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Draw a line in the sand

As we head into a new year together, I want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to give themselves a break this Christmas. 2009 may have not turned out how you would have liked, but if we waste our energy focusing on what could have been we may miss the opportunities put before us to move forward in 2010!

It is a sad statistic that more people give up the fight at this time of year than at any other. They feel they have failed again, not moving forward at all, and wonder if it is all worth it. Over the many hours of sitting with people, listening to their story, I have compiled a list of things to avoid when I assess my year.

* comparing myself to others,
* measuring my success by “things gained” or “tasks completed”,
* over thinking and dwelling on past mistakes, and
* the negative influences and words spoken over me by others.

Drawing a line in the sand and deciding to move forward, despite the past, is the only way to start your journey into a bigger, better 2010. We remove the power our past can have over us by only spending time on the “past” side of the line long enough to reflect on what we can learn from to build a better future, whilst enjoying the present.

* Who did I help in 2009?
* What new skills did my year help me develop?
* What have I got to be thankful for?
* Who did I get to meet?
* Why am I doing what I have chosen to do?
* What is really important to me and why?

Take a look at your life like a small fishing boat. The boat itself represents our present, sometimes on calm waters, other times tossed by storms and sometimes it seems like it is sinking. Our past can be an anchor or an engine, we choose. One stops us from moving forward and the other propels us forward, moving us into calmer waters.

Let me encourage you that no matter how stormy the seas may look for you at the moment, don’t abandon ship. Pull up your anchor, let go of 2009, set a well planned course into 2010 and rely on the power of the engine to bring stability back into your life.

Here’s a few guidelines for the journey.

* Only bring people into your boat that want you to move forward,
* Have a clear path set with contingencies for uncharted waters,
* Stop comparing your boat to the other ones around you,
* Surround yourself with “lighthouse” people who can warn you when you are moving too close to the rocks,
* Throw unnecessary items overboard like past hurts, conflicts and unforgiveness, and
* Make a decision to spend more time enjoying the ride in the boat knowing it is the boat you have been called to be the captain of.

Thank you so much for allowing me to share my life experiences with you in 2009. I hope in some small way I have been able to encourage you to believe in yourself and the power within you. Take a break, service your boat engine, clean the decks and I look forward to a bigger and brighter 2010 with all of you.

Have an outrageously enjoyable Christmas and New Year season. I pray that each of you would enjoy the peace, joy and love that was provided for us all at this great time of year.

Cheers

Grant Herbert
The People Builder

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