Photo by James Jordan

We understand from reading the previous parts of this series, that when we start to pursue our goals, we’re naturally driven by excitement and the benefit that we will reap once we obtain success. Although the drive is there, we easily get discouraged when we don’t see the progress that we want to see when we want to see it.

When pursuing goals, most people have a set amount of time before they expect to see progress. Does this apply to you? If we don’t see the progress that we want to see, when we think that we should see it, we make excuses for ourselves and say, “Oh, well maybe this isn’t for me,” or “What was I thinking, this was too good to be true.”

 The problem with these statements, is that they’re directly tied into negative thinking. Even when pursuing our goals, after discovering that they aren’t for us, we should keep shooting for something.

 I understand that everything that you seek after, may not be for you. In fact, we shouldn’t expect to be successful in everything that we attempt. However, when you fail, it doesn’t mean that you’re defeated, it just means that you have to keep working harder until you’re successful.

 Try a different approach

Persistence, also implies that we must try a different approach to conquering our dreams. In fact, it would be insane to keep using the same strategies, when getting no results. When we strive to conquer our goals, we shouldn’t give up when we don’t see any progress, zero results is an indication that we simply need to change strategies.

 Unfortunately, too many people give up on their goal when not seeing the results that they want to see. Are you among this number? If so, I would encourage you to keep pushing forward, it may mean putting in more of an effort or simply changing your approach all together. Always know that your persistence pays off.

 Don’t loose your drive and motivation for success. It’s not God’s will that we live mediocre lives. Jesus said, “I come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.” Don’t get down in defeat, keep pushing and striving even if you have to change your approach. Stay encouraged my friend, and you will see the success that God has for you as you charge forth in your life journey.　

Stay tuned for Accomplishing Your Goals Part 7

• Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1
• Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2
• What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3
• Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4
• Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5

Related Posts

• November 29, 2009 -- Rekindle Your Fire For Success (0)
  Don't loose the fire as you strive to achieve your goals in life. It's very easy to start something and loose the momentum you had for it. Friends, you are about to birth something magnificent. And...
• March 6, 2010 -- What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3 (0)
  This is part 3 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 7, 2010 -- Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4 (0)
  This is part 4 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 4, 2010 -- Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2 (0)
  This is part 2 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. After doing...

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. – Matthew 12:34

The enemy attacks us in the one place where it counts, our mind. Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, (other people) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness (the devil) of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

The enemy knows that if he can convince you that you’re not qualified, or that you don’t have what it takes to accomplish your goals, then he’s got power over you.  To make matters worse, he will attack us the hardest when we’re doing work for the Kingdom of God, that’s when the enemy works the hardest to remind you of what you can’t do. When you’re doing work for the Kingdom of God, you are a threat to the kingdom of darkness.

Whether you’re fulfilling God’s will for your life, or striving to accomplish personal goals, you must be on guard at all times. You have to expect that the enemy will come in and plant negative thoughts in your mind.

When this happens we must not fear. Remember, it’s at the name of, Jesus, every knee shall bow; at the name of, Jesus Demons tremble. Isaiah 59:19 tells us “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

When we’re faced with negative thoughts, we have two choices:

• We can dwell on negative thoughts – When the enemy plants negative thought after negative thought in our minds, we become overwhelmed and we loose sight of our goals.

OR

• We can combat negative thoughts – When you think a thought that discourages you against your goals, right then and there, conjure up a scripture or a positive affirmation that negates that thought.

When the enemy puts fear in your heart declare that “God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) When you loose the inspiration to keep pressing forward, find something that inspires you. Study the Word of God or find a good book that encourages you.

Don’t focus on thoughts of negativity and fear, instead take control of your thoughts. There may come a point in time, while attempting to accomplish your goals, when you feel tired or loose direction. Instead of focusing on your lack of strength, study 2 Corinthians 12:10 that tells us “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

If you start to think about what you can’t do or what you’re not qualified for, flip over to Philippians 4:13 and you will be reminded that “You can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you.”

