What does the word “ALMOST” do for you?

The word itself means “very nearly.” The Rangers almost won the World Series last night.

Almost is a word that should be used sparingly. Matter of fact it only appears eleven times in the entire 4000-plus-year-history of the Bible. Four of the most important words you can tell yourself in every area of your life: “Almost isn’t good enough!”

 The almost syndrome, as I call it, causes us to fall short of achieving our best and settling for good enough. How many have given up just before they secured God’s best for their life, or even worse, never attempted to go all in with God’s plan because of the tyranny of good enough.

Paul the Apostle didn’t say, “I almost fought a good fight and almost kept the faith, I almost finished my race.” On the cross Jesus didn’t say, “Almost”. He said, “FINISHED!”

The saddest sentence in history containing the word almost has to be Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” To almost do anything is to deny your spiritual heritage. You come from a long line of giant slayers, mountain movers, and kingdom shakers. Men and women of faith who paved the way for us, whose motto in life was anything but “almost.” 

Those reading this devotional are anything but an “almost” person. You are an “all the way” person – so get on with it!

Just a thought,

Carl

Certain achievements and acquirements in life are not the result of focused pursuit, but are often the unforeseen or unintended result of an unrelated action. This is called a “by-product.”

Take for example: success, happiness and change which are three common goals which people desire in their pursuit of a better more meaningful life. However, we can’t exclusively seek out: success, happiness and change because by themselves they are elusive. Rather, success, happiness and change are the by-products of something else.

As, Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) wrote:

“Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.”

True! Happiness is a by-product of making others happy. It is the result of living true to your values. Happiness is an outcome of living your life with integrity. You can’t substitute happiness with other things.

How about change? Change is a by-product of thinking new thoughts, doing things differently. Laying aside old assumptions and acquiring new perspectives.

Finally, success is the most elusive of the three.  More people fall short of success, because it also is a by-product of preparation, excellence and hard work. It is inevitable that failure will have to be experienced at some level before true success can be attained. The bible is replete with examples of this. Don’t make success, happiness and change your goals, but rather see them as the by-product of, “seeking first Christ and His kingdom and all these other things will be added to you” (see. Matthew 6:33). Herein lies the secret to living!

Just a thought,

Carl

We spend a third of our lives at our place of employment. Shouldn’t we enjoy what we are doing and why we are doing it? Yet, so many are stressed and frustrated over their job situations. I have a close relative that I chat with periodically and every time we connect he is always bemoaning his job situation. As I carefully listen, I realize that this person feels stuck and powerless. But in reality, we all have the power to make choices and develop skills that can ensure our personal fulfillment and professional advancement. At the end of our conversation, I empathetically ask him, “So, what are you going to do to improve your lot?” In other words, it is within your power to make necessary improvements, adjustments and or changes. How can we do that?
 
Here are a few tips:

(1)  Look to the person behind your own nose!

Don’t be self-absorbed. Be self-aware. Sometimes a minor attitude adjustment or small behavior modification can change our fortune. Your behavior is a billboard advertising your character to others and ego can prevent us from seeing ourselves the way others see us. These are called blind spots and we all have them. Early in my career, a supervisor once pointed out to me a personality quirk that was keeping me from advancement in my job. I remember when he pointed it out – at first it stung and I was offended. Later, I realized he was right. I made the adjustment and improved my lot. Feedback is essential. We all need it. Who is giving you feedback about your performance?

(2) Your supervisor is the co-author of your success.

Like it or not he/she is your ticket to your next promotion. Make him/her shine, give him/her accurate information, keep your promises, foster loyalty and produce exceptional results. This will allow you to garner God’s favor and make you the last person that company lays off in times of crisis. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29).

(3) Always have your game face.

In the business world, it is a dog-eat-dog world and only the strong survive. What are you doing to improve yourself against the competition? David killed the giant not by luck, but by preparation. David was an expert with the slingshot because he practiced constantly. Don’t be a journeyman in your craft. Become an expert. BE THE BEST!  Never do just enough to get by. Don’t be a half miler or a one miler. Be an extra miler. Do whatever it takes: read books, take classes, go to seminars, pick the brains of those who are where you want to be in life – do what it takes but NEVER, NEVER REST ON YOUR LAURELS.
 
Just a thought,
Carl
 
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Thanks!