2012-How is it going?

With just a couple weeks left as a staff Pastor at Church on the Rock,  I have been making my transition to full time performing, speaking, travel and programs. It's been difficult as I can't focus full time on it yet as my time is still split between church and my new endeavors. But this past weekend as I was taking attendance in Kids Church, it hit me. We are 2 weeks into 2012! How is it going? Are you being INTENTIONAL? Remember my word to live by for 2012 is INTENTIONAL.   So, are you getting your work done? Sticking to your resolutions? Diet...workouts... lifestyle? Are our old habits returning? By being INTENTIONAL we should have a good idea of the direction to obtain our goals... Part of what we do is to dream of things that you want to do someday, but currently can't.  However, to realize our dreams, we must stop planning and start taking action. Planning is an important part of bringing your dreams to life, BUT you can't dedicate more time to the mental preparation than to your actions. If you spend your entire life planning for the future, then when will you actually start doing?  Try these suggestions to help...  1. Actions speak louder than words: You've heard this before, but have you really considered the meaning? Taking action and achieving are more powerful than simply planning! Start taking steps in the right direction while planning, instead of waiting for every detail of your plan to be complete. * You are accomplishing your goals as long as you're moving in a forward direction. Taking action, regardless of how small, moves you forward.  2. Consider the language you use: What's more effective? "I am going to lose weight," or "I am losing weight"? How about, "I am planning on writing a book," and "I am currently writing a book"? The differences in these may have a huge impact on whether you're going somewhere, or just thinking about it. 3. Break goals into smaller bite sized pieces: Rather than breaking your plan that will take several years to fully realize, break your goals into smaller pieces that you can achieve one at a time. Setting goals too far into the future can slow your ability to take small steps in the right direction now. * For example, say you want to lose 50 pounds. Try setting smaller goals like 1 to 2 pounds per week until you reach your final goal. Achieving several smaller weight loss goals over a period of time will help keep you motivated rather than struggling endlessly for that far-off goal.  As we work towards being INTENTIONAL, you'll see greater success in all we do! Be blessed and focused!