I listened to a webinar a while back by Eben Pagan, and he suggested that his listeners write a vision statement about what they want their life to look like a few years in the future. After that he said to write down the mindset it would take to accomplish that vision. The next step was to write out the vision and mindset every morning when you get up and every night before you go to bed for thirty days straight.
I wrote my vision statement, including points about my relationship with God, my husband, and children. I mentioned my future success as a writer and editor, and I threw in an optimistic sentence about going down one pants size.
Then I wrote my mindset statement: I am responsible for my results and I am going to create the success I want in my future.
I showed my statements to Gary a few days after I started this practice, so excited to share what my vision was and how committed I was to making it happen.
He looked a bit skeptical. And why shouldn’t he? This was just a different version of all the other times I announced some big plan: “I’m going to write a book!” “I’m going to lose some weight!” “I’m going to be the best wife you’ve ever had!” (Since I’m his only wife, I guess I’ve really pulled that one off at least)
He humored me, but he really couldn’t see the benefit of doing this thirty day routine.
I haven’t written those statements every single day, but I have written them many times over the last month. I almost believe what I’m saying about my future. Maybe I need to do it for another month to really make it stick.
The one thing I’ve really noticed is that my mindset hasn’t changed enough to get me the results I’m after.
I write “I am responsible for my results” and I feel a twinge of guilt because I see what I’m doing/not doing and how that keeps me from realizing my dreams.
Going to the cupboard for a snack when I’m not hungry does not get me the result of going down a pants size.
Scrolling through Facebook too much does not get me the result of becoming a published writer.
Writing down my vision and my mindset does not magically make those things happen. It takes effort to accomplish the things I want to see happen in the future.
So, don’t give up on me yet, dear readers. Most importantly, don’t give up on yourself. I bet there are things you’ve said you want to do, but you haven’t seen forward motion. There can be, if you don’t give up. If we don’t give up.
Keep going. Keep working hard and putting as much effort as you can into the things you want to do. Eventually we’ll get there, if we don’t stop trying.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
Are you doing what you need to do in order to create the future you want for yourself? How can focusing on God help you to keep making an effort to move ahead?
I like the concept, however, I fear my execution would be a flop. But focusing on God to keep me moving forward is more appealing to me. Knowing I can trust Him with my future, and knowing He already knows what’s ahead gives me the courage to take the steps I need to get there. Thanks for the encouragement to keep moving forward, Robyn!
I’ve heard from many sources that you just need to “fail forward.” But it’s hard to handle failing at all, isn’t it? Maybe it just takes practice so we get used to it, learn from our mistakes, and keep forging ahead. You can do it, Susan! Praying for you, ~Robyn