How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything!
Have you ever gone on a diet and also found yourself saving money?
Or have you organized your house and then found yourself looking around your office and sprucing things up there, too?
The things that we do in one area of life often carry over to other areas. When you begin to exercise discipline in one area, that normally has a positive impact across many aspects of your life.
I remember being amazed that when I stopped drinking for a time, not only did my waistline get smaller; my bank account got bigger! I'm not saying it's always a sin to drink, but exercising discipline in that one area (drinking) gave me a reward in another important area of life (finances).
But the opposite is also true, isn't it?
When I get lazy about working out, I usually quit eating as healthfully.
Or when I stay up til the wee hours of the morning (all night owls, raise your hands!!!), I find myself being snappish and irritable the next day.
What I've learned in my almost 37 years of life is that everything in life has a ripple effect. My choices affect my whole life, not just one tiny fraction of it. The way that I show up in the world affects those around me, and the way that they show up affects those around them, and so on, and so on . . .
“For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ”
I named my company The Congruent Life because I recognize the importance of acting in accordance with what you say you believe. More and more, I understand that how you do anything is how you do everything.
My personal goal is to have discipline that will allow fulfillment and growth in all areas of my life. Most of all, I want to honor Jesus in all that I do.
If this is your goal, too, here are some practical steps you can take to reach it.
Accept that you are not Superwoman:-) You cannot do ALL the things well. No one can. At some point, you've got to recognize that time is a limited resource, which means you may have to cut some activities out of your schedule. When your plate is overfull, it's too easy to cut corners or develop a victim mentality about all the things you're expected to do (preaching to myself here!).
Pray! God longs to draw you closer to Himself. James 4:8 says that when we draw near to God, he will draw near to us. God is the source of our power, and as we develop a closer relationship with Him, he will refine us and make us more like Him.
Rest. We were not made not go full-tilt 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Schedule time to rest and reflect on what the Lord is teaching you about yourself and about Himself. You'll be able to make wiser decisions when you are clear-headed and well-rested.
Practice these three steps this week and let me know what the Lord teaches you about staying congruent in all areas of your life!
With much love,
P.S. If this message resonated with you, I'd love to hear your comments below! I read every single one.