As I have studied the concept of mastery this week, there have been so many things that have resonated with me. One thing in particular is the question, "How can I be a master of anything else if I can't even be a master of myself?" I have really pondered this question in regards to different areas in my life, particularly that of weight loss and money/financial management. These may seem like easy things to some but they are difficult at times for me. I can tell the difference in my life when I am in control of even just one of these aspects in my life because everything just goes better. When I am feeling confident, master, in both areas it is if my potential is unstoppable. It is crazy to me to think that something as simple as being in control of myself can have such a powerful effect on my entire life.
I greatly appreciated N. Eldon Tanner's statement about determining your course of moral standards and then having the willpower to move forward. He mentions that those who stay on the straight and narrow path towards their goals are the most successful. Many of us find ourselves on a detour at different times in our life and Tanner reminds us that detours are a longer path and can also be dangerous and detrimental. We may not always see these dangers ahead on the detour until it is too late. I loved his reminder that if you want to be successful or great, determine NOW to be great don't wait until you're older. Once you have made this decision, have the courage and determination to discipline yourself, apply self-control, and self-mastery. Tanner also reminds us that Satan is continually at work and we must be "on the job" all the time to guard against evil. We must never relax or forget who we are and what we are trying to accomplish. No one is exempt from his cunning ways of tempting us to do or not do something that could change the course of our life. We can't afford to waver in any way!
I also appreciated the article "So You Want to be an Entrepreneur" as it talked about collecting knowledge and relationships throughout our journey. Use each position as a steppingstone rather than a stopping point. I feel this advice applies to life in general, not just business and/or entrepreneurship. I try to make connections everywhere I go and call them my circles. These connections may be brief or lifelong, but each one makes up a part of my circle that is invaluable to me. Always keep your ultimate goal(s) in mind as you are on your journey.
The final thing I want to mention this week is the talk by Jan Newman titled "Loyalty to God and Family." He talks about "not crunching things that shouldn't be crunched" in order to fit the other things into your day, week, month, year, life. Give the most to your family and God. Sometimes your job/career might need to be crunched a little for these two. Newman also shared advice that we should not ever be too busy to take a calling in the church. This is a big one for me because sometimes I feel as if I was "just a member" my life would be less stressful. There have been times in my life between callings (short periods of time :)) and it was often challenging to feel connected to people and to stay focused on my goals. I think sometimes being too busy for a calling is Satan's way of distracting us. I appreciated Newman's reminder that God knows where my heart is and will help me along my journey. All He asks of me is a willing heart and mind and He will help me to feel less overwhelmed and more peace in my days . . . and ultimately my life as I strive to become a master of myself whether that is in my weight, my finances, or simply shutting off social media/electronics.
No comments:
Post a Comment