Sandra Hubbard

Last night I watched the college football national championship. Even though my team wasn’t in it (though miracles can happen.)

The mentality of an athlete inspires me.

They play to win. They train and transform themselves to win. They don’t win every game but they “run to win.”

Paul ran a race. We’re running too. He shares his strategy on how to win in 1 Cor 9: 24-27 (AMP) It’s become my strategy too.

First off, we all have limited energy. Don’t spend it comparing your race to others or competing with them. It’s exhausting. Trust me I know.

Paul said that running without a definite goal is equivalent to flailing around beating the air. You can’t hit a target that isn’t there.

And like every athletic coach knows, winning is amazing yes but what’s more incredible is who the athlete becomes in the process.

Having too many goals scatters your focus and energy.

One year I had thirty goals. By the end of that year I had not achieved a singe one.

I was overwhelmed from the start which sabotaged any momentum or motivation. Lesson learned.

So here’s my goal setting method.

Take 10 minutes to write down any and every thing you want to achieve or experience this year.

Now delete every every goal that you feel you “should” or “ought” to do and every goal that doesn’t excite or energize you. If the thought of achieving your goal doesn’t make you smile delete it.

Do this until you have three to five goals left. Then put them in order of importance.

Choose one goal that if achieved would have the most impact on your life. It’s now time to run your “race.”

Winning requires “discipline and self control in all things.” 9: 25.

The primary reason our goals go unachieved is the lack of discipline.

Why? Because we associate discipline with deprivation. Especially in our health and wealth.

Being told you can’t eat this or can’t buy that only makes you want it more. This short term thinking will cost you plenty in the long run.

Discipline brings exhilarating freedom.

Everything you desire is available when you consistently cultivate discipline.

It’s your weapon against fear and your pathway to freedom. 2 Tim 1:7

Freedom from unwanted pounds, clutter and debt. Freedom from sabotaging habits and unhealthy relationships.

It’s exercising when you don’t feel like it. It’s saying no to impulse purchases that give you a temporary high followed by buyer’s remorse.

Feelings, moods and emotions are terrible coaches. Manage them. Don’t let them manage you.

Train consistently. Small daily actions produce big rewards. Redefine discipline to empower you not deprive you.

Become your biggest cheerleader. Give her a hand up and helpings of grace.

Run your race. And run to win (however that looks to you, not your spouse, kids, friends, family etc).

I’m cheering for you!