Failure?

Goals. We set them to achieve a variety of things. We set daily goals, weekly, and even yearly goals. Often our goals are multiple faceted.


Working toward goals can be very beneficial. It gives us purpose and direction. What happens when we have to change our goals? If we don't complete our goals are we failures? Are we less than we were before?

To answer those questions, we have to look at what goals are, and why we set them. Goal are set by us to achieve something. We aim to complete a task, or change our lives in someway. We set goals to give us direction and motivation. Goals give us a way to mark our progress. If we don't know where we are going, we can't see from where we come.


We set goals for the future. However, we have one problem—we don't know what the future holds. We can plan, but there are things which are out of our control. There are accidents, illness, equipment failure, and many other factors, that we have no knowledge or control.

The best thing about setting goals is modifying them along the way. As the future arrives, we have to evaluate our goals and continue to change it make it relevant for today. We may accomplish our goal earlier than planned, or realize that the goal we set is unrealistic or unhealthy.

As we evaluate our goal

we look at what we accomplished,

where we wanted to be and

how we plan to accomplish our goal.

Not completing a goal because we've modified, does not make us a failure. Rather very smart. Each goal needs to be continually modified.

Not completing a goal because of injury or illness, does not make us a failure. Rather we must look at our goal and modify it to fit our new limits.

If a goal is not reached because of unforeseen circumstances does not make a person a failure. Rather we can move forward with a new goal from the position we find ourselves.

The only person who fails is the one who doesn't set a goal and work on achieving that goal. Or the one who stops setting goals simply because they had to modify a goal.

Goals are to motivate us. If we lose heart and give up forever, than we have to evaluate our original goals. We can't stop everything because we didn't accomplish the ultimate goal. We have to keep sight of what we did accomplish and realize that we did well on what we did finish.

Creating a positive day is a daily goal. And often it's accomplished not by what I do, but rather by seeing God at work or how others grow. Creating a positive life is done one day at a time... it's a goal to work on each and every day. 

Equipment

The proper equipment, when working, makes our life easier, comfortable, and convenient.  Broken or the wrong equipment causes pain, discomfort, and frustration. Having the right equipment in working condition enables us to accomplish our goals and dreams. Yet, when that equipment breaks, it slows us down and can even sideline us. 

Being well equipped isn't just about having the right tools. It's also about having the right mindset. If we're well-equipped, we can handle both "good things" and "bad things" in ways which will strengthen us and enable us to grow.  When things are going along smoothly, we don't think much about the equipment we use, and in turn we don't think much about our mindset or much of anything. When a piece of equipment breaks, our world is turned upside down. 

Don't wait for equipment failure before you create a healthy body, soul, and spirit. Work on making sure your mindset, spirit, and body are healthy so that when there is equipment failure, you are prepared. When are you are prepared, equipment failure takes on a more positive tone. You can see areas that need attention so that you can grow. During the 'down' time, you can re-energize and be rejuvenated as things return to normal. 

I talk about creating a positive day and have written how God has use equipment failures to teach me more about Him and myself. The more I create a positive day on the 'good days' I find it easier to continue to create a positive day on those days that aren't as 'good'.  It's a choice to focus on the positive and respond with a positive mindset.

________________________

Regarding Equipment Failure: Bruce Johnson is running across America to raise money for the Community Crisis Center. He's experienced some major equipment failure—his shoes. Not only have Bruce's shoes caused considerable pain, they have sidelined Bruce a few times during his run.  While Bruce continues to work through his equipment failure, why not encourage him and make a donation! (To learn more about Bruce's journey or to donate, go to: UnitedStatesRun.com.)

Taking a Break

Taking a break. That sounds easy, but can often be very difficult to do. When working toward a goal, it can be a both positive and negative. Positive: to review the progress. Negative: hard to get started again. Positive: a time to reflect and modify the goal as needed. Negative: get side-tracked on other goals. Positive: gather strength to continue. Negative: realize how much energy is needed to reach the goal. 

