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Personal Growth

We spend a lot of time developing strategy for our organization. But, how much time is spent developing strategies that will build life-long good habits for you and your family?

Personal growth is about continuing to learn how to meet challenges in our lives. For most of us, this goes by the wayside when the challenges of life demand we meet them instead of our personal needs. Habits become ingrained and before we know it, we live in 'response mode.' 

Am I living in 'response mode?'

Response mode is a developing area in marketing. Brainy-types gather data and discern how consumers make choices to purchase. (Yale has some fascinating information about this if you are interested. To Buy or Not to Buy: Response Mode Effects on Customer Choice)

The no-buy response caught my attention. The no-buy response revelation sounds like this: "I give up." Fatigue sets in and no choice is made. Too many alternatives, necessity breeds greater limitations, and loss of control are some of the implications.

Now, imagine how this effects you in your personal life.

The job is no longer as fulfilling.

Marriage lost its za-za-zoo.

Social life becomes non-existent or far too existent.

A lost feeling invades your heart, soul and mind-depression sets in.

It feels like the mini-van has become the 'living room' for the family.

Ultimately, the feeling is loss of control.

Face your giant and gain control:

The story of David and Goliath in I Samuel 17 is a classic for a reason. The people of Israel needed to face their giant but no one stepped forward to take the challenge. Goliath taunted them for 6 weeks. Hope died within the leaders and people of Israel a little bit each day Goliath uttered his challenge. Israel needed someone to take action. David emerged as the hero with 5 smooth stones and a slingshot. He was firmly in control of the situation.

We all have giants--most of which are internal. The battlefield is truly within the mind. Self-control is the only type of control we are authorized to perform. You have the ability to decide how you will act or respond in any situation.
 
Giving up is not an option for a Christ follower. Christ gives us what we need in every situation that we face. His resources are infinite, yet, few people ever tap into them. Ask for what you need--and you may not know what you truly need. Ask for help in asking!

First things first--get on your knees and get right with God. Secondly, ask for His leadership in your matter. Trust Him--He knows you better than you know your self.
Thirdly, ACT on what God tells you to do. Obedience is the key to getting beyond living in 'response mode.'
 
How did 'response mode' become your default?
When did you 'give up?'
Why did you 'give up?'
Is someone or something taunting you? Define it.
Do you have the courage to face it?

The living dead is not the life Christ died to bring you. A rich life is waiting for you. Engage it by inviting Jesus Christ to be your personal leader and find your purpose, value and destiny. Hard work is ahead but success is absolutely guaranteed through Christ.