James Allen said “People are anxious to improve their circumstances but are unwilling to improve themselves and therefore remain bound.” These are certainly powerful and true words. Think about it for a few minutes. How many people can you think of who are anxious to be promoted on their jobs but are not qualified, who are investing in Ponzi or get rich quick schemes with the hopes of coming into quick money instead of working diligently to build a sustainable and successful legacy or who are seeking leadership positions in political or other organizations without having the proper skills to fill these positions? Can you think of anyone who is disgruntled about their current situation but is doing nothing about it? Can you think of anyone who is blind to their own faults and shortcomings yet have expectations that the organization they work for should advance them?
I’m sure as you pondered those questions a few people came to mind. The fact is most people do not see the value of investing in them. They are quick to “invest” in the latest fashion trends, “invest” in popular get rich quick schemes or “invest” in having a larger than life social life. Most people typically will not spend money on their continued growth and development. Many employees feel that the organizations they work for should “invest” in them by training them and paying for them to attend seminars to develop their skills. While this is a bonus if the organization does, are you really going to sit and wait for someone else to invest in your potential?
As we head into the 2nd month of the New Year, stop for minute to consider how much you’ve grown so far this year. What have you done to improve you? How have you developed in the last 30 days? Leadership guru of the world, John C. Maxwell shares that “growth doesn’t just happen.” Personal growth is an intentional act. What are your dreams? What are your aspirations? What are your goals? What are your gifts and talents? How are you developing them? What steps are you taking to achieve them? How have you invested in you?
James Allen reminds us that, “A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of the hidden powers and possibilities within himself.”
With that said, I encourage you to place a higher value on yourself. It’s time to take a real introspective look at your life. It’s time to assess your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses. It’s time to take responsibility for your own success. It’s time to stop procrastinating. Stop wasting valuable time! It’s time to acknowledge your potential and to invest in developing yourself to be all that you can be. It’s time to make a difference in your own life. It’s time improve yourself so that you can improve your circumstances. It’s time to take a disciplined approach to achieving your dreams and goals.
It really is time to take a chance on you. It’s your time!