The list could continue. Everything can have a positive or negative effect. However, taking a break can be very positive and usually is needed. If we don't stop from time to time to reflect, and if needed, readjust our goals, we can lose sight of where we are going and what we are doing. Sometimes, we are forced to take a break, and we waste that time wishing we were moving forward, rather than evaluating and enjoying the break.

Taking a break.

Simple, yet very difficult. 

To maintain momentum when a break is needed, keep focused on the ultimate goal. Review your progress and make notes of what worked and what didn't. Make adjustments as necessary so when your break is over, you can begin working toward your goal again. 

There are times when God forces us to take a break (simply because we are too stubborn to stop ourselves). God has very unique and creative ways to make us face and evaluate our goals. God wants to keep us on track and if we lose sight of His leading, He may sideline us to get our attention.

Taking a break.

Time to reflect, make adjustments

and gather strength

to continue toward your goal. 

Do not take a break from creating a positive day! Being positive is vital especially when taking breaks. By remaining positive, you will continue to see the possibilities before you as you continue on your journey to reach your goal.

Communication

Communication. Last night I realized how important being able to communicate is. There was an incident at my neighbors. One person was very upset and the rest of us were trying our best to bring peace. The only problem, the agitated person spoke no English, and the rest of us didn't speak the needed language. After 2 hours, the situation was finally under control. 

As I was trying to drift off to sleep, I started reflecting over the situation. How frustrating to talk and have no one understand you. You could be saying something very important, yet no one would have a clue. It made me very thankful that God understands all languages. And He goes beyond my words to knowing and understanding my thoughts. That is comforting. There are no language barriers with God. Anyone can talk with Him and He understands and hears.

The next thing I realized is the importance of being heard.

I saw my chiropractor today. I mentioned how having the adjustment table set at a different angle was more comfortable. So, Dr. Moore quickly adjusted the table. He heard and understood what I said. The results were good for us both. 

On the way home from Dr. Moore's I stopped at a store. As soon as I walked in, I heard "Mommy, Mommy, look".... over and over and over. I looked.. and saw the cutest little puppy. It was trying to walk on the slippery floor and was sliding. The little boy wanted his Mommy to see the puppy trying to walk. Yet, the Mommy was too busy on the cell phone. When she did look, the puppy had been picked up by her owner. The little boy's face said it all. He had tried to communicate with his Mom, but she didn't get the message. 

We all like it when someone listens to what we have to say. Sometimes we need a response, but often, we just want to be heard. I'm very thankful that God hears me....anytime and anywhere. 

Knowing that God hears me and understands is very helpful to creating a positive day. It's a comfort that God is listening. 

Can you spare two cups of coffee?

During these tough times, the bills seem to be more than the income. However, if we look, and often not very hard, we can see areas where we can find a little extra money for a good cause. We find money for what is important to us.

In my last post, I mentioned Bruce, who is running across America to raise awareness for the Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, Illinois. The Center was founded in 1975 by a group of dedicated volunteers to help those in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or economic circumstances.

6,275 individuals, including 593 children, received services in FY 2008. Our staff worked with 1,539 victims of domestic violence and 372 child witnesses to domestic violence. We provided 11,325 nights of emergency shelter to 308 women and 295 children.

Step by Step,
Foot by Foot
Take a step with Bruce...

Donate $12

Bruce is literally donating his feet (and entire self) to this cause. This makes his feet key to the movement. So we thought, what if you could buy every step Bruce takes? There are 12 inches in a foot, thus the idea was born. With every step, Bruce runs to make sure there's always a safe place to go. He runs so that his past helps create a better future for others. 12 inches × 5,280 feet × 3,000 miles = endless possibilities!

To donate, click on this link!

It's very easy to do,

and will help many people.

http://www.crisiscenter.org/run/#Donate.

You can create a positive day simply by giving up just 2 cups of coffee this week. Often we look at our circumstances and say we can't do anything. To create a positive day, sometimes means a small sacrifice on our part. In this case, only $12.
To all of you who took that time to click on the link and donate, THANK YOU! Please share this great cause with your friends. Let's encourage Bruce and all the staff and volunteers at the Crisis Center!