"Discipline always yields results…in time. You’ll need to remind yourself the pain of discipline costs far less than the pain of regret."
Pastor Kevin Beehner, Sherwood Park Alliance Church, Sherwood Park, Aberta, Canada
Each year I choose a word and use that word as a guide for my decisions. Last year my word was Connections. So every opportunity that arose, I'd ask myself, "Will this decision create connections that move me forward toward my end goals?" So when it came to social activity, I almost always said yes. And, wow, did God bless me by deepening friendships I had, and by creating new relationships. The outcome was much more then I imagined when I began 2011.
The only shortfall...some of the the areas in my life, like finances and heath stayed stagnent or fell below the goals I had set. But I am okay with this. Although balance in all areas of life is a key goal coached by life-consultants, business gurus, and even our mom's, I think God puts us in seasons where He wants us to grow in areas more than others.
So this year, the word I have chosen is Focus. To stay present and disciplined, completing projects I have started such as my teen novel. And, as Pastor Kevin explains, discipline, although painful, leads to results of gain in the disciplined areas of your life. And regret, that is painful too...well, generally leads us to more pain.
We always have a choice. Discipline or regret? What will be your choice today?
18 comments:
I've decided to exercise discipline this year as well. I love your "focus". Whenever I see myself falling short of discipline, I will think of that word.
Oh definitely discipline. Regret is often so sad, partly because it's often permanent. Discipline, though, often brings about the positive :)
Discipline! (And the occasional pity party), mind you, very occasional. I just had one about my mojo. I am going to give myself an award today. *wink*
Yay for discipline! Wonderful post. *waving*
I love that...focus. It's a great word for an exciting year to come.
I can be freakishly disciplined sometimes (that is when I'm not being distracted) ;)
~ Wendy
Focus! I'm with you.
I am trying to steer away from regret and be happy with my choices--the good and the bad--not always easy, is it?
So many great words to choose from! I could definitely use my discipline. For some reason, lists seem to give me more focus and discipline. Maybe my word should be lists. :)
I love having a word for a year. I haven't figured mine out yet. I think my focus and discipline fell short last year, so I'm hoping to regain some of that.
That is an awesome quote - I'd much rather have the pain of discipline than the pain of regret!
Great post! Discipline is a big one for me! I think focus plays a huge role in helping us be disciplined. When I plan out my day, things get accomplished far more easily than if I just let my schedule float around in my head. It's too easy to get distracted! Look forward to reading your completed novel!
Thanks for stopping by Life Lessons! I can't say we avoided ALL sugar and carbs, but we did a LOT better than we would have normally done. Sounds like you're plugged in and have experienced the benefits of accountability partnerships. Keep it up! God bless!
Focus. Love that. I need to stay focused above all else. Focused on Jesus first and the gifts He's given me to use.
If my life is not giving Him glory, then I am living in vain.
Happy New Year Lynn!
I love that word too. I need more focus. And discipline. Totally. ;)
Ah, discipline and focus. YES! I do want to chose that!
Oooh, great quote! I've heard my pastor say the regret/discipline quote before too.
I love this idea. And I love your choose of words. Discipline I'm good at . . . most of the time. :D
Discipline! I'm exercising it right now by staying in touch with my blogging buddies. :)
I have selective discipline. :) I can be extremely disciplined in some aspects of my life, and woefully neglectful in others!
I've read a number of blogs this year that are focusing on a word as a theme for the year. This is the first time I've seen "focus" as one. Anda good choice. I have a number of prjoects for this year, and this might be a good choice for me, too.
Good post.
Note: I linked here from Jessica's blog.
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