FOCUS AREA #5 – WHAT DOES AN “UPGRADED” VERSION OF ME LOOK LIKE?
It is worth saying again, begin with the end in mind – Understand that in order for our GPS to get us to a destination, we have to program the address. It is ok if we don’t know exactly how to get there, so long as we have an idea, and we begin.
Ideas for the iPhone 7 where in development prior to the release of the 6s. Through reflecting on what works and doesn’t work as well as listening to feedback from customers, Apple focuses on continuous improvement – being better than they were last month, last year.
In keeping with the technology analogy lets look at it this way. Anti-virus software updates are similar to a Christian’s faith. It is there to protect from outside interference and continuously requires improvement to thwart off new threats. Through software updates on our phone we get additional choices and functionality as well as new and improved features. Similarly by focusing on where we are at, what we want and then taking small daily steps toward our goals we are able to upgrade our personal software.
Through hardware upgrades, today’s computers and smart phones allow for longer battery life, much faster processors and additional storage compared with even a year ago. Early technology was limited with small screens, few pixels and poor visibility. Advances in technology have allowed for bigger screens with clear visibility. What is holding you back, sucking your energy and preventing you from operating at a faster speed, increased productivity, joy and peace? What is holding you back from clearly seeing what you are capable of?
A friend of mine once asked, “Chad, what is it you are holding onto that no longer serves you?” Wow, what a statement! I was spending time regretting the past and afraid of the future. Through a hardware upgrade, I dismissed the limiting beliefs and started to focus on today because today matters, tomorrow is not guaranteed. There is a reason the windshield in your vehicle is so big, and the rear view mirror so small. When we are backing up, it takes intense concentration but only for a moment. We don’t spend all our time in the vehicle looking at the rear view mirror rather the road ahead.
Upgrades take place when developers focus on creating a better more vivid experience for the user. When we abandon our outdated technology we are then able to tap into our God given potential which is limitless and abundant.
So now that we have some tips, tools and techniques to help guide us – what does your best self look like?
Assess where you are at – begin with the end in mind –
Dial into where your gifts and talents lie –
Be wiling to give up in order to go up –
Search within and seek alternative resources if need be –
Visualize specifically your faith walk, your fitness goals and career expectations.
Be creative, be imaginative, dream big and challenge yourself. Nothing worthwhile ever happens inside our comfort zone. Above all else, turn your intuitive thoughts into action in order to see amazing results.
Use this 12-Month Success Planner created by Jack Canfield to upgrade your New Year! Someone is always counting on you.
CONTACT Chad Hull for more information on this topic and coaching services.
This article appears in the December 2016/January 2017 issue of Faith & Fitness Magazine.
