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Steps toward Success

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Contributed by: Bonnie Pfiester on 5/11/2006

I heard something the other day that just broke my heart, and at the same time it made me think. I was talking to someone recently that said that she didn't want to join a health club because she didn't want to surround herself with a bunch of fit people. She even let the employees' appearance get in the way. Well gosh, that's kind of their job. If the employees were overweight there would be a whole other group that wouldn't join because they weren't good role models. That's when I realized this goes beyond fitness.

I would imagine the same thing happens in churches too. People avoid going to church because of the intimidation factor. They might not want to surround their self with the spiritually "fit" because of how it might make them feel. Some may be in a bad place in their life, yet that's when they need it the most. Well you have to admit how ridiculous that sounds. Churches, and health clubs alike, are there to offer support and encouragement to all who come but the biggest challenge is getting them in the door - and that means getting past all the obstacles and excuses that get in the way.

Here's what I think the root of the problem can be in many cases; people seem to avoid situations that might set them up to look or feel like a failure. Some people avoid being around anything or anyone who is reminder of what they're not. For example, they might now want to hang out with successful people because successful people only remind them of how unsuccessful they are. That's why people like watching Jerry Springer - it makes just about anyone feel like they've got their act together. Unfortunately, most people don't even realize they are making these choices.

You should surround yourself with people you admire, not avoid them. If you want to improve your spiritual life, you should surround yourself with people who'll hold you accountable and challenge you to grow. Even the smaller things in life apply, whether it's improving your golf game or getting in shape.

How do you break the cycle? First you have to make a list of your goals. Then you must make a list of things that you've let get in the way of reaching those goals. You will consciously have to change the way you think and react until it becomes natural. You may even need to change your circle of friends. You must strategically put yourself in situations that help you get closer to your goals, even if it's out of your comfort zone. You can't expect to change overnight -it'll take time, effort and thought, but you CAN do it. What's getting in the way of where you want to be? Isn't time to make a change?

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