I know so many gifted and talented people who aren’t using their creativity. They can’t see their own worth because they’re too busy focusing on their limitations. Listen, no one is perfect. We all have weaknesses. We all have areas we need to improve in. Still, each of us possesses everything we need, to do what God has called us to do.
If you’re ready to see new levels of productivity in your life, there are five things you need to stop doing. I’ve listed them below:
1. Stop looking over Your Shoulder
You can’t move forward if you’re always looking behind you to see what somebody else is doing. Track runners are told, “When running a race, you should never look over your shoulder to look at what your opponent is doing. It slows you down and breaks your concentration. Also, it’s a sign of weakness to the person who is gaining on you.” Apply this lesson to your own life.
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other People
Even if someone is doing what you’re doing, you are unique and there’s no one else like you anywhere. No one can do it like you! You don’t have to worry about what someone else is working on, because they’re skill set isn’t the same as yours. They can’t bring to the table what you can. Think about it. There are thousands of businesses, ministries, books and products that are very similar. They have primarily the same function. But there is something unique in each one. Instead of comparing yourself to other people get to work and “Make it do what it do baby.”
3. Stop Second-guessing Your Ideas
You can’t spend the rest of your life tossing things over in your mind and doubting whether you know what you’re talking about. You have to embrace your own brilliance. You have to recognize your gift and your expertise. You have to see it first, before anyone else can see it. Don’t make the mistake of looking for someone else to validate your ideas before you implement them. Just begin acting on what’s inside your head and watch it become a reality. It will come together if you continue to work at it.
4. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time
I cannot stress this enough. There is absolutely, positively, unequivocally, no such thing as the perfect time! “The right time is right now.” The longer you wait . . . the longer you’ll wait . . . and the longer you’ll wait. Then, you’ll convince yourself that you’ve waited too long and end up not doing anything at all. Get up and get going.
Don’t misunderstand me. You should always consult the Lord for His direction. However, if He doesn’t forbid you to move forward, then be about it!
5. Stop Focusing on what You don’t Have
This is so important to remember. When you’re working to achieve anything in your life, there will always be a shortage of something. You may feel that you need more: Money, connections, knowledge, experience, support, or any number of things. Although you may not feel like it, you have everything you need already, because the Lord is on your side. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV).
Instead of worrying, start working. Trust me; I know what it’s like to branch out into new territory. Believe me when I say, if you’ll only trust God and trust the gift of God in you, things will work out for you!
You have within you, right now, the power to amaze yourself. All that’s left to do is tap into that power!
Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