If you start to loose confidence in the ability that God has given you to accomplish your goals, turn over to 2 Corinthians 2:14 which affirms, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

When you put God first in everything, He will make a way for you to achieve success.  God hears and answers all prayer. John 14:13 says “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Verse 14 goes on to say, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Don’t focus on negative thoughts that the enemy plants in your mind, focus on the promises of God for you. We’re winners my friend, focus on your assets rather than hindrances today as you charge forth in your life journey.

• Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1
•  Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2
• What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3
   
• Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4
• Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6

Related Posts

• March 10, 2010 -- Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6 (0)
  Photo by James JordanThis is part 6 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by click...
• March 7, 2010 -- Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4 (0)
  This is part 4 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 6, 2010 -- What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3 (0)
  This is part 3 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 4, 2010 -- Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2 (0)
  This is part 2 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. After doing...
• March 3, 2010 -- Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1 (1)
  This is part 1 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven't read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...

If you don’t know who you are in life or if you’re not deeply rooted in what you’re destined for, then it’s easy for others to convince you against your purpose in life. I’m a great fan of the saying, “If all your friends jumped off the Empire State Building, would you?“

It’s a cliche saying, but it’s true. When you run with the wrong crowd or you’re listening to the wrong voice, then that’s like poison, or even worse, it’s like death to your dreams. The important thing to remember, when it comes to accomplishing your dreams, is that you will find people who will try to convince you that its pointless to set goals. If you’re not focused enough, you will allow these people to convince you against your goals.

When people attempt to convince you against your dreams, it’s usually because they lack the confidence in themselves to set high goals for themselves. From their point of view it’s pointless to shoot high, because the rejection that they’ve experienced has been enough to kill their dreams, and make them think that they will never amount to anything.

True friends wouldn’t discourage you of your dreams. Therefore, when you come across people, or haters as most people call them, who tell things like: “it’s pointless” or “you’ll never make it you’ve got to consider the odds,” then must distance yourself from these people.

Position yourself in the winner’s circle

A wise man once said, “You are only as good as the company you keep.” Remember, one bad apple spoils the bunch. Metaphorically speaking, if you position yourself in a bowl full of bad apples, then you can expect your dreams and goals to rot. Position yourself around other successful people.

Seek out like minded people in your neighborhood and community who have visions and goals and have accomplished them. These people will inspire and motivate you.

Ask them questions, about their failures, their successes, and how they’ve conquered challenges along the way. When you position yourself in a winners circle, you become a winner.

When we seek the face of God and stay in His word, then we’re constantly reminded that we’re victorious. However, if you expose yourself to individuals who convince you that you will never make it, over a period of time, you will loose focus and sink down to their level.

I would be wrong if I told you that along your life journey, everyone will be supportive but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Don’t listen to what the nay-sayers are saying listen to what the motivators are saying. Position yourself in the winner’s circle and watch as God takes you to a new dimension as you charge forth in your life journey.

• Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1

• Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2

• What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3
• Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5
• Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6

Related Posts

• March 6, 2010 -- What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3 (0)
  This is part 3 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 3, 2010 -- Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1 (1)
  This is part 1 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven't read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 10, 2010 -- Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6 (0)
  Photo by James JordanThis is part 6 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by click...
• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 4, 2010 -- Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2 (0)
  This is part 2 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. After doing...

One important factor that determines whether you are successful in accomplishing your goals, is the way you approach them. A successful business owner doesn’t wake up one morning, decide they want to start a business, and expect to reach their ultimate level of success by the end of the day. It takes a well mapped out plan.

Much of what it takes to be successful, when accomplishing your goals is the mental preparation that you do prior to attempting them. A wise business owner would never start a business without mapping out a proper business plan, therefore you should not approach major goals without outlining your “why” for them.

Write down your why

Years ago when I ventured into entrepreneurship, one of the things that I heard over and over from people who were more successful than me, was to write down your why.

A “Why“ is basically something that you write down, which reminds you of why you are going for your dreams. It’s something that reminds you of the benefits that you’ll reap, once you become successful.

