Don’t Slow the ‘Mo’!
Keep Up the Momentum!
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By Rev. Richard Maraj
Lead Minister |
Have you ever started out excited about achieving a goal, only to have your energy and enthusiasm fizzle out quickly? Many of us have been “gung-ho” about a dream or desire, but quickly lost our drive and motivation because it was much harder and/or took longer to achieve than we expected.
Winston Churchill said, “Success is moving from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm!” The road to happiness and the fulfilment of our dreams is not always smooth, and it’s easy to lose our enthusiasm and momentum. There are bumps, detours, twists and turns that can leave us discouraged and feeling like we will never fulfill our dreams. It is during those tough moments that we must dig deep, turn to God for direction, and look for inspiration to drive ourselves forward.
It is not just external forces that create momentum. In fact, the strongest catalyst for momentum is generated from within: by our mindset and the inner activity of Spirit that flows in and through us. This flow of energy is available to us at all times, but it is our responsibility to consciously tap into it. The force of this momentum is neutral in nature ... neither positive or negative. We are the ones who guide and direct it— and the ultimate impact it will have— based on the collective energy of our vision, intention, attitude, action and degree of enthusiasm. These internal wellsprings inter-connect and build upon each other to increase the flow of ideas, connections and inspiration we experience. So if we fuel the process with positive thoughts and energy, it naturally follows that we are most likely to achieve positive results. So what can we do to ensure that we maintain a positive flow of momentum to help us move toward all of our goals and dreams? Following are some helpful steps!
1 Acknowledge and Rejoice in Your Progress.
Taking time to acknowledge and be thankful for how far you have come and how much you have grown is important, because it will energize and make you feel good. Let’s face it: even when you already know you’ve done a good job on something, hearing praise from a boss, spouse, co-worker or friend about the accomplishment fulfills the basic human need to feel appreciated and recognized. It’s best to bless yourself in the same manner by giving yourself the acknowledgment you deserve and crave. Each time you complete a significant task or reach a major milestone, congratulate yourself and/or reward yourself with something you enjoy. There’s simply no greater motivation than measuring and taking pride in our own progress!!!
2 Learn and Make Adjustments.
Some challenges in life may make you feel as if you’ve run into an unexpected speed bump. It may slow you down a bit, but it doesn’t have to completely stifle your forward momentum. You simply need to slow down and adjust for the “speed bump,” instead of stopping altogether. And as you continue with your forward motion, the experience you have gained will help you better deal with similar “bumps” that may be lying in wait down the road.
3 Re-Center on the Reason(s) You Want to Achieve Your Dream(s).
A great way to stay motivated is to regularly remind yourself of exactly why you want to achieve the goal you have set. What benefit will you receive from its achievement? Visualize as clearly as possible how you will look and feel when you reach your goal, and the specific impact it will have on your life. See, feel and breathe what your life will be like, and the energy will begin to flow! Repeat this process every day, and it will inspire you anew. It will speak to you and guide you into bringing your dreams to life.
4 Pray for Strength, Clarity and Guidance.
Stay centered in Spirit, and keep your heart and mind open to God’s wisdom and guidance. As you move forward toward your goals, it’s important to pause frequently along the way, seek and listen with your heart for that still, small voice of God. If you truly do listen, you will always be led to something greater and wiser.
5 Develop a Dream Team.
“No man is an island” ... we all need help and support from others to live a fulfilling and successful life. Your friends and family can be your biggest advocates; they are frequently the ones who most support your happiness and want to help you achieve it in every way they can. Share your dreams with them, and ask for help when it’s needed. Just as importantly, consider joining or forming a “mastermind” group. Meeting regularly with a group of success-minded individuals can provide you with immeasurable support, encouragement, inspiration, accountability ... and even resources and connections to which you might not otherwise have access.
6 Practice Patience and Perseverance.
We live in a world obsessed with instant gratification. Most of us don’t want to wait ... we want it now! In truth, however, success most often is the result of a lengthy, step-by-step process. Mark 4:23 states, “For the earth brings forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” All change and growth takes time, and all things develop in stages. Obtaining your goals will most likely require persistent effort and, sometimes, even struggle. In the midst of these challenges, it’s important to maintain patience. You will eventually reap what you have sown ... but usually only after praying, discerning, planning, taking a thousand necessary steps, and slowly and steadily doing all that is required to reap the rewards you are seeking.
As you move toward your goals and dreams, you will definitely encounter some road bumps along the way. But you mustn’t allow the inevitable challenges of life to stop you from continuing to move closer to your dreams. Practicing these six steps can help you stay strong and centered, and remain positive, energetic, creative and enthusiastic all along the way. Even when the end of your road seems nowhere in sight, the only way to reach your final destination is to keep on going.
Don’t slow the “Mo”!!!!
Update on Our Search for an Associate Minister
As many of you are aware, we began our year by setting an intention to hire a fourth minister to help support our ministry’s commitments. According to Ministry Standards, we have been working for three years now with one less minister than we should! As a result, bringing in another associate minister has been a priority to better serve our spiritual community’s growing needs.
Our goal is to have our new Associate Minister hired by September, or as soon as possible thereafter. We are continuing with our discernment process as we review applicants, speak with and interview them, and assess their consciousness, skills and chemistry to assure a great team fit. Though the process is taking a bit longer than we initially anticipated, we know and trust that this process is unfolding in divine order and that we are attracting the right and perfect associate minister in the right and perfect time.
We ask for your continued prayer support as we move through this process. We are grateful for your continued support and for holding the intention for the right and perfect associate minister to bless our ministry.
We will continue to keep you apprised of our decisions and progress along the way!