One of the best parts of writing posts everyday, in my opinion, is to sometimes write in order to give yourself a pep talk! I’ve often heard preachers say, “I’m preaching to myself, here.” Well today, I’m preaching to myself. I need to constantly stop and evaluate where I am at in my thinking, since I can allow wrong attitudes to sneak in the back door. Or come grandly through the front door. Today I am working on knowing who I am in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. John Maxwell, in his Leadership Gold book and seminar, offers a little bit of advice on holding up when the world seems to be criticizing.

  • Know yourself: this is a reality issue. I have to learn to separate criticism on something I do, say, or even wear from the core of who I am. My self-worth is in God, and my joy is in my family. Those things can’t be taken away, and when I remember them I am happier.
  • Change yourself: this is