The importance of writing down your why

When we venture out to accomplish our goals, we will discover that life is a journey full of ups and downs. In the beginning stages, we pursue our goals with fire, passion, and excitement because it’s something that’s new to us. In this context, anything that’s new to us, we naturally have excitement for because we’re emotionally tied into it.

However, over a period of time it’s possible for the excitement to somewhat flat-line as we start to realize the hard work that’s involved with accomplishing our goals. Therefore, if you start out with a well thought out “why”, then you give yourself something to focus on when you loose that excitement and passion.

What ingredients should be included in your why?

One of the main ingredients that should be included in your why, is the outcome of the goal. For instance, if you’re an artist and you’re eager to get your paintings featured in the local and regional Art Galleries, then you may want to write down the benefits you’ll receive once your paintings are featured. Therefore, in the interim of getting your paintings featured, you will never loose the drive and motivation that it takes to reach your ultimate success.

Another ingredient to include, is to answer the question: what do I do when it seems that all hope is lost? As I previously mentioned, life is a journey full of ups and downs.

There will come a time when you loose motivation, or even worse, possibly loose all sense of hope and direction. What will you do when you encounter a major challenge or crossroads? Having these details outlined in your why is beneficial to your success.

Remember, the enemy’s job is to steal, kill and destroy. In fact, I’m reminded of the text in Luke 22:31: “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat;”

What impresses me the most in this text, is the prayer that Jesus prayed, which follows in verse 32. It goes on to say, “But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

My friend, it’s my prayer, just as it’s Jesus’ prayer, that your faith never fails you and that it remains strong throughout all of your ventures in life. Whatever you ask in the name of the Lord He will do it.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises. Whatever He has promised you, He will bring it to pass. Stay encouraged and focused as you charge forth in your life journey.

• Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1

• Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2

• Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4

• Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5

• Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6

Related Posts

• March 10, 2010 -- Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6 (0)
  Photo by James JordanThis is part 6 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by click...
• March 7, 2010 -- Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4 (0)
  This is part 4 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 3, 2010 -- Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1 (1)
  This is part 1 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven't read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• November 29, 2009 -- Rekindle Your Fire For Success (0)
  Don't loose the fire as you strive to achieve your goals in life. It's very easy to start something and loose the momentum you had for it. Friends, you are about to birth something magnificent. And...
• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...

There’s one thing that frustrates everyone when it comes to accomplishing goals, and it’s when we get stuck in a rut. It’s one thing to be stagnant by choice but it’s another thing to be stuck in a rut, which indicates that we have the desire to move to the next level but we don’t know where to start.

Stagnation, is one factor that causes us to loose interest in our goals, and in turn causes us to give up on them.

What causes us to become stagnant?

• We loose the drive and passion that we had when we first set out to accomplish goals.That loss of drive can cause us become lackadaisical in the say we work towards our goals.

• We become overwhelmed and negative thoughts start to flow through our mind. When we give into those negative thoughts, it causes us to go into a stage where we lack development and vigor.

• We start to look at the results that we’ve accomplished and if they are the results we desire, we loose passion.

• We come across challenges that we feel are overbearing and as a result, we loose motivation.

What causes us to progress in life?

Faith and Taking Action – The thing about being faithful is that we don’t operate on what we see, we operate on those things we hope for. One of the most cited scriptures, Hebrews 11:1 simply says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

I’ll never forget having a conversation with an old co-worker of mine years ago. We were talking about the simple principal of faith and my co-worker asked a rhetorical question, “Say you want to move a mountain?” He answered, “Sure you can move a mountain, go buy a shovel.” “You want to go to California?” “of course you can, go buy a map!”

He said it jokingly and I laughed, but pun or no pun, it speaks the truth of how we should operate when pursuing our dreams. You can do anything you put your mind to do but the first step to moving to the next level is taking action.

We can have all the tools in front of us but if we’re making excuses instead of taking action, then we are doing ourselves a disservice.

What are those goals that you’ve been putting on the back-burner? I dare you to take action and watch the Lord make a way of provision in your life.

