To describe last year would be impossible. I experienced a fantastic year. But I can assure you that it was a journey filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats, wins and losses, heartaches and joy. But four things stuck out to me as I reflected on 2023. I enjoy the process of launching a new year and starting that effort by reflecting on what went right and what didn’t work so well. Out of that time, I’d love to offer four lessons I learned over 2023 – now gone into the past.
1.
Discipline and Consistency
If you know me, you know that I love to say yes. Every time you dare to utter the word “yes,” be prepared to confront the inescapable consequence of denying another opportunity. Priority, discipline, and consistency become paramount as your choices reflect your limitations. The harsh reality shatters the delusion of saying yes to everything that your capacity has its boundaries. A challenging tempest brews within me and most of us, demanding unwavering focus and deliberate action. To maintain an unyielding commitment, we must discern what takes precedence while upholding consistent decision-making integrity. Only then can we navigate this labyrinthine existence with determination and grace, for a thousand possibilities lie discarded in the shadows of constantly choosing where our efforts align most sincerely. Learning to say no while consistently staying true to the Divine’s calling and purpose is quite a feat. But, if I want to lose that sense of overwhelm and be my very best in the areas I should say yes to, then I must, and you must learn this lesson. At least twenty-two times over 2023, I have pinpointed that I said yes to something to please someone else, knowing I was outside my purpose or bootlegging someone else’s blessing by being a “convenient yes.” Discipline to stay on God’s course for me and the courage to say no is simple. It is all about consistently staying on “the beam.” Pilots refer to their flight path as “the beam.” While much of our life is course correcting, we all need a beam to stay on. Learn to let your yes mean yes and your no to mean no. Sounds biblical, right?
2.
Choose Your Family
Like many of my readers, I struggle with the mythical work-life balance. I’m no longer certain that it truly exists, but I am certain that you can build healthy boundaries to guard your time with your family. In my case, I am now an empty nester. You would think that stage of life would make it easier, but I have found myself working more, and prioritizing my kids and grandkids isn’t easier but more challenging. If I don’t redirect my calendar to prioritize my kids and grandkids, I will have done what I watched my dad do. My dad worked so hard for so long, always discussing what he would do someday, that he never came close. He talked about fishing with his kids and grandkids, but that is about all. He talked about traveling but didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great dad who taught me much. I fear I also learned how to give so much of myself away that I missed too much time with my daughters and grandkids last year. That is a correction many of us need to heed. I’ve started by calendaring an ideal week that includes non-negotiable time with Jenny, the girls, and the grandkids. Most of the folks I prioritized in 2023 won’t even remember my name in 2024, but my grandkids will remember for the rest of their life what kind of “Pop” I was. I won’t miss that target again!
3.
Goals are Good – Habits are Better
I am a type-A, goal-centric guy. I love a challenge, and I love to win. But I have learned that changing the little things over time has a much larger impact on my life than a big, hairy, audacious goal! I learned the power of streaks in my life. I’ve coined them Jesus Streaks. My goals are now to change small habits into consistent ways of living. Read that again! Consistent living! Rather than making a splash, make a difference. Rather than building a platform, do something worth living for. To lose weight, change a few small things in your lifestyle. If you want more time, rest better. The antithesis of stress is focusing on what I should do and building systems that keep me on target, not more hours. One of my favorite authors is James Clear. I placed seven of my favorite quotes from his “Atomic Habits” book in yesterday’s article. James Clear makes a great point: “Most people need consistency more than they need intensity.” In other words, I see a pattern in these first three lessons – CONSISTENCY!
4.
Choose the Highest Possible Road
I’ve experienced my fair share of conflict. Let’s face it: if you speak to several thousand people each week through sermons, podcasts, and articles, you will ruffle a few feathers. The challenge is to lay down your “rightness” and attempt to make things right. Choosing the high road allows you to live no lies and enjoy the journey towards a more gracious and less anxious life. Embracing this path might cost you something, but its rewards are immeasurable. This noble endeavor is so worth it. You will walk with integrity, authenticity, and honesty at every step. There will be no need for pretense or deceit because your actions align perfectly with your values. You cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment by consistently choosing the highest road possible. This unwavering commitment to graciousness grants you freedom from anxiety – knowing your intentions are pure. It brings unparalleled tranquility to your soul. Moreover, taking the highest road possible opens doors to incredible opportunities for personal growth and meaningful connections with others who share similar values. It allows space for genuine relationships built on trust and mutual respect. The journey becomes vibrant and fulfilling when lived graciously – every interaction holds potential lessons in empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Don’t fear the sacrifices required along this road; embrace them willingly as stepping stones toward living a life where grace abounds, and anxiety fades away. Friends, most of our battles are truly insignificant in the grand scheme of the Divine. Let grace reign in your heart, soul, attitude, and language this year!
Thanks for reading through these four lessons.
I trust that they will encourage and assist you in the new year!
Go in Peace, Chuck