Don’t stay stuck in the same place with the same old habits.
Everyone wants to change their life. Everyone is waiting for that turnaround. Everyone wants to evolve beyond recognition.
But changing your life can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, there are certain habits to stop doing that can help you in new and incredible ways.
1. You wait to act
Stop waiting for the new year. Stop waiting for the 1st of next month. Stop waiting for Monday. Stop waiting for tomorrow. Stop waiting for later today.
Now is the only moment to act.
2. You look for hacks to make everything easier
That’s not to say that hacks don’t work. But most people look for hacks in lieu of putting in actual action — and that’s why they don’t get anything done.
Hacks work only if you’re actually putting in the work. So, first worry about showing up consistently, then worry about finding shortcuts.
3. You set average goals
Setting average goals has two major disadvantages.
For starters, they’re uninspiring, so they don’t make you feel like putting in the work because the outcome will be subpar anyway. Additionally, they’re a form of self-disrespect because you subconsciously tell yourself that you’re not capable of achieving big things.
Instead of settling for average goals, keep in mind that the sky’s the limit. Push yourself to reach for something greater.
4. You break the promises you make to yourself
Every time you break a promise to yourself, your word loses its value. And slowly, it isn’t worth a thing. It’s a vicious cycle and it won’t get you anywhere.
Also, if you don’t respect your own word, why would anyone else?
5. You ignore your pain points to work on other things
If you’re out of shape and make a decent living already, working two more hours on your job to get a promotion won’t change your life. Instead, it might pay off to use those two hours to work on your physical fitness.
Don’t use your pain point as an excuse to avoid it. To get the life you deserve, you must embrace those pain points.
6. You credit other people’s success to luck
Doing this makes you weak. When you think that everyone owes their success to luck, you give up control over your life. You start hoping to get lucky, which you never do, of course.
Because while a rare few might get lucky, most people make their own luck. And you can be one of them.
7. You think the world is out to get you
There’s no conspiracy against you. The world is not out to get you or make your life miserable.
The world is unfair, yes. For some, more so than others. However, even if that’s true, believing this doesn’t help you in any way, except for giving you a way to save face from yourself.
You can only change your life when you ditch the victim mindset and start working on being better.
8. You expect success to happen overnight
People launch their product and five days later wonder why no one is buying. People write their first article and sit by the phone waiting for it to go viral.
It sure would be nice if those things happened. But that’s not reality. What is real is that success happens over years and decades, not overnight. Once you get rid of this mindset, you can embrace true success.
9. You speak in the future tense
Change “I’ll eventually lose weight” to “I’m losing weight right now.” It’s the Law of Attraction, after all. When you believe that you already have something, you increase the likelihood of obtaining it.
10. You think you’re the smartest person on Earth
Some may think that every middle-class father thinks he’s the smartest person on Earth. And when you really think about it, it’s not limited to them.
Most people believe they’re the smartest people. So, it makes it difficult for them to learn from others and try out newer things. Because, in a way, they think they already “know” how to do it — whatever “it” might be.
11. You critique from the sidelines
It’s easy to point out mistakes from the outside instead of playing the game. These people do it because it strokes their ego and makes them feel better about their own shortcomings.
However, it also prevents them from ever changing their lives. So if a good life is what you’re looking for, remember that criticizing something you aren’t involved in never works in your favor.
12. You say ‘yes’ to everything that demands your time
When neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and writer Oliver Sacks wanted to write a book, he posted a big poster on the wall that read, “NO!” It was his favorite word.
He knew that saying yes to everything that demanded his time would stop him from ever writing his books. So, he reclaimed his power by saying no again and again. Remember that “no” is a complete sentence, and you aren’t obligated to say “yes.”
13. You quit things too early
People dip their toes in a new hobby or a career, and three seconds later they’re ready to call it quits. They say that “it’s not the right fit.” Maybe that’s true, but most people quit before they can really tell.
You have to give something or someone enough time to process, and only then can you make a decision if it’s a right fit or not. To really get the life you’re deserving of, put more effort into things you want to accomplish. Only then can you grow.