Okay, so I’ll give you give you some slack, maybe you’ve been working hard, or maybe you’ve even been taken action but it all comes down to being consistent. It may be tomorrow before God acts in our life, or it may be next week or next month.

In the mean time, know that God is watching our faith and our actions. He’s waiting on the right moment to move in our lives but we have to take a step of faith and God will carry us the rest of the way.

Stay prayerful my friend, keep pressing forward. Don’t look back. God has something great in store for you. Keep your eyes focused on the goal as you charge forward in your life journey.

• Overcoming Overwhelm – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 1

• What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3
• Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4
• Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5
• Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6

Related Posts

• February 20, 2010 -- Ingredients For Success (4)
  What is success really? When we think of success, we think about the outcome of the hard work we put into something. The word success, as a noun, is defined as: the favorable or prosperous termination...
• December 20, 2009 -- Relieve The Stress by Changing Your Thoughts (0)
  Most of the struggles we face in life can be eliminated by changing our thoughts. When something gets the best of you it's because you allow it to take control over your life. Our thoughts are dir...
• December 7, 2009 -- Take Your Limits Off (0)
  I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 AKJV) There are no limits to what you can do in life. When you put your faith in God, you can do anything you set your min...
• March 10, 2010 -- Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6 (0)
  Photo by James JordanThis is part 6 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by click...
• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...

Overwhelmed, as an adjective, is defined as: rendered powerless especially by an excessive amount or profusion of something.

There are 3 ways in which we become overwhelmed. We can become overwhelmed in our spirit, overwhelmed with the burden of our daily lives and we become overwhelmed by a particular task or goal.

Overwhelmed In Our Spirit

Psalms 142:3 says, When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me.

In this passage of scripture, David is crying out to the Lord with a troubled spirit. In verse 9, he declares that The Lord is his refuge. In this text, David was sending up a plea for relief from Persecutors. (Psalms 142:1-7)

When faced with prosecutors or even when we’re intimidated by adversity,we become overwhelmed and therefore we loose sense of direction. However, we must do as David did, when faced with with his prosecutors. We must run to God and declare that He’s our refuge.

We all have our own crosses to bear. People will try to get to your emotions or get under your skin. However, when you’re intimidated, know that the Lord is your refuge. He hears your prayer and He will make a way of provision on your behalf.

Overwhelmed With The Burden of Our Daily Lives

One of the many reasons that we may become overwhelmed and frustrated, in our everyday lives, is not being in control of our time. Throughout the day, we find ourselves trying to meet deadlines and as a result, we discover that time isn’t always on our side.

One of the best things we can do is to set priorities for our daily obligations. What is most important to you in life? What can be eliminated from your daily tasks to make room for other, more important things in your life?

One of the best things we can do to prevent ourselves from becoming overwhelmed, is to develop our time management skills. Maybe you have to juggle between getting the kids ready in the morning and meeting your own morning obligations, all in a small time frame before leaving for work.

It may be helpful to make a list of your top priorities in life and let the non-essential things fall to the bottom of the list. After making a list of priorities, set a reasonable time frame for them as this will help tremendously with the unneeded stress that you feel in your daily lives.

Overwhelmed By A Particular Task or Goal

This point closely relates to the type of overwhelm mentioned in my, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals, article. We easily become intimidated by the work that it takes to achieve our goals, and that intimidation causes us to become overwhelmed.

When you become overwhelmed that is a chance to exercise your faith. God has the road laid out for you. I’m reminded of a great song, that reminds us to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there.

When accomplishing our goals, it may help to take it one day at a time. If your goal is to become physically fit, don’t worry about whether or not you’re going to accomplish your ultimate goal of achieving the body you want, take it one day at a time and before you know it you will start to notice the results that you long for.

• Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2
  
• What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3
• Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4
• Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5
• Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6

Related Posts

• March 7, 2010 -- Positioning Yourself In The Winner’s Circle – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 4 (0)
  This is part 4 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 6, 2010 -- What’s Your Why? – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 3 (0)
  This is part 3 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 10, 2010 -- Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6 (0)
  Photo by James JordanThis is part 6 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by click...
• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 4, 2010 -- Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2 (0)
  This is part 2 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. After doing...

