Monday, December 25, 2006

Self-Motivation: Make Your Life Over This Year - By Dianna Hobbs

Today, I am challenging you to do what it takes to effect change in your business and your life. Be warned. There are no quick fixes. So, put down the fortune cookie and back away from the magazine articles that promise you a new life in just thirty days or less. You must be realistic about your circumstances, responsible for your outcomes and receptive to new ideas and methods this year.

If you’re ready, then keep reading.

You have the power right now to declare when things will become new in your life.

Here is the three-step formula:

1. Choose any day to begin.

2. Employ principles that support your goals.

3. Repeat Steps 1 & 2 until you get the desired results.

It sounds simple enough, right? “So….What’s the Problem,” you ask?

The problem is not that circumstances are not conducive to your success, but you have not taken advantage of all the opportunities to maximize your time, abilities and personal resources.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE

Each of us is naturally inclined to blame something or someone else for our misfortunes.
As a coping mechanism, we often avoid assuming responsibility for difficult circumstances. Hence, when something malfunctions, we rarely consider our own contribution to the disaster.

The question to ask is not “What is the problem?” Rather, ask yourself “Who is the problem?” The answer is very simple; Uh….got a mirror handy? That’s right. The vicious enemy who has been completely responsible for sabotaging your success all this time is none other than YOU.

I know it’s a tough pill to swallow because we can all think of a million and one factors outside of ourselves that are liable for our current circumstances. The truth yet remains that we alone have the power to determine our destinies. This does not mean that we will not run into some unexpected twists and turns, but whether or not we overcome obstacles depends upon our preparedness and willingness to deal with them.

ADOPT NEW PRINCIPLES AND FOLLOW THEM CONSISTENTLY

It’s one thing to talk about it. It’s another thing to be about it! Many of us will readily agree that it is difficult to remain consistent when working toward the goals we most desire to achieve. It never seems to come as easily as we had hoped or expected. There are so many obstacles, setbacks and disappointments along the journey that it becomes difficult to remain steadfast when we do not receive immediate rewards for our efforts. We all like short cuts and instant gratification, but life doesn’t work that way.

If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. This is why our lives must be lived by guiding principles. Principles are governing laws upon which our beliefs, behaviors and decisions are built. This is crucial! Principles are not subject to emotion, or external circumstances; thus, we abide by them even when it seems inconvenient. When’s the last time you asked yourself what your fundamental principles are for your business, relationships and life in general? For example, what is your work ethic? Do you have one? What are your standards for your relationships? Do you have any? What principles determine the way you conduct your life? If you don’t know, then you must establish some because if you don’t stand for something, then you’ll indeed fall for anything.

DON’T BE SO IMPATIENT.

Total transformation of your business and your life will not occur overnight. That’s simply not a realistic expectation. One of my favorite lecturers often says, “You must continue doing the right things, even when you’re not getting the right results.” This takes perseverance and determination, so hang in there. Remember, keep putting one foot in front of the other and tell yourself “I’m okay and I’m on my way!”

SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS

Remember, you need to have something in your life that is unchanging, even in the face of challenging circumstances. If by chance you have not developed a firm foundation upon which to build your business and your life, then begin today. It will be well worth the time and effort!

Dianna Hobbs is the Vice President of Hobbs Ministries, a Christian copywriting and PR firm. She and the team of world class copywriters at Hobbs Ministries, help ministries get their marketing materials on the “write track” by leveraging the creative power of language. You can find out more about how you can take your ministry to whole new dimension by visiting http://www.hobbsministries.com

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