10 Commitments

Most people are aware of the 10 Commandments from the Bible.    At a high level, the 10 Commandments provide guidelines for moral living.  A lot of the focus is on what you should not do.  Regardless of your religious beliefs, the 10 Commandments can help with sound life principles. 

However, this week's post will deal with a different set of 10 directives.  What are the 10 Commitments that you are willing to make to in order to have what you want?  The following suggestions might help you get started on your list.

1. Commit to pursuing opportunity.  Don't wait for opportunity to knock.  Place yourself in the path of opportunity so that it can't miss you. 
2. Commit to start.  Often, the emphasis is on finishing what you start.  However, there are many times where you never even start on things due to fear, time, money, etc.  You will never know how long it will take you to finish if you don't start. 
3. Commit to accountability.  When there are issues, look first for your role in causing the problem before assigning blame to others.
4. Commit to awareness.  Pay attention to what is said, shown, and done.  Also note what or who may be missing.  Being aware of your environment and what influences it allows you to make informed decisions.   
5. Commit to consistency.  Practice may not make you perfect; but it does make you prepared.  Routines are important to help you sharpen your strengths and develop your weaknesses.
6. Commit to balance.  Don't let any one area of your life take all of your time.  Family, friends, work, school, volunteerism, and relaxation are all important. 
7. Commit to authenticity.  Be who you are, not who you think you should be or who others want you to be.  You are valuable, worthy, and blessed.
8. Commit to your vision.  As you encounter setbacks and experience disappointment, remember the big picture. 
9. Commit to consideration.  Before you react or respond, consider the source, location, motive, and significance of the report.  Don't be impulsive.  Pause and consider if you even need to spend time on it.
10. Commit to respect.  Give it to others and command it for yourself.  Respect time, points of view, intentions, differences, efforts, and accomplishments.

Leave a comment and share what you will commit to this week.

 

Training Wheels

Do you remember your first bicycle?  Did it have training wheels on it?  Training wheels help a rider to maintain balance as they learn how to use a new mode of transportation.  They are temporary and should be removed at some point as skill level and confidence grows.  They enable you to increase your comfort level before you take full control of the bike.  Don't use them as an excuse as to why you are moving slowly or falling behind.

While you may no longer ride a bicycle, there are probably other figurative training wheels that can help you in life.  They may include:  relationships, health, finances, failure, and vision. 

• Relationships include family, friends, love, work, neighbors, etc.  Your relationships should help you grow. However, sometimes they can hinder you.  Know the difference between the people that are holding you back and the ones that are pushing you forward.
• Health (physical and mental) impacts everything that you want to do.  Everyone has health setbacks periodically.  Take the necessary steps to deal with and manage your health challenges.  Once things are under control, continue to pursue your goals. Don't use your health as an excuse for not doing things.
• Finances are often an obstacle to achieving your dreams.  Have you ever said "I don't have the money" or "I can't afford it" about something that will help you reach your goals?  While it is smart to budget wisely and live within your means, don't use money as an excuse for not doing things that will help you develop.  Instead of focusing on the finances you don't have, look at what you spend and what is truly a necessity and what is optional.
•  Failure often exposes your weaknesses and identifies things you can do better.  It can also introduce fear and cause you to not try again.  Use it to help you improve your approach, skills, and strategy.  Failure is the blueprint for success.  What went wrong is the foundation for what will go right. 
• Vision can limit you if you're only concerned with what you can see right now.  Be forward thinking.  Use virtual binoculars to see what's ahead of you, but out of sight.  You can be better prepared for what's coming if you get a sneak peek.  Get connected with the right people that can provide accurate forecasts concerning where you want to go.

Leave a comment and share what training wheels you will remove this week.