Sometimes we don’t do enough troubleshooting when dealing with failed dreams. We make excuses for why they don’t come true and sometimes we point fingers everywhere but at ourselves.

Why do we give up on our goals?

1) We Become Overwhelmed – Overwhelm is one of the number one tricks that the enemy will use to convince us that we’re in over our head. Remember, God wouldn’t put more on you than you can bear. I encourage you not to give up when it seems like you’re in over your head.

Now that you know it’s a trick of the enemy, next time you feel overwhelmed, that’s a great time to exercise your faith and speak life into your dreams. Pray that God gives you the right path to take, and the wisdom and strength to overcome that major hurdle, called “overwhelm.”

2) Lack of Ability to Move Forward – James 2:20 – “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

I think about, Peter, while he was out on the boat facing the treacherous storms and raging seas. Peter, was bold enough to step out on the waters and walk toward Jesus. Granted, when he saw that the winds were boisterous, he became afraid and began to sink, but one can only think, what might have happened if he had not taken the first step toward Jesus?

My friend, Jesus is the ultimate provider. You can have all the tools available to you but you can’t obtain success without moving forward.

3) Lack of A Strong Foundation – If you don’t write down your goals, or the “why” for your goals, then you don’t have anything to focus on, once you loose inspiration. During the interim of obtaining our goals, we loose the excitement and motivation that we had when we were first inspired to achieve our goals.

If you write down a well thought out “why” for your goals, then your why should be enough to keep you motivated when you loose inspiration.

4) Listening To The Wrong Voices – Whose voice are you listening to? A wise man once said, “Behind every successful person lies a pack of haters.” This is unfortunate but it’s true. Don’t allow others to convince you that you’re wasting your time. Don’t listen to the voices of defeat. The bible tells us that we’re more than a conqueror. We are victorious. If you’re not strong enough to combat the rebuttals of the haters, then they will pull you down.

5) Negative Thinking - This is an answer that I used pretty often in my bullet-ed articles because your mind-set is key to whether you are successful in achieving your goals. I encourage you to take a look at my previous articles, How to Change Your Negative Thoughts, 25 Positive Affirmations – Take Control of Your Mind and 50 Positive Affirmations To Live By.

These articles give great insight on how to change your negative thoughts. I also provide a list of positive affirmations that are critical in changing any negative thought pattern that you may have.

6) We Don’t See Results – Zechariah 4:10 reminds us not to despise small beginnings. When we get excited about something and we want to pursue it, it’s natural to want to see the results now. If we don’t see the results that we want to see, when we want to see them, then we sometimes loose passion for pursuing our dreams. Lack of patience can be the death of our fate.

It’s better to keep pursuing our dreams even when we don’t see results, than it is to give up and throw away our great future.

7) We Loose Focus and Become Side-tracked – A couple years ago, when I started blogging, I lost sight of my dreams because wasn’t focused enough. At the time, I was looking to the left, to the right, and I was even looking behind me. I was looking everywhere except straight ahead where I was going.

It was because of my lack of focus, that I began to allow my passion for writing to dwindle away. In hindsight, the lesson that I learned, was that no matter what comes before me, I will not loose focus. I will always pursue my dreams. I want to encourage you, just as I encouraged myself, to take a personal oath that no matter what, you are in it to win it.

No matter how long it takes to reach that pinnacle of success, keep pushing. Adversity may come, and even if you have to take a break to recharge yourself, keep charging forward as you go through your life journey.

