REMOVING THE DRAWBACK TO SUCCESS (PART 1 OF 2)

16th OCTOBER 2022

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”  – Isaiah 40:31

God tells us today that even when it seems like we can’t go another day against our struggles, He will grant us renewed strength to keep pushing on. He is there for us even in our weakest moments, just as long as we are willing to let Him in. But we have to take note of certain militating factors against our upliftment and success and nip them in the bud. They are:

·        Auto-programming: We are constantly redefining our power of aspiration and our potential to become successful when we indulge in negative self-talk, negative habits, unproductive mindsets and unbeneficial hobbies. For instance, we tell ourselves: This is too hard for me, I don’t think I can make it, etc. This is the time to encourage yourself through a positive mindset, perseverance and persistence despite all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities.

·        Distractions:  This comes in form of poor mentality, poor hobbies and mindset. For instance, we spend so much time running around unproductive ventures just to feel good, or to spend considerable time  playing around. We tend to waste our time mindlessly. We don’t use our time in a productive manner. Instead of using it to pursue success, we spend our time with distracting activities that lead us nowhere.

·        Lack of Vision: You must have a clear vision of your goal. Don’t just figuratively try to build the most luxurious castles without establishing the proper foundation first! All revolutionaries in the world were driven by the aspiration to help change the world to be a better place; That remains their motivation which keep them going in spite of obstacles. Having a sense that you’re contributing to a greater purpose will greatly fire your motivation and persistence.

·        Lack of Focus: The inability to properly focus all our efforts on a given task is another major obstacle to success. Modern life has introduced us to concepts such as multitasking and many other enticing but unproductive distractions that drive away our attention. As a result, we often struggle simply because we lack the necessary discipline and focus. Instead of focusing on the realization of a given project, we jump from one project to another as we please. Jumping from one project to the other looking for a path of less resistance, or an easy way to success will lead you nowhere. It will contribute absolutely nothing to your pursuit of success.

·         Lack of Willpower: If you lack willpower, you will lack the mental strength required to do what needs to be done to ensure success. Therefore, willpower is the mental strength of a person to withstand thoughts and temptations that do not contribute towards the accomplishment of their given objective. The road to success is full of distractions, and only sacrifice and discipline will pull you through. Nothing comes easy. Don’t quit, until you have accomplished your task.

·        Fear: Fear is a major obstacle to success. Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must be first overcome, says, Samuel Johnson. Fear can drastically prevent one’s growth. It limits us. It makes us accept the ordinary. It stops us from pushing our boundaries. Fear can also hold us back from ever starting to pursue our dreams. If every opportunity and challenge is perceived as too much of a risk, we remain stagnant. We start to pick up bad habits that prevent us from doing what is necessary only because we are too afraid to confront our fears. We are afraid of failure, or fear of rejection, or not wanting to confront the unknown. Whatever it is, it holds us back from being successful. Fear can stand right in between you and success. Learn to conquer your fear. Simply take failure and rejection as a learning process. Don’t forget, the biggest failure of all is the mistake of not trying at all.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge the truth that, in man, the glory of God is revealed and reflected. Grant me the strength to remain focused, and not burn out my useful time and creative power on worthless activities. Grant me the strength not to justify my laziness. I shall overcome all obstacles with your spirit.  Through your spirit, I change my mindset from a feeble and weak lifestyle to positive and impactful life. AMEN.

FURTHER READING:  Ephesians 4:29,31; 1 Peter 5:7; Isaiah 41:13; Joshua 1:9; 1 John 4:4; Exodus 15:2