“There are people who live their whole lives on the default setting, never realizing you can customize.” Robert Brault
What is your default setting? We all have that mindset that we gravitate to. We have a default setting that left unchecked is where we end up if we float through life.
I’ve been discussing dreams and goals this month. I’ve encouraged you to review your past year and identify the things you still want to accomplish. LINK I’ve encouraged you to write your goals down LINK and to resurrect dreams that have died LINK. These are important steps to take to arrive at your desired destination.
However, we all have a default setting that could possibly be standing in our way. We have to realize that very few people are born with an attitude and mindset that can always press forward and follow after their dreams. Most of us need tools, guidance, encouragement and some pep talks along the way. Without these, our default setting slides back to idle. We can find ourselves sitting in a car with the motor running but the car is not in gear and it’s not going anywhere.
Newton’s first law of motion states that any object not acted upon by force will stay at rest. We prove this law over and over.
Then there are those of us who run around like crazy people, busy all the time but no nearer to our goals.
“The trouble with not having goals is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” Bill Copeland
There are also those of us who completely relate to the dog, Dug, on the Pixar movie “UP.” “Today I’m going to focus on…squirrel! We can all easily be sidetracked in our daily pursuits. Busyness sidetracks us. We have so many “irons in the fire,” we don’t know what to focus on. The demands and requests of others sidetrack us. Sorrow sidetracks us. Self-doubt and fear are emotions that can stop us dead in our tracks.
When these emotions and events happen, we easily get off track and we naturally return to our default setting. With a plan of action, we can do a better job of getting back on track when life throws us off course, and the reality of life is that there is always something that will come along to derail you.
As I prepare my goals for 2019, I am trying to be honest with myself. I am trying to realize what my default setting is and what I need to do to overcome returning to it again and again. It would help you if you did the same. We need to be honest about our weaknesses and set ourselves up for success by having something in place to help ourselves when we slip back into any “stinkin-thinkin” or lazy tendencies.
It is easy to fall back into a mindset that forgets what we’re pursuing, why we’re pursing it and how to do it. We can forget why our goals are important. We can forget or begin to doubt the purpose we thought God has for us. We can become self-critical and even depressed when we don’t see the results we desired or when we find ourselves on the same path we’ve traveled before. “When will I arrive!!” is the phrase you’d like to scream from the mountain top.
Have a plan of action. Have something written down to remind you of the direction you are taking. If you find yourself once again back at an undesirable default setting, have some affirmations or scriptures written down to remind you of what is true, what God says about you, what you desire when you’re in a good place emotionally and what will give you the pep talk you need when you’re struggling.
“Be careful how you are talking to yourself, because you are listening.”
Our self-talk can be so damaging at times. Be prepared to not slip back into any negative thinking or talking toward yourself, or about your ability, or about your dreams and goals.
I’ve been working on overcoming my default setting. I’ve been writing down phrases to remind me why I pursue the dreams and goals that I do. Today I’m going to share some of them with you. If you relate to any, write them down for yourself. Write your own and make your own statement of belief. This is something that you can hang on your bathroom mirror or put it in your Bible. Know the negative thoughts that you have a tendency to think and be prepared to fight them next time they arise.
This is a new week. It is a new chance to start again. It is a new chance to get going on your dreams and goals. You can customize your setting. Customize it to success.
I will not doubt myself today.
God has a purpose for my life.
God is not finished with me.
I do not have an expiration date.
My goals do not have an expiration date.
I am vital and relevant.
This is my year to shine.
The world needs me to shine.
I can make a difference.
Although my steps may be small, I am moving forward.
I can start new today.
The best time to begin is now.
I am important, my goals are important, I am important to God, my family and the world.
Stay the course. If I’ve gotten off track, it’s alright, just adjust and get back on track.
“I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“The best time for new beginnings is now!”
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Love this, my friend. I teach my clients to speak kindly to themselves. Healthy self-talk is so very important…couldn’t agree more!
I like your phrase about “speaking kindly” to ourselves.
Thank you for this encouraging message.
Very timely.
I’m so glad it helped!
I’m always so glad to read your blog. the thing I press daily to do is encourage somebody every day. My goal is been with me for many years. It works in every day of my life to never for get whos we are. Jody
Another great blog with insite that is very needed, especially for me!