Related Posts

• December 10, 2009 -- The Difference Between God’s Will and Your Will For Your Life (0)
  Sometimes, what we want for our life isn't in God's ultimate plan for our life. I talk a lot about fulfilling goals and aspirations that we have for our lives and I think it's important that we und...
• February 10, 2010 -- Do You Believe? (0)
  This video gives a very short interlude into how we develop a repetition of just reciting scriptures and not taking it to heart. If you have not viewed the presentation, press play to begin viewing it...
• December 20, 2009 -- Relieve The Stress by Changing Your Thoughts (0)
  Most of the struggles we face in life can be eliminated by changing our thoughts. When something gets the best of you it's because you allow it to take control over your life. Our thoughts are dir...
• March 10, 2010 -- Remain Persistent – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 6 (0)
  Photo by James JordanThis is part 6 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by click...
• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. – Proverbs 18:16 (KJV)

About two months ago, I applied to Technorati.com to become a writer for them. Technorati, is a major Internet search engine for searching blogs. After a month of reviewing my claim, I got notice that I’ve been approved to become a writer for them.

Yesterday I submitted my first article to them which has been accepted. Speaking of blessings from the Lord, this is a great opportunity as this will be the first of many articles I will be writing for them.

I thought I’d share this personal testimony with you as proof that your gift will, indeed, make room for you. God will open up many doors for you. Never give up on your dreams and visions. Even if it seems like your efforts aren’t taking you anywhere, keep pushing, you will see progress.

Remember, Zechariah 4:10 urges us not to despise the day of small beginnings. Like everything in life, there’s a railroad effect. Your work is not in vain. You may not see the fruit of your labor right now, but you will reap the benefit of your hard work after-while.

Below is the the article I wrote for Technorati. I hope you enjoy. To view the article on Technorati’s site, click here.

The 2010 Winter Olympics Games in Vancouver have now come to an end. It’s very inspiring for us to watch the athletes compete and perform with such grace and passion.

Olympic games are always a momentous occasion in that they come once every four years. We don’t get the benefit of watching them on a yearly basis like the traditional sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. Neither do the athletes get the added benefit of coming back year after year to compete. Perhaps it’s these factors that make the Olympic games the special occasion that it is.

These athletes train long and hard for years leading up to the events. While training for the Games, it takes a lot of hard work, mental focus, and determination. They are constantly pushing themselves and making great strides to become the best that they can be and it’s all worth it once they make their mark at the Olympic Games.

We can’t help but notice the look of hope and victory in the eyes of the athletes leading up to the Games. In their mind, they are already victorious for simply having the opportunity to compete in Vancouver.

What strides are you making to become the best you can be in life? Are you determined to obtain victory in the goals that you’ve set for yourself?

These athletes started with a dream and a vision. They could have easily settled for mediocrity and thought, “Well, what person doesn’t want to compete in the Olympics. What are the chances that I would even make it?”

They didn’t accept those negative thoughts of defeat, they pushed beyond the odds and the fear and because of this, their passion took them a long way.

These Olympic athletes are no different then us. They started out at the same place we did, except they’ve applied themselves and took the extraordinary measures to accomplish the level of success in which they’ve arrived.

What are you doing to achieve your ultimate level of success? I encourage you to push yourself further. A wise man once said, “The sky is the limit to what you can have.” Turn that inspiration into motivation that will push and propel yourself forward into your journey of success.

Related Posts

• March 9, 2010 -- Combat Negative Thoughts – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 5 (0)
  This is part 5 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. This articl...
• March 4, 2010 -- Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2 (0)
  This is part 2 of a 7 part series that was inspired by my previous article, 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals. If you haven’t read that article, you may want to do so by clicking here. After doing...
• March 2, 2010 -- 7 Reasons Why We Give Up On Our Goals (2)
  When was the last time you've allowed your dreams to fall along the wayside? When they didn't come true, did you troubleshoot or did you allow them to become a thing of the pass? Sometimes we don't do...
• February 7, 2010 -- 5 Ways To Develop Inspiration (0)
  It can be a hard thing to put action to something when we don't have the inspiration to do it. I've heard many stories of people who want to learn how to do something, but they don't have the inspirat...
• January 24, 2010 -- You Don’t Have To Wait Until Sunday To Get Your Paycheck (0)
  Have you ever been inspired to the point where you feel like you can conquer the world, and the next day it's like all that inspiration has been sucked out of you? We notice from experience that ins...

