Several years ago Steven Covey wrote the bestseller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It presented a practical way for developing the habits of success.
An important lesson in the quest for success is this: successful people aren’t necessarily smarter than others, they’re not necessarily more gifted, and they’re certainly not luckier. But they do tend to have certain habits that fan the flame of their success. They tend to be self-starters, goal oriented, have a strong sense of priorities, and tend to make business deals with others that are mutually beneficial.
I believe that there are three more habits that will help us on our course toward success. First, don’t follow the crowd. In following the crowd, we are often going along to get along. We do need to have open conversation with people who had different values than us, but we need to be careful about allowing their habits and conduct to influence us. The amount of fellowship we have with people whose values are different than ours can lead us away from the pursuits that will take us in right directions for our lives. Wrong desires can lead to wrong actions that can ultimately lead to death of dreams.
Second, we need to get a one track mind. We are to delight in right thinking. We need to be vigilant in not allowing destructive thoughts into our minds.
Finally, we need to gain deeply rooted core values. A life that is not grounded by deeply held beliefs will be like tumbleweed. A life that is grounded, however, is like a tree planted by rivers of water. Likewise, a life that is rooted by core values will stand strong in the face of challenges from those who would seek to sway you from your path.
Growth in character takes time. We have to be patient and continue to maintain an honest and pure heart as well as commit ourselves to doing what is right. The Apostle Paul said it this way: “Let us not become weary in doing well, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.â€
Several years ago Steven Covey wrote the bestseller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It presented a practical way for developing the habits of success.
An important lesson in the quest for success is this: successful people aren’t necessarily smarter than others, they’re not necessarily more gifted, and they’re certainly not luckier. But they do tend to have certain habits that fan the flame of their success. They tend to be self-starters, goal oriented, have a strong sense of priorities, and tend to make business deals with others that are mutually beneficial.
I believe that there are three more habits that will help us on our course toward success. First, don’t follow the crowd. In following the crowd, we are often going along to get along. We do need to have open conversation with people who had different values than us, but we need to be careful about allowing their habits and conduct to influence us. The amount of fellowship we have with people whose values are different than ours can lead us away from the pursuits that will take us in right directions for our lives. Wrong desires can lead to wrong actions that can ultimately lead to death of dreams.
Second, we need to get a one track mind. We are to delight in right thinking. We need to be vigilant in not allowing destructive thoughts into our minds.
Finally, we need to gain deeply rooted core values. A life that is not grounded by deeply held beliefs will be like tumbleweed. A life that is grounded, however, is like a tree planted by rivers of water. Likewise, a life that is rooted by core values will stand strong in the face of challenges from those who would seek to sway you from your path.
Growth in character takes time. We have to be patient and continue to maintain an honest and pure heart as well as commit ourselves to doing what is right. The Apostle Paul said it this way: “Let us not become weary in doing well, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.â€