Week #39: Are you in it to win it?
September 23, 2006
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Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to our 110 new subscribers this week!
In the News
Jumpstart Your Coaching Practice! group begins October 9th at 6:30 pm The
response to the coaching group, Jumpstart Your Coaching Practice! was
so strong that I am forming a second group to begin Monday, October 9th
at 6:30 pm Eastern. If you didn't register for the first group, this is
your chance! Register at http://www.valorieburton.com/tele.html by
September 30 for your early bird rate. Are you passionate about
coaching, but still working towards building a sustainable, prosperous
coaching practice? I'm forming a small, telephone coaching group for
coaches who are ready to take their business to the next level. For
more details and registration, visit
http://www.valorieburton.com/tele.html. Landover, Maryland (Washington, DC) - October 7
I'll
be a featured speaker at the Women's Conference of First Baptist Church
of Glenarden on Saturday, October 7th. For more information and to
register for the conference, visit
http://www.fbcglenarden.org/womens_conference_2006/presenters.html. For my upcoming schedule, visit http://www.valorieburton.com/vevents.html.
This Week's Topic: Are you in it to win it?
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners
run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the
prize.” - 1 Corinthian 9:24 Dear Friend, I
ran across this scripture recently. It is one that always inspires me
and reminds of the importance of having a clear goal for the things
that I choose to do in my life. It takes discipline, perseverance and
commitment to win the races of life, but the prize of winning is so
very rewarding. It's not as much about the achievement of your goal as
it is about who you become in the process. Sometimes, it can be easy to
get stuck in a rut - running your race half-heartedly and with so many
distractions that you barely notice there is a higher purpose to what
you are doing. This week, I invite you to consider whether you are
running your race “in such a way as to get the prize.” Whether at work,
in your relationships, your finances or life in general, is it time for
you to get motivated again? Consider these four questions to gain the
clarity you need. 1. What prize are you aiming for?
Running
a race without knowing where the finish line is exasperating. Get
clarity about your goal. Aim high. What does “winning” look like to
you? Write it down. A clear, compelling goal is energizing. As the
adage goes, aim for the moon - and if you miss – you’ll still be among
stars. 2. What do you need to do consistently if you are to win?
Consistency
is one of the most important ingredients for success. Perhaps you’re
aiming for loving relationship with a close loved one, but yourself at
odds with the person over petty issues. For awhile, the relationship
runs smoothly and then suddenly, an argument. Don’t give up. Keep
practicing love, kindness, patience and forgiveness. Don’t keep a
record of wrongs. Over time, the consistency of your love will pay off.
Whether building a relationship or losing weight, consistent action
towards your goal will eventually yield consistent results. 3. Why is it important to you?
Discipline
without purpose is self-punishment. Indeed, self-discipline is one of
the fruits we are to produce in our lives (Galatians 5:22) – for the
purpose of becoming all that we were meant to be. But denying yourself
constantly without the reward of moving towards a larger objective is
frustrating. Know the core purpose behind the race you are running. If
you are seeking better health by eating well and exercising, the
purpose may simply be to live long and feel better. If you are seeking
financial independence, the purpose may be to have the freedom to spend
more time enjoying people and exploring life. 4. Why is it important to God?
Ultimately,
the prize you are aiming for is becoming all that God called you to be
and fulfilling the purpose for which you are created. In every race,
seek to grow spiritually, express love and learn the lessons that are
being offered to you. If you do these three things, the priceless prize
you’ll earn are the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Journaling assignment:
What
is the prize you most want to attain at this point in your life?
(Consider your health, relationships, finances, work and spiritual
life.) What do you need to do differently in order to win it? Why is it
important to you? Why is it important to God?
My challenge to you this week:
Make
a decision that you will run your race with a goal of winning it. If
there are any “races” you are running aimlessly, either drop out of the
race altogether or get clear about the prize you are seeking.
Until next time ... Warm wishes,
 P.S. Encourage your friends and family by sharing this newsletter and invite others to subscribe! Just send them to
www.valorieburton.com, where they can enter their email address on the home page. Valorie
Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life,
Rich Minds, Rich Rewards and her latest, What's Really Holding You
Back?. She coaches groups and individuals to live their best lives.
Learn about her coaching groups and subscribe to her FREE,
inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.
Please feel free to forward the Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter
to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. The Rich
Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Inspire,
Inc. Copyright (c) 2006 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. www.valorieburton.com.
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