Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." Recently, I've been given a reason to think about what those words actually mean. My church here in Springfield is in the process of renovating a new building closer to campus, and a few of my friends and I had the opportunity to help with this renovation yesterday.The new building is a church from the late 1800s with extensive water damage and other structural repairs needed. It is a beautiful facility in need of a lot of love. But within the walls of this damaged building, there is hope, there is faith, and there is a future.
When my friends and I entered the church yesterday, we were given a tour. As a project manager lead us around, he showed us the damage while he described to us what each room would look like and be used for once the renovation was complete. In the empty, damaged walls of each room we saw what the future would hold. As he shared the plan with us, we were ready to get to work.
Removing nails, cleaning up drywall debris, hauling chairs, and knocking out walls is all but glamorous work, yet I learned a lot. I learned what it is to take the first step when you don't see the whole staircase. I learned that faith sometimes comes in the form of hard work. The finished product of this church is like the staircase; we may not be able to see it now, but we can imagine how great it will be. Therefore, we keep working, we keep taking those steps in faith, and we know that in the end we will reach our goal.
Life isn't easy. Faith isn't easy. Making your dreams come true is not easy. We must work every day to reach these goals. When we are reaching towards a goal, it helps to find others with the same vision we have. People to work with us, to motivate us, and to help us keep climbing those stairs. Some goals seem unachievable. Sometimes we feel like we'll never reach the top of that staircase. But when we can picture it in our minds, the end is always near. Today, this Glass is full of faith and I'm encouraging others to join me in my climb.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
5 Secrets to Success This Year
After a long break from blogging, I figured there was no better time to get back in action than the beginning of a new year. 2013 was a year full of many milestones for me, including my first marathon and heading to college. It was the year that I discovered a love for rock climbing, chevron, and the healing power of throwing glitter. The past year I have achieved more than I thought possible, made new friends, had countless adventures, and honestly, probably spent way more time on Netflix than the average individual should. All in all, I'm proud of the goals I have achieved over the past year, and am looking forward to the year ahead.
Most people are starting the new year with big goals and resolutions, hoping that 2014 will be their best year yet. That being said, I have decided to share my 5 secrets to success, hoping that it may help others on the road to achieving their wildest dreams this year:
1. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
"SMART" stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. Many people start a new year or set off to reach a new goal with the best of intentions, but they never achieve what they set out to do because they didn't set a SMART goal. Specific- What do you want to do? "Be kinder" "Get fit" and "live positivity" are common wishy-washy goals for this time of the year. Your rate for success will increase with the specifics of your goals. Measurable- can you chart your progress? Set a goal for which you can see and measure progress: time you will spend, reps you will put in, weight you will lose. Then, come up with a plan for doing so. Attainable- Can you make this goal happen, or will you be overwhelmed and not follow through? Sometimes taking baby steps is the way to go, but try not to underestimate yourself. Relevant- Is this goal just a spur of the moment thing or will it be relevant in your future life? If it is going to positively effect your future, it is more likely that you will keep at it. Time bound- When will this goal be achieved? Set a completion date, and stick to it.
2. Surround yourself with positivity
After you have set your SMART goals (written them down and shared them with friends-it increases chances of success!), surround yourself with inspiration. While it might sound cheesy and cliche, a bad attitude is the biggest thing that can get in the way of achieving your goals. Find motivational quotes, a song to listen to when you're struggling, and friends to hold you accountable. There is nothing more powerful than a group of people who believe in you, and will help you believe in yourself. Your choice of friends and acquaintances can be the difference between succeeding and failing in your goals. Choose people that are going to keep you going, and 100% support the changes you are trying to make.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
This is something I have learned the hard way. Many times, we humans are too prideful to admit when we are struggling, or simply don't know what to do. Odds are, whatever goals you have, there is someone else who has already achieved them and can help you out. Go to them. Seek advice. Even if it is as simple as asking someone to help you find a good pair of shoes and a training plan for the half marathon you want to run this year (Yes dad, I'm talking to you). There are plenty of people out there rooting for your success, take advantage of that opportunity.
4. Don't be discouraged when something doesn't go as planned
There are going to be days where you don't make it to the gym, where you don't spend your allotted amount of time working on your goal, whatever that may be. There are going to be major set backs and road blocks, but don't let them get you down. Each day is a new chance to make progress, and wallowing in your mistakes, or giving up when the going gets tough, will get you nowhere. Learn from your mistakes, and let adversity make you stronger. It's not going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time.