14. You play it safe
Don’t gamble your entire life away on a risk. But also, you must stop being so afraid of losing a little that you just never take risks.
Take calculated risks, and watch your life change. Because if you never jump in head-first, you’ll never know how successful your endeavor could be.
15. You wish you could have the life of celebrities
You’ll never get anywhere if you remain envious of celebrities and their lavish lifestyle. It’s not the reality you live in, and you shouldn’t put all your focus on trying to attain that level of luxury.
Instead, start figuring out how to make your own life so delicious that you never want to taste something else.
16. You’re afraid of missing out
The fear of missing out can be debilitating. But instead of having “FOMO,” be joyful about missing out!
When you miss out, it means you’re at home, at your desk working on that big dream of yours. Or you’re fulfilling other wants and desires that you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Of course, it’s okay to go out every once in a while, but not so much that you never have time to work on your own thing.
17. You try to prove to the world you’re happy
Most people are so obsessed with decorating their online profiles — because they’d rather prove to the world that they’re happy and living their best life — that they end up forgetting how to actually be happy.
Don’t focus on smiling for the camera. Focus on smiling when no one’s looking.
18. You overthink your first step
Most people spend so much time analyzing and tweaking their first step that they never end up taking it. And that will certainly hold you back from a positive life change.
Stop thinking and just do it. Take your first step and iterate later.
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19. You rest on your laurels
Achieved something great? Good for you. But get moving again. If you’re satisfied with an accomplishment, you don’t need to wait around for the next best thing. Savor the moment and then begin again.
Life is about constant improvement. You cannot afford to rest on your laurels.
20. You analyze everything you see online
Reading, analyzing, planning, tweaking, and everything else can help you only if you’re showing up, taking action, and putting in the work.
So by all means, stop spending time online and go be in the real world. Go make your own thing great, and find transformative change in the process.
21. Lack of faith
Issues of faith and doubt have a massive impact on Christians life.
A.Trust the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-8)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
When it comes to having faith, the Bible often portrays it as a question of whose perspective we intend to rely on. We can lean into what we know and understand about God and His ways, or we can trust in our own understanding.
In addressing faith, the topic really begins right here. Are we willing to concede that there are limitations to our understanding? Or are we willing to put the Lord to the test? The issue is never about what we convince ourselves we believe. We can say we trust God while leaning on our own understanding to make decisions.
As this passage points out, it’s only as we submit to God’s way that our path begins to straighten. Biblically speaking, faith is never merely about the specific beliefs we have-because our lives will always reveal where our faith lies.
B. You of little faith (Matthew 14:28-31)
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
In a classic gospel anecdote, the disciples see the Lord walking on water toward their boat in the middle of the night. Peter calls out to the Lord and tells Him, “If that is you, then call out for me to come to you.” And the Lord does.
Now think about this for a moment. Peter stands up in the boat, throws a leg over the side, and then throws the other over, too. He is way out of his element, but he still gets out of the boat. Matthew tells us that he actually walked out on the water toward the Lord.
But when he saw the wind picking up, he panicked and began to sink. Jesus had to rescue the poor disciple. Keeping all that in mind, what do you imagine Jesus was trying to communicate to Peter by saying he had little faith?
He was the only disciple who spoke out in faith upon seeing Jesus.
He’s the only one who got out of the boat.
He’s the only person besides Jesus who walked on water.
So why would Jesus single out his lack of faith?
For a moment, Peter resisted every rule he knew about the sea. He defied the natural laws of physics. He literally stood on water! Jesus wasn’t chastising Peter. He was reminding the disciple that he’d already done the hard part. He had already stepped out in faith. He panicked after experiencing the miracle. It’s pretty safe to say that Jesus was proud of Peter at that moment.
Imagine feeling called to the mission field. You go back to school and get all the training you need. You prepare for housing and employment in another country, and you quit your job. But the day you touch down in your new country, you decide you don’t want to do it anymore.
Our faith waxes and wanes at different moments. Sometimes we step out and do something challenging, and after we get over the hurdles, that’s when we begin to struggle because we can’t go back.
