What is Your Before/After Result?

Since success only comes after exerting effort, achievers attain results to the extend that they are pushed beyond their comfort zones. Regardless of the arena, a "before and after" process occurs whereby one is transformed in the process of contending successfully. Take education as one arena. After completing a writing course, a person should be better at conveying thoughts on paper than before taking the course, but in the process of learning, there were challenges to be overcome. That principle applies in the physical, mental, spiritual, and social arenas.

Don't waste effort on battles that have no significant consequence. Instead, channel your energies in the areans that have the most rewards for you personally. This is unique to each individual and changes over time as a person's priorities change.

Be perspicacious in recognizing opportunies disguised as problems. Make the most of every season in life. Don't neglect small achevements because all major accomplishments are reached in increments. Fight passivity tenaciously. Ignore criticism from people who are jealous, but use constructive comments from knowledgeable sources to improve yourself. Be able to distinguish between the two. Pray for disce
ment.

Feed success by celebrating small and intermediate goals. Be open to new opporutunities you hadn't anticipated as new connections are made along the way. This is part of "smelling the roses" and "enjoying the journey". Remember to balance task accomplishment and relationship development. Don't let one suffer at the expense of the other. Help other people get what they want by being a "value-added" person who increases other's lives and you will find a special place in their hearts. Don't be overly impressed with titles, roles, plush offices or surroundings. Things on in constant fluctuation and an "unknown" today may be in a position to help you significantly tomorrow. Treat everyone with respect and dignity.

Don't be deceived into thinking other people's opinion's control your destiny. Mediate on God's plan for you personally. Look for ways to make the most of every situation. Develop yourself with the "before and after" paradigm. Keep focused on how will I change following this challenge. What will I become after having successfully contended? That is the mindset of an overcomer.