I have big ideas and grand intentions, but I struggle with follow-through. I love to plan and research and make my list of action steps, but when it’s time to get things done, I tend to drag my feet. I have legitimate reasons for procrastinating: “I’m too busy at work. I have to clean my house. I’m tired.” I tell myself I have plenty of time, until suddenly I don’t. I need discipline! Can you relate?
So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Please hear me as I take a little license with this verse. The context of the Apostle Paul’s message to the Corinthian church was his work in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ far and wide. Everything he did was to make Jesus known, and as a follower of Christ, that is my primary mission as well. But like much of the Bible, I see a principle here that I can apply to other parts of life.
Audacious goals and God-sized dreams require discipline.
Run with purpose in every step.
Marathon runners amaze me. They train rigorously, waking up each day determined to run a little bit further than they did yesterday. On race day, they set a target pace and monitor it to stay on track. They start slowly because they know the initial adrenaline will fade. And they listen to their bodies, so they don’t collapse before they cross the finish line.
Takeaways:
- Do something every day. Even just a few steps will move you closer to the finish line.
- Set realistic goals based on your personality, your schedule, and your other responsibilities. Don’t be discouraged by someone else’s seemingly speedy success. They’re running their own race.
Know what you’re aiming for.
Paul moves from a runner to a boxer as he points out the futility in throwing punches aimlessly into the air. Whether it’s an uppercut to the jaw or steady jabs to the side, a boxer needs to know precisely where to aim in order to knock out his opponent.
Takeaways:
- Keep your goal in mind. Don’t get sidetracked by doubt, fear, or distractions. Keep swinging at the target until you break through.
- Be prepared to pivot if God reveals a new plan of action. If the punches aren’t landing and the opposition isn’t falling, it may be time to change your approach.
Set a regimen and follow it.
Runners, boxers, and athletes in general follow strict regimens to compete at the highest level. They pay careful attention to what to eat, how to train, and even when to rest. The process matters.
Takeaways:
- Keep a steady cadence and honor your natural rhythms. If you’re an early bird, get up a little earlier and settle in with a cup of coffee. If you’re a night owl, turn off all the distractions and find a quiet place to work before you go to bed.
- Don’t lose sight of your spiritual, mental, and physical health. Read your Bible. Go to church. Spend time with family and friends. Have a hobby. Eat healthy and exercise. You’ll never reach the finish line if you collapse along the way.
Whether chasing after a dream or striving to meet a goal, developing discipline is a critical part of making it a reality. Surrender the outcome to God and determine to put in the time and effort it takes to cross the finish line.
