Have you ever found yourself straying so far from your intended path that you had to pause and ponder how you reached that point? This was my experience in my mid to late 20s. Back then, I may not have realized it, but one crucial insight emerged – it didn't happen overnight. Whether we're veering away from our aspirations or making progress toward our goals, one thing remains constant: it doesn't happen in a single moment. It requires the consistent repetition of habits. Coaches often stress the importance of consistency, but it's crucial to identify what we're truly consistent at and align it with our desired outcomes.
In the biblical context, "hamartia" means to miss the mark, emphasizing the value of setting goals. Missing the mark implies having a target to aim for. Without a target, there is no direction. In "The Strangest Secret" by Earl Nightingale, there's a metaphor of a ship without a captain, crew, or destination. If we set it off in any direction without a destination, it will eventually end up shipwrecked. But with a destination, a plotted course, a captain, and a crew, it will always reach its intended port. Our lives and goals work the same way.
I found myself in the pig pen of life and had a moment of awakening, realizing that I wasn't living the life meant for me. One of the greatest sins we can commit against ourselves is not living up to our full potential. When I looked in the mirror of accountability, I recognized that I was incredibly consistent in doing the wrong things. It was only when I decided to shift those behaviors toward the right path that meaningful change began. Specific goals are vital in staying on track. Measurement reveals areas for improvement and allows us to gauge our progress toward those goals. Having a timeline is crucial because we often overestimate what we can achieve in a month and underestimate what we can accomplish in five years.
It only took a moment for me to make the decision to transform, but it took many years to cultivate the skills required for enduring change. It all commenced with a simple commitment to change, inspired by the parable of the prodigal son. The profound impact of this sequence of events in my life empowers me to assist others. Keep in mind, most of us have stumbled at some point. Those of us who are willing to acknowledge it can leverage our experiences to support others seeking growth and transformation. The journey of a thousand steps begins with just one. Day one starts today because one day is never the right answer.