to represent it in the 2010 Summer Olympics. What a tremendous opportunity that now awaits you. You have been preparing for such a task your entire life. You ran in many marathons, trained with the best athletes, as a matter of fact you were selected by your peers as the most likely to win All- American track and field. Though, you would never admit it publicly, even with all that training and practice you never really expected to run in a race THIS big. But why not? Why didn’t you expect it?

I’ll tell you why. You have to tweak just one more thing. You have one more stride you need to perfect. One more set of lunges to prepare your quads. One more run around the track to make sure your breathing is paced. I mean, let’s face it, if you are going to do it, you better do it right! Right? It’s precisely this sort of thinking that keeps many of us stifled in our progress, hindered in our pursuits, stuck in our tracks. Stagnation is the lifestyle a serial perfectionist. Don’t allow your quest for perfection to cause you to miss the most important moment of your life…NOW. Live, pursue, embrace your now. Tell me, what is your NOW? How are living it?

  • Share/Bookmark