Faith isn’t something you have or don’t have. It’s a muscle that grows as you use it. But it still falters and fluctuates at strange moments-even after the hard work is done.
C.If you have faith and do not doubt (Matthew 21:18-22)
Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
The story about the fig tree is a curious one. Why did Jesus have to pick on a fig tree? What message was He trying to send?
When the disciples ask Him about this event, He doesn’t give them the “why.” Instead, He focuses on teaching them a lesson on faith. Sometimes the way we interpret His lesson can make faith more of a struggle. If the key to getting things done is to never doubt, then we’re all in trouble.
Like most Near Eastern teachers of His time, Jesus used exaggeration and hyperbole to make His points. When He wanted His followers to understand just how important something was, He would overstate it.
For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, He tells the crowd that they should cut off their hands or put out eyes that caused them to sin (Matthew 5:27-30). Jesus knows that sin comes from our hearts, not from our limbs. And He’s not encouraging self-mutilation. He’s emphatically telling them that this is really, really vital. They need to take sin very seriously.
In the same way, Jesus is telling the disciples that prayer, coupled with sincere belief, is more powerful and effective than they comprehend. “Don’t be surprised at what happened to this fig tree,” He’s telling them. “This is nothing compared to the work you will do in prayer.”
If we focus on the more exaggerated parts of Jesus’s statement, then it’s easy to walk away thinking that the point is that every difficult thing in our life springs from our lack of faith and resolve to pray it into a better outcome. But Jesus intends this to be a galvanizing and inspiring message. Faith-filled prayer is world-changing work.
Video: Dealing with doubt
D. Help me overcome my unbelief (Mark 9:21-24)
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
This father’s expression of faith is one of the most honest and meaningful statements about doubt in the entire New Testament. Faith and doubt aren’t opposing positions on the same light switch. They’re often conditions that exist side by side.
This man asks Jesus to intervene because he does believe. He believes enough to bother asking, but he could believe more. We could always believe more. And nothing seems more meaningful than using your existing faith to ask for more faith.
E. They worshiped Him, but some doubted (Matthew 28:16-17)
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
These two verses come immediately before Jesus gives the disciples the Great Commission. These 11 men had spent a little over three years with Jesus. They’d seen miracles happen. Their Messiah was crucified and buried, and a couple of days later, they were dining with Him. If there was ever a good reason to believe in the unbelievable, the disciples had experienced it.
And yet, here they were with their previously deceased King, and some of them were still harboring doubts. What kind of doubts? Matthew doesn’t tell us. Doubts that He was the Messiah? Doubts in His divinity? Doubts in the mission? Maybe a mixture of all these things.
What we do know is that Jesus doesn’t chastise them. He doesn’t tell them, “I was going to give you guys some critical information, but since you still don’t fully believe, I’m not going to.” Instead, He meets them where they are. He confides in them and charges them with their new responsibilities.
Why? Because their faith isn’t defined by any specific moment of doubt. Almost every one of these men will be martyred for their faith. Their faith is much bigger than these momentary questions and fears might suggest.
F. Unless I see the nail marks in His hands (John 20:24-29)
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
It always seemed a little unfair that Thomas is forever saddled with the title “Doubting Thomas.” There was a time when the disciples were trying to talk Jesus out of going back to Judea to see Lazarus because the authorities wanted Him dead. It was Thomas who said, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16b). But that’s not what we remember about Thomas.
After Jesus is raised from the dead, He appears to the disciples. But John says “Thomas wasn’t with them” (John 20:24). They believed because they were there and saw the Lord. Earlier, when Mary tried to tell them that she had seen the Lord, they didn’t believe her either (Mark 16:11).
Thomas responds like anyone asked to believe something that seems too outlandish and extraordinary. He wants to see the evidence with his own eyes.
The beautiful thing is that Jesus makes a special trip to accommodate him. Again, the Lord doesn’t berate or belittle the disciple. Jesus shows Thomas the scars and encourages him to believe. And Thomas responds with heartfelt worship.