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:10

Is your faith solely in money or is it in the overall blessings of God? When you reap a harvest in a form of a blessing, other than money, how do you know it’s a true harvest?

God doesn’t always reward us in the form of money. In fact, you can have all the money in the world but money doesn’t give you happiness. It certainly helps, but it doesn’t not provide the joy that the Lord has for you.

Some people are money driven.

Are you in love with money? God can bless a person in so many ways, yet he can be so in love with money that he doesn’t realize a blessing when he receives it.

Here is a list of ways that God will bless you when you’re in need:

1. When you’re sick, He heals you.
2. When you’re weak, He gives you strength.
3. When you don’t know what to do, He rewards you with wisdom and instructions.
4. When you don’t know where to go, He guides your footsteps.
5. When you’re depressed, He gives you unspeakable joy.
6. When you’re alone, He is with you forever and always.
7. When you’re discouraged, He rewards you encouragement.
8. When you’re in doubt, He increases your faith.
9. When you’re stressed, He gives you relief.
10. When you’re afraid, He gives you a spirit of boldness.
11. When you’re restless, He gives you rest and peace.
12. When you lack inspiration, He inspires you.
13. When you feel hated upon, He loves you unconditionally.
14. When you’re in bondage, He breaks the shackles and sets you free.
15. When you’re motherless, He’s your mother.
16. When you’re fatherless, He’s your father.
17. When you’re friendless, He’s your friend.
18. When in despair, He gives you hope.
19. When you lay down to rest, because of His grace and mercy, He awakes you to see another day.
20. When you’re worried, He gives you peace.

If I can backpedal a little, I’d like to combat the rebuttal that may come in to your mind after reading this, that if you get money, is it of evil? No, that is not the case. The scripture doesn’t say money is the root of all evil, it says the “love” of money, is the root of all evil.

God does and will reward us in money but we should be careful to not let money drive us. Money doesn’t give us joy. Joy is a gift that comes only from the Lord above. The world didn’t give you joy, therefore the world can’t take it away.

May God grant give you favor, blessings and joy as you charge forth in your life journey.

Related Posts

• January 12, 2010 -- Don’t Miss Out On Your Blessing (0)
  My friend do you know that God's grace and mercy is sufficient enough for all of us? The Word of God tells us that Jesus has come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. He's not poin...
• February 26, 2010 -- Fruit of the Spirit Breakdown (2)
  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. - Galatians 5:22 (NKJV) Love - There are 3 ty...
• February 3, 2010 -- Weathering The Storms Of Life (2)
  Perhaps you've been hit by the downfall of the recession. Maybe you're out of a job or perhaps you've had the unfortunate experience of having your home foreclosed on. You may be tempted to get down ...
• January 20, 2010 -- Develop Your Right Now Praise Now (0)
  ___Do you know that God responds to your right now praise? A right now praise is when we praise God in advance for what He's about to do in our life. You may have done all that you know how to do. ...
• December 4, 2009 -- The Difference Between Happiness and Joy (0)
  Happiness is dependent upon people and material things. Many times happiness comes and goes depending on whether our situations are in our favor of not. Happiness is only temporary. Joy is not base...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. – Galatians 5:22 (NKJV)

Love – There are 3 types of love. There is Eros love, which is known as “erotic love”. There is Philos love, which is a brotherly love or a love known between two friends. And lastly, there is the ultimate love, Agape love, which means unconditional love.

Agape love is the love that, Jesus, displayed and therefore is the love referred to in Galatians 5:22 when defining the fruit of the spirit. Love is a powerful thing because it covers a multitude of sins as 1 Peter 4:8 tells us. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

When you love unconditionally, it doesn’t mean you won’t be hurt, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be talked about but it does mean that you are displaying the fruit that, Jesus, displayed. Agape love will take you a long way in life. Make a decision to love unconditionally regardless of how people have hurt you.

Joy - There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is an emotion. It’s something that you feel one minute and could be gone the next, based on what’s going on around you.

