Chaplain: Three Successful Attitudes
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan
Although very few people set out to fail, excuses for failure are easy to find. Everything from environmental issues to the shortcomings of others might receive the blame when someone falls short of their goal. Self-blame is not always the best route to explain a lack of success. Many times, the odds are long for completing a project or fulfilling a dream. In spite of these possibilities, the right attitude can go far toward achieving success.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33, NIV).
Determine to keep what is important out in front. An old rule states that most people spend 80 percent of their time working on unimportant projects and 20 percent of their time working toward their goals. Success often requires that you reverse this formula. Do your important tasks first. Keep this ancient advice in mind: “Never let the urgent push out the important.”
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42-44, NIV).
Be willing to go through the hard times. If you are like most people, you try to avoid difficult situations. Many times, pain lurks on the route to the greatest goals. If you dodge the pain, the victory will not follow. Whether you want to save a nest egg, support a worthy cause or get in better physical shape, the effort will confront you with difficulty. Remember — “No pain, no gain.”
“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43-45, NIV).
Remember that success is often about meeting the needs of others. Every huge company in the world grew this way. Companies that fail to meet a real need do not succeed. Think of yourself as a one-person company. Find things that others need and fill those needs. Successful marriages require two people who choose to fill their partner’s needs. Inventions are useless unless someone needs them. A negative connotation follows the idea of servanthood, but without becoming a servant, true success will remain elusive.
