Well guys, the last day of 2009 and you should be working on 2010. While planning your year, there are some things to keep in mind. First, Plan your major events throughout the year. For us at the church it is the big events we do. As an individual it should be the things that must get done like vacations and trips. Next, Plan the things that will bring the biggest return on time. And lastly, Be flexible. Don't plan the whole year to the point if the unexpected happens (and it always does) your whole plan falls apart. If you say this blog is kinda short, good. I don't want you to overplan.One question to always keep in mind when planning is, "What do I want things to look like at the end of 2010?" Aim at that.
As we look toward the new year and getting ready for it, we must balance our life. Now, I will talk about priorities later, today I want you to know that the proper balance brings more productivity. I want to talk to you about balance in three areas, What you say, What you do, and What you think. First, Let's talk about what you say. We have already discussed the power of what you say. You know that the words coming out of your mouth will direct and set guide posts for your life. Make sure you balance your words. Make sure that you are speaking more positive and affirming words. Secondly, Examine your thought life. Some people spend way too much time thinking about the wrong things. In times past, I have spent weeks and months thinking about things that have happened. I realized I was meditating on the problem or the hurt more than the answer. It may be about how you feel or what your checkbook is saying or something going on at work, school, or church. Make sure you are spending quality time meditating on the things that will produce the best results. Some things you can't change, so why spend your time thinking about it. And last, make sure you are balancing your time properly. If you don't control the activities of the day, they will control you. Decide what activities reward you the most. As they say, 20% of your work produces 80%of your productivity. So, make sure the 20% gets done first. Here are some activities to consider in your 20% list. Time with the Lord, time with your spouse, rest, fun activities, your calling or assignment from the Lord, your job (if different from your calling) character building, and relationship building. I am sure you can think of others, this just gets you started. If you think I'll never get that done much less the other 80%. Think about this. THe average American spends three months a year just watching Television. This is why it is so important to bring balance to your life.
A lot of people are wishing things will be better in 2010, but wishing won't make it better. Next year will be determined, not by chance, but by our preparation and what we put into it. First, we need the proper perspective. Here are some keys. First, Know that Father God wants you to have a great year and will lead you. Perspective means the way you see things, so, Next, Look at your past. What are the things you did right that you need to continue? Realize that just because something worked in the past, does not mean it will work now or in the future. Please understand, because we are growing in our leadership abilities things are constantly changing. Remember something I say a lot,"The only thing that doesn't change, is the fact that change is coming". Then, ask yourself, What are the things you didn't do right? Have you missed those opportunities or can you still fulfill them this next year? If you have a second chance to make something happen, then dig in and make the changes necessary to make it work. The third point is to look at your present. Look around you, what are the challenges people are facing? As leaders, we are called to find solutions and lead people to them. Look at the way success is being done elsewhere. This will give you some direction as to how to solve the challenges. Caution! Don't just copy what someone else does because it works for them. Take the time to see if it is something you are supposed to do. And lastly, look ahead. By looking ahead you should see where you want to be. Aim for that. In aiming look for things that might come up and be prepared. A good example of this is the way the economy caught a lot of people off guard the last two years. Be proactive! A great leader sees the hurdles long before they become problems and adjusts accordingly. Well, this is just the first step in being prepared for 2010. More to come...
As I sit here this morning, my attention is drawn to next year. I am asking myself, "Am I ready for it?" So, I want to encourage you to take some time this month and get ready for next year. If you liked how things went in '09, then make it better in 2010. If you are not pleased with your progress in '09, then things need to change. When putting a plan together for change in the new year, the first place to start is looking at the past. If there are things that are a disappointment, or at least below what you had hoped for, think about what you can do to change it. This month I want to encourage you, things can be better. Your success in life is not based on the world, but by God's plan for you. And we already know from Jeremiah 29:11, His plan is a plan for a life of hope and a good future. Here are some of the topics we will cover as we discuss getting ready for 2010. Having the proper perspective, balance in life, priorities, and plan. Don't miss these helpful tools. See you then....
