Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Eight principles to live by

People who set goals accomplish much more than people of equal education and ability who don't. With that in mind, build these eight principles into your life. Good planning and insight...bring...you honor and respect." Proverbs 3:21-22

(1) Decide what you want. But first consult God. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Pr 19:21 NIV).
(2) Think on paper. Writing your goals down gives them a sense of permanency, plus it energizes you. "Good planning and insight... bring...you honor and respect." Wishy-washy objectives won't get you where you want to go.
(3) Establish a deadline. Without a definite beginning and ending it's easy to procrastinate and get nowhere.
(4) Make a list of what you need to do to. Keep it before you at all times; it'll give you a track to run on.
(5) Convert your list to a plan. Decide what you need to do first and what you can do later. An organized plan is always better than trying to carry stuff around in your head.
(6) Act immediately. "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (Eph 5:15-16 NIV). Do something! A mediocre plan that's implemented beats a brilliant one that's not.
(7) Do something every day to move you forward. Build it into your schedule. For example, read systematically through your Bible, call a specific number of clients, engage in physical activity for a given time.
(8) Have a goal you're willing to devote your life to. And keep your eye on that goal at all times. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps 90:12 NIV).

1 comment:

Jerry said...

General Patton once said "A good plan today beats a perfect plan tomorrow" I have this framed in my office and it is hanging on the wall for all to see. I have also learned that things do not always work out the way you plan and that is why proverbs 20:24 is so powerful to me: "If a mans steps are ordered by the Lord, why question the things that happen along the way." So I may have plans but my God is my perfector.