Personal Development

​It's that time. The time where people begin thinking about what will make the New Year better than the previous year. Resolutions are what folks generally call them. You know, all those changes they plan on making.

But, how do we avoid approaching December of 2016 saying, "Man, where has the year gone?," as we pull out an old notebook with a glorified laundry list of to-dos that didn't get done. How do we avoid the regret of letting ourselves down because we never got around to doing what we said we were going to do?

It's simple: simplify. I would highly encourage you to simplify. And in the process, focus on what creates real results and real change: habits (daily disciplines). This year, instead of making a list of "resolutions," which will inevitably turn into a handful of unfulfilled promises, I'm focusing on habits. What habits do you need to change, that will impact your daily agenda, and in turn, help you grow toward your goals?

Consider this as well: my wife and I have selected a Word of the Year and a Scripture of the Year. A mentor of ours inspired us to do this--encouraging us to anchor our dreams, goals and directives (and our relationship) in God's Word. I'm inviting you to do the same. Here's another tip: as important as it is to consider what you need to start doing, it's just as important, if not more important, to evaluate what you should stop doing.

The problem for most people is that they want things to change as long as everything stays the same. Be different in 2016. Go for real change. Go for real growth. Go for real results. 

Whatever changes you make in the upcoming year, I encourage you to seek God's will first and pursue your goals passionately!

Let's grow.

 Personal Development

All great achievers receive great criticism. It’s one of life’s inevitable positive correlations--the more success one attracts, the more haters one can expect to attract. The only taste of success some will enjoy is the bite they take out of those who prosper.

Knowing this, you have the ability to decide which team you want to play for: the Construction Gang or the Wrecking Crew. Will you be the Hope Builder, the Lid Lifter, the Dream Giver… or will you be the Critic, the Cynic, the Coward? Will you be known for making deposits into the lives of others or making deductions from the lives of others? One of my mentors, John C. Maxwell, says, "You can't add value to people if you don't value people." Simple enough.

Never throw mud. If you do, you may hit your mark, but you will end up with dirt on your hands. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

​Let's grow.