Joy, however is a gift from God. People who are joyful may not always be happy but they choose to display the Joy that God has given them and shine their light so that the world may see.

You may be going through the worst trial known to man but if you choose to be joyful regardless of your situation, regardless of your past, then God sees that and He honors that.

Peace – Peace is another fruit that is based on a choice. When you have a bad day, you can either choose to wallow in despair, hang your head down and complain, or you can choose peace. You can make the choice when you walk out the door in the morning that no matter what happens to you today, you’re going to smile and not get hot and bothered. Make no mistake, it won’t be easy but it’s worth it!

Longsuffering - Many times God doesn’t move when we want Him to move. It can be tough exercising patience while in adversity. I encourage you, my friend, to operate in patience regardless, don’t get uptight. Psalm 27:14 encourages us in times of distress because it tells us: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Remember, every trial you face is just a test. God looks at how you handle the adversity while you wait and He rewards you for enduring it with patience.

Kindness - Kindness is very much like love in the sense that it’s an unselfish act. When you’re walking through a door, just because the person in front of you doesn’t hold the door open for you, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hold the door open for the next person.

A wise man once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” In other words, instead of judging someone when you don’t agree with their actions, set an example. Kindness is an example that we need to see more of, especially in the world today.

Goodness - Goodness and kindness also go hand in hand. I encourage you to always do what you know is right. About a year ago, in 2008, ABC had a reality show entitled, True Beauty. As I watched this show, I noticed that they would put the contestants in situations where there were hidden cameras and they had the opportunity to do what was right or wrong.

There was an episode where a decoy was riding a bike on the street and he would fake a fall right in front of these candidates. The question was, would these contestants just walk away and not help the decoy or offer a helping hand?

What would you do in a situation like this?

The right thing to do would be to help this person indeed. Do what you know is right in every situation whether or not someone is watching.

Faithfulness - You may not be able to see the outcome of what God is doing in your life or where He’s taking you but always know that God will never lead you astray. He’s got your best interest at heart. God is the captain of our ship and we have to trust Him for He’s got the course plotted. He’s knows the end.

Gentleness - Have you ever been out and you got a feeling that you shouldn’t have been where you were? Many people call it intuition.

When God speaks to us, He doesn’t ring out loud in a thunderous voice from the Heavens, like many of the movies portray Him. You will know when God is speaking to you because you will feel a gentle nudging in your spirit to do right when your flesh wants to do wrong.

It’s not our place to judge others. When someone is going down the wrong path, instead of belittling and talking down to them, encourage them to do what is right with a spirit of meekness.

Self-Control – Anger is another emotion such as happiness. There are going to be times when people or situations make you feel angry but I encourage you to make the choice to exercise self-control. Wrath is one of the works of the flesh, (as outlined in Galatians 5:19-22) which is very much the opposite of the fruit of the spirit.

Temperance is the spirit that, Jesus, carried to the grave. He was called out of His name, He was betrayed by Judas and He was spat on, bruised and chastised.

In the world today, if someone is called out of their name, that would be a fight waiting to happen but Jesus didn’t operate that way. He chose to exercise Self-Control.

Make the choice today, to exercise love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, as you charge forward in your life journey.

Related Posts

• February 14, 2010 -- Agape Love; The Ultimate Love (0)
  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Valentines Day has now come and gone, and when we think Valentines Day we think about all the love an...
• December 3, 2009 -- Will Anger Kill You? (0)
  He That is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverbs 14:29 ASV) Your true colors really shine when you're under pressure. If someone offend...
• December 4, 2009 -- The Difference Between Happiness and Joy (0)
  Happiness is dependent upon people and material things. Many times happiness comes and goes depending on whether our situations are in our favor of not. Happiness is only temporary. Joy is not base...
• November 22, 2009 -- Who Are You Modeling Yourself After? (0)
  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV) You should a...
• November 3, 2009 -- Patience Is A Virtue (1)
  I was driving to work this morning, and traffic was backed up a little more than usual. I left on time but I'm guessing there was an accident. As I was sitting there in traffic, I was noticing that I...