Alan W. Goff
Follow Alan:
What Would You do If You Could Start Over?
Occasionally I hear someone make the comment, "If I had my life to live over again, I would not change a thing." I envy such people, because as you've read in my book 'Life Patch', my life has not been that tidy. If I could redo my life, there are many things I would like to change. If I only knew then what I know now!
Of course, except in fantasies about time travel, people cannot venture back in time. We can only remember the past as we live in the present and anticipate the future. But with the passing of each year, there is always a sense of a fresh beginning, a point of demarcation for making necessary and important changes in our work, relationships, activities, finances, and many other areas.
So as we see the start of 2010 less than two weeks away, we consider doing things differently, rewriting personal and professional goals, and making "resolutions." But life is complex, and it seems we cannot possibly revamp everything that needs to be changed or fixed - at least not all at the same time and not all in one shot. In planning and goal-setting, it is always best to keep things simple.
Our plans should be reasonable, or else we can become frustrated and discouraged. If you find yourself many thousands of dollars in debt, for example, perhaps planning to become debt-free by the end of next year is unrealistic. How about striving to substantially reduce your debt instead, paying off one or two obligations totally in the process? Or maybe you have dreamed of having your own business, but lack the resources to get started. Perhaps pursuing an enterprise that interests you as a sideline would be a good strategy, gradually seeing it grow until it reaches a point where it can sustain itself - and you and your family.
Similarly, our goals should stretch us, challenging us and motivate us toward greater heights of personal accomplishment and fulfilment, but they also should be both measurable and attainable. For instance, don't aim to compete in a marathon race next week, much less a triathlon, if you have never even run the distance of one mile. Sometimes goals are best attained through incremental steps. A goal of receiving further training or education next year to prepare you for a major career change could be a critical ingredient for your long-term professional growth.
Interestingly, the Bible offers valuable principles for making a fresh start, formulating plans, and setting goals:
Let the past be the past. Wise people learn from the past, but dwelling on past failures is counterproductive and self-defeating. The apostle Paul had things in his past that he regretted, but knowing he could not change them, he resolved simply to live in the present and prepare for the future. "...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize..." (Philippians 3:13-14).
Act upon opportunities in the present. Many of us are natural procrastinators, always planning or aspiring to do something of significance, but never putting our plans into action. Procrastination is a natural enemy of success. "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.... Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:13-17).
Prepare reasonably for the future. The problem with the future is its uncertainty. Who knows what unexpected developments will affect our plans? God knows, so it makes sense as we plan to consult Him, seeking His wisdom and direction. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3). "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
As you reflect back on 2009, perhaps you are frustrated and unhappy that you are not further along as you wanted to be at this stage of life. Consider the phrase John C. Maxwell touts, "The secret to your success is determined by your daily agenda", which means that your success is determined by what you do today. In his book 'Today Matters', John goes on to say that we over-exaggerate yesterday, overestimate tomorrow and underestimate today.
Everyday you are either repairing or preparing - everyday. Everyday you are either trying to fix yesterday (relationships, issues, priorities, lost opportunities, etc.) or you are preparing/planning for tomorrow's success. Living in and regretting the past is exhausting, give it up, forgive yourself and move on.
As 2010 draws near, I challenge you to let go of the past, live in the present and prepare for tomorrow.
Merry Christmas... and Prosperous New Year!
Privacy Policy
Any private information you enter in the form will be sent only to Alan Goff for the purpose of the "P3" Newsletter subscription and the occasional special offer. Your information will not be lent or sold to any outside party.
Each Newsletter contains instruction on how to remove yourself from the list.
Take Advantage of Alan's World-Class Programs