Jesus’s final statement here is critical. It’s one thing to see and believe, but a vast majority of Jesus’s followers will not have that luxury. They won’t get to touch His scars. And by saying, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” Jesus recognizes that belief isn’t simple or easy. If you struggle with doubt, Jesus completely understands.
G. Faith is confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11:1-2)
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
The writer of Hebrews defines faith for us. It’s confidence in a future we hope for and assurance in what we don’t see. This is the belief that pleases God. But we mustn’t read this as:
Faith is confidence in our confidence and assurance in our assurance.
Faith that redeems us is confidence in Jesus, the object of our hope. Think of faith as a pair of glasses through which we gaze upon what we long for. The glasses help us see what we hope for more clearly, and they help us push through to grab hold of it. But we need to be careful not to make an idol out of belief-our faith isn’t the object of our faith. It’s a tool we use to see and grab hold of Jesus.
H. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
This is a critical verse. But what does it mean? When we think of faith as a synonym for belief, we will interpret it to mean that having the right ideas and never doubting them is the key to pleasing God.
Jesus was clear that faithful followers would be recognized by their fruit (Matthew 3:8, 7:15-20, Luke 13:6-9, John 15:2, 15:8, 15:16). But without faith, we cannot bear fruit.
The Word of God says that His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Regardless of what happened yesterday, today is a new day.
Because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, you’ve been given a clean slate today to lay your life (your mistakes, failures, praises, and joys) over to the Lord; to surrender them to Him and allow Him to take control of your life!
Be encouraged by these Thursday Bible verses and reflections, and go have a wonderful day!
What does the Bible say about Thursday?
The modern names of the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, etc.) didn’t come into use until long after Biblical times, so God’s Word doesn’t specifically mention Thursday, or give any special significance to it. However, each individual day is important and is a gift from your Heavenly Father!
Here are some meaningful Bible verses to read on a Thursday morning. They are the perfect reminder of the Lord God being with you always, regardless of what you may face on this day.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Every morning is a fresh opportunity to experience God’s grace and faithfulness. As you start your Thursday, remember that no matter the struggles or stresses ahead, God’s mercies are renewed every day. It’s a time to rest in His steadfast love, knowing that His faithfulness will guide you through the day.
Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Mornings are a great time to realign your heart with God’s will. This verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance and love as we step into the new day!
As you face the tasks of your Thursday, ask God to lead you in His ways and trust that He will guide your path.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Thursday mornings can sometimes feel like the middle of a long week, where weariness starts to set in. However, this verse reminds you that if you place your hope and trust in the Lord, He will renew your strength.
Whether you’re feeling exhausted or burdened, Father God promises to sustain and uplift you!
Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
On Thursday, as the week nears its end, you might be tempted to worry about unfinished work or upcoming plans. Jesus encourages us to prioritize seeking the kingdom of God and righteousness. If we trust in Him, He will take care of our needs.
Focus on today’s tasks and trust that God will provide for tomorrow!
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Your Thursday may bring unexpected challenges or decisions. These verses remind you to place your complete trust in God, even when situations seem unclear.
As you navigate your day, rely not on your own understanding but on God’s wisdom. Submit your plans to Him, and He promises to lead you on the right path!
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Whether your Thursday is filled with challenges or calm, Paul’s words encourage a life of prayer and trust in God.
We all walk through hard times at one point or another. Instead of worrying about the day’s tasks or stresses, lay them before God in prayer. As you do this, His peace will guard your heart, allowing you to approach the day with a sense of calm and confidence in Him!
Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Mornings are a time of quiet anticipation, and this verse reflects the importance of bringing your concerns, needs, and praises before God at the start of your day.
As you begin your Thursday, lay your plans before God, saying, “Lord, I surrender this day to You! Here’s what I have planned… Change it to how You see fit!”
And then wait with expectation for how the Holy Spirit will lead you in your life. He hears your voice and is attentive to your prayers!
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse is such a beautiful reminder to us that, because of the Love of God, we are constantly encamped in His presence, strength, and protection.
If your Thursday brings difficult times, be reminded of the Truth of this verse — that God will give you the strength and help you need to get through whatever it is you.
Bishop Duke Akamisoko
5/11/2024
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