5. Say thank you!
Expressing gratitude is, in my opinion, the most important step in achieving your goals. It is also the most overlooked. Once you have achieved your goal, or had a major breakthrough, say thank you to all those that helped you along the way! Most goals are not achieved single handed, and I believe in giving credit where credit is due. If someone helps, thank them. This will set you apart and inspire others. Those that helped you will be more likely to help you in the future.
The goals that I have achieved have included these 5 steps in the process, and those that I didn't had an absence of many or all of these steps. If you want to make a change, or do something extraordinary this year, get to it! Don't forget to set aside time to be the best you that you can be. Setting goals is the most important aspect in making your dreams come true, and I wish you all the best in 2014! Schedule time each day for you to work towards achieving your goals and following your passions. You will be happier because of it. This Glass is full of excitement for seeing what you can accomplish in the year to come! Godspeed and God bless!
Most people are starting the new year with big goals and resolutions, hoping that 2014 will be their best year yet. That being said, I have decided to share my 5 secrets to success, hoping that it may help others on the road to achieving their wildest dreams this year:
1. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
"SMART" stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. Many people start a new year or set off to reach a new goal with the best of intentions, but they never achieve what they set out to do because they didn't set a SMART goal. Specific- What do you want to do? "Be kinder" "Get fit" and "live positivity" are common wishy-washy goals for this time of the year. Your rate for success will increase with the specifics of your goals. Measurable- can you chart your progress? Set a goal for which you can see and measure progress: time you will spend, reps you will put in, weight you will lose. Then, come up with a plan for doing so. Attainable- Can you make this goal happen, or will you be overwhelmed and not follow through? Sometimes taking baby steps is the way to go, but try not to underestimate yourself. Relevant- Is this goal just a spur of the moment thing or will it be relevant in your future life? If it is going to positively effect your future, it is more likely that you will keep at it. Time bound- When will this goal be achieved? Set a completion date, and stick to it.
2. Surround yourself with positivity
After you have set your SMART goals (written them down and shared them with friends-it increases chances of success!), surround yourself with inspiration. While it might sound cheesy and cliche, a bad attitude is the biggest thing that can get in the way of achieving your goals. Find motivational quotes, a song to listen to when you're struggling, and friends to hold you accountable. There is nothing more powerful than a group of people who believe in you, and will help you believe in yourself. Your choice of friends and acquaintances can be the difference between succeeding and failing in your goals. Choose people that are going to keep you going, and 100% support the changes you are trying to make.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
This is something I have learned the hard way. Many times, we humans are too prideful to admit when we are struggling, or simply don't know what to do. Odds are, whatever goals you have, there is someone else who has already achieved them and can help you out. Go to them. Seek advice. Even if it is as simple as asking someone to help you find a good pair of shoes and a training plan for the half marathon you want to run this year (Yes dad, I'm talking to you). There are plenty of people out there rooting for your success, take advantage of that opportunity.
4. Don't be discouraged when something doesn't go as planned
There are going to be days where you don't make it to the gym, where you don't spend your allotted amount of time working on your goal, whatever that may be. There are going to be major set backs and road blocks, but don't let them get you down. Each day is a new chance to make progress, and wallowing in your mistakes, or giving up when the going gets tough, will get you nowhere. Learn from your mistakes, and let adversity make you stronger. It's not going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time.
5. Say thank you!
Expressing gratitude is, in my opinion, the most important step in achieving your goals. It is also the most overlooked. Once you have achieved your goal, or had a major breakthrough, say thank you to all those that helped you along the way! Most goals are not achieved single handed, and I believe in giving credit where credit is due. If someone helps, thank them. This will set you apart and inspire others. Those that helped you will be more likely to help you in the future.
The goals that I have achieved have included these 5 steps in the process, and those that I didn't had an absence of many or all of these steps. If you want to make a change, or do something extraordinary this year, get to it! Don't forget to set aside time to be the best you that you can be. Setting goals is the most important aspect in making your dreams come true, and I wish you all the best in 2014! Schedule time each day for you to work towards achieving your goals and following your passions. You will be happier because of it. This Glass is full of excitement for seeing what you can accomplish in the year to come! Godspeed and God bless!
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