Success. The idea can bring both excitement and dread, in almost the same moment if I’m not careful. For every opportunity that has come my way, I’d hate to know how many hours I spent worrying if I was going to fail, even before I got started. Hundreds of anguishing moments. And all for nothing — except a stomach ache.
What about you? Do you ever pull out a set of “What if I fail?” questions when opportunity knocks?
- What if no one shows up?
- What if no one reads it?
- What if it doesn’t work?
- What if no one buys it?
- What if I’m not good enough?
- What if I do it wrong?
Honestly, I can feel these questions draining my strength as I write them out!
While success takes endurance, focus, and hard work, piling on questions of doubt will surely cause you to fail more often than help you. Yes, you need to look at the details and make a plan. You may need to make tough decisions and will most likely stumble a few times before the final breakthrough. But success will never happen unless you allow yourself to believe you can succeed.
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Definition of Success
Let’s look at what success means — to you. After all, it means something different to each of us. There are the standard definitions of earning recognition and monetary gain. But to many, these are the least desired rewards. Many would rather know that another life was helped or a memory made or a task done well. For some, the joy of making something beautiful is success enough.
Take a minute and think about a specific area in your life where you would like to move forward. It could be personal, relational, creative, financial, or spiritual. Now, what would success look like to you in that area?
Get specific. Write it down as the Holy Spirit gives you ideas and pictures in your mind. Close your eyes and let your thoughts wander… What if I succeed?
- How would life change?
- What would you do differently?
- What doors would open?
- What doors could you close?
Lisa Bollock says
I have now finished one of the most effective classes in my life! Emerge School of Transformation has set me on a path to success. I know who God is! I know who I am! I know my purpose! I know where I am headed! I know how to get there!
This is a game changer for me!
Amy Layne Litzelman says
Fantastic, Lisa! Can’t wait to hear more! Would love to hear your purpose and what your next steps are to getting there. I love when the pieces come together. Thank you, Holy God!