Devotional - hit a wall on goal achievement?

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17

Hey, have you ever had the experience of dropping the ball on a really important goal? I’m talking about the times when you’ve set out with all the right intentions, you’ve created a plan and everything is going great for a while... and then, BAM! All of a sudden, you hit a wall?

That happened to me recently. 

After asking God to give me some insight, I journaled about it and realized that the problem was that I was suddenly feeling overwhelmed and disorganized around my morning rituals. I had been super successful in prioritizing God each morning with worship and prayer (thanks to my Daily 6 Minute Diary and Val Marie Prayer Journals) but I was continually unproductive in so many other ways. 

I needed a new strategy.

So often, when I’m praying for others, Proverbs 27:17 stands out to me. I love the imagery of one person sharpening another and yet I often forget how powerful our relationships can be in this regard. Instead, I tend to focus on sharpening my own skills and processes but this often leads to having too much on my plate and feeling overwhelmed, discouraged and alone. 

This time, I started looking for some tools that might help me get back on track and found the Full Focus Planner based on the “Ideal Week” philosophy, which is really helping me to organize my day. 

Then I listened to an episode on the  “Focus On This” podcast, and I realized something that I had overlooked… the contribution made by the people in my life!

The truth is, that we were never meant to achieve anything by our strength, alone (2 Corinthians 3:5). Not only has God given us specific skills, capacity, and wisdom, He has also blessed us with family and community!

In this case, I needed to be reminded (yet again) that when I’m feeling discouraged I have family, friends, and a whole community I can I reach out to for a fresh perspective.

I wonder if you, as a Born To Fly Premium Member, have taken advantage of the Weekly “Pit Stop” Meetings on Fridays? (Use the link below to add to your calendar) I’ve actually come to rely on them as an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs in our community and get a pulse for where my energy level is that week. It’s also a great way to clarify weekly goals and to be held accountable for following through on them. I realized that by the time Fridays roll around, my outlook becomes brighter as I look forward to checking in with my friends in the community. I also love being able to connect with everyone and share posts on Mighty Networks.

And there is so much more our trusted friends, family and community can offer!

I’ll leave you with some of the ideas about how the people in our lives can contribute (as shared in episode #77 of the Focus On This Podcast):

Encouragement

• Offering support
• Reminding you who you really are
• Asking the right questions to shine the light on a new perspective

Check Your Narrative

• Seek out someone who has experience with what you’re going through
• What story are you telling yourself?
• What are your limiting beliefs about the situation?

Solidarity

• Knowing that other people have your back
• There is strength in numbers
• You’re not the only one who has experienced this
• Realizing that others can be as invested in your recovery, success, and happiness as you are

Ask For Feedback 

• Unbiased, general observations
• Strengths
• Blindspots
• Builds courage, transparency, humility, perspective, and wisdom

I hope this post was helpful and I invite you to join me in the following prayer:

Dear Father,

I know I don’t have all the answers and that I don’t have the power to stay sharp on my own.  Only You can give me insight, wisdom, and power and You have already given me everything I  need (2 Peter 1:3)  

Lord, when I’m feeling stuck and discouraged about my goals, I ask that You remind me that I am surrounded by others who are there to support me and help guide me. I ask that You give me the wisdom to know who they are, when I need to reach out, and the courage to follow through. 

In Jesus’s Name, Amen.


Think about all the incredible people in your life. How might you use these insights to help each other grow and succeed? 

With love,
Tracy & Born to Fly team