The Wedge of Discouragement

If you planted a tree in your backyard, you would know for certain it would grow, as long as you provided the necessary conditions. If you planted it in good soil, nurtured it, and provided it with water and sunlight, your seed would sprout and grow towards the sky as sure as the night follows the day.

Goals are like seeds and they require time to take root and sprout. Getting discouraged just because you have a setback or you don't see your body transform "overnight" is silly. It's denying nature's immutable laws. Becoming negative or quitting because you don't see results fast enough is like digging up your seeds to see if they're growing down there (killing them in the process).

If you're nurturing your "goal seeds" by consistently working out and eating properly, OF COURSE they're growing! Have you ever watched the grass grow in your backyard? You don't actually SEE each blade getting taller, but you KNOW it's growing because every week you have to mow your lawn! Sometimes getting in shape is like watching the grass grow - it really tests your patience. Don't EVER allow that to discourage you! Keep advancing confidently in the direction of your goals.

It's ok to have BIG, magnificent goals, but allow a reasonable time frame for achieving them. Shun the quick fix and cultivate the virtue of patience. Impatience leads to frustration. Frustration leads to discouragement. Discouragement, allowed to fester and grow, is the dream destroyer.

When discouragement strikes - and it will, right along with its brethren, doubt and fear - see it as an opportunity to get stronger. All progress and growth occur against resistance. The lumberjack says, "The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees, good timber does not grow with ease." Just as muscles grow against resistance, the strength of your will also grows when exercised against resistance. You can't become a strong person unless you experience setbacks, challenges and discouragement and overcome them. Life's challenges were meant to be met head on and mastered.

It's been said that when God wants to give you a gift, he wraps in up in a problem. Your current problem, difficulty, or whatever is making you feel discouraged, is your great opportunity! Each time you feel discouraged and press on in spite of it, you get tougher. Your skin gets thicker as if a callous were forming. Eventually, you forge an impenetrable armor against the onslaught of discouragement's wedge and all the other tools that destroy the dreams of weaker men and women. You gain the faith and confidence to look in the mirror and KNOW you'll reach your goal eventually, even though you don't see dramatic changes on a day to day basis.

With the new year before us, I want you to make a commitment today, right NOW: Set goals for year, but don't stop there. Set "a goal for your goals": Decide that you will see your goals through to completion, no matter what slings and arrows (and wedges) come your way. Decide that you will never give up when you feel discouraged, but instead, you will see discouragement as your signal to dig in and work even harder. Decide that you will conquer discouragement, and in so doing, become more resolved, more determined, and stronger than ever. Make the commitment today! Make this year your best year ever!

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