Do It Now!

I used to work with a direct sales company that was a very optimistic and positive environment. Professionally, the job provided me with greater coaching, mentorship, and training than any other position I’ve held. I recall being at a conference in Charlotte, North Carolina and hearing one of the leaders of this company challenge me to be a part of the “Din Din Club. Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!” Do not put off what can be done today. The discipline to use our time effectively today has an exponential impact on what will have been accomplished for our future. If we run today, we will have some immediate benefit: endorphins, higher energy levels, better sleep, and an immediate sense of self-confidence. If we run every day for three months, the benefit compounds to even greater payoff and results. Similarly, when we discipline ourselves to invest time into the things that are most important to us on a daily basis, we will not only experience immediate benefits, but compounded benefits long term.
I am not suggesting that every little thing that needs to be done be done immediately. That would deter from the point I am trying to make. Instead, live according to your priorities and do not procrastinate the steps and daily “to-do’s” that line up with them. Maybe it’s a career goal that requires small steps that will accumulate to great pay off. Maybe it’s daily, disciplined investment into your nutrition and health choices. Perhaps it is taking the time out of the consuming busyness we all experience to spend intentional time with your children each day, knowing that you aren’t going to remember doing the laundry in twenty years, but you and your children will remember your times together. Maybe it’s taking the time to write a thank you card, or a note of encouragement to an estranged friend to invest in that relationship. My prayer is that you would hunger for the Lord, and know that strategic, intentional time each day with Him will lead to the life of Joy He has promised. Like any relationship, the more invested we are with Him, the more intimate and satisfying it will be. Whatever your personal goals and priorities, life your life accordingly, and do it NOW. The long term pay off of your choosing to strategically invest your own life and into the lives of others will have long-term benefits that outweigh the exercise it will take to make the decision today.

The Power of Perspective

I was grocery shopping yesterday during a relatively busy time of day. There were several people ahead of me in the check-out line, and I didn’t have my son with me, so I was actually able to hear what people around me were saying. I began hearing the cashier yell over his shoulder to his co-worker that he only had 20 minutes until he was free. As he continued to work and “serve” the customers in his lane, he mentioned his imminent “freedom” several times. My instinctive thought was, “How unprofessional and rude. Someone should tell his manager that customers feel more burdensome than authentically served.” Compassion settled in, realizing that the cashier was probably only 16 or 17 years old. When it was my turn to be checked out, I asked the young man how he was doing. “Good….better in 20 minutes when I’m out of here” was his reply. Rather than correct him, or “teach him from my infinite professional wisdom” I simply responded with, “I understand. Well, hey. You have the opportunity to serve people and make their days a little brighter, so even the next 20 minutes can be good.” The young man looked surprised---not offended, but like a light bulb went off. He cocked his head to one side, and simply said, “You know, I’ve never thought of it that way before. I guess you’re right!” Maybe we all just need a little perspective to truly enjoy the moments that create days, that create years, that create legacies. Are we truly delving into what is before us?

Book Spotlight: The 4:8 Principle

One of the most meaningful books I have ever read is The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry. No other book has so practically challenged me, and quite literally, my way of thinking. Tommy Newberry is a renowned Christian life-coach based in the Atlanta area. This book is based upon Philippians 4:8 which says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Newberry empowers his readers to take ownership and personal responsibility for their thought life, and thus their overall happiness and satisfaction.

Our thoughts impact our attitudes which impact our actions which impact our lives. In his book, Newberry states, that “all lasting change is preceded by changed thinking.” I first read that sentence about a year and a half ago, and a journey began to exercise intentional, positive thinking. I recently returned to work as an admissions counselor at Liberty University. I am in the same position that I held two years ago---prior to becoming a mother to my now 18 month old son. I was recently told by my supervisor that I am more joyful, positive, and in general pleasant than I was before I left for maternity leave. He went on to explain that I was always a “nice” person, but that things are more predictably positive with me. Wow. Apparently this is having an impact on the person I am becoming! Am I perfect? No. Do I find myself wrestling myself during bad moods? Absolutely! However, the fight for joy, and the fight to feel better more often is increasingly easier the more that I choose joy, and choose to think upon right things.

If you want to learn more about practical application from a field expert, I highly encourage you to check out Tommy Newberry’s book! Visit http://www.the48principle.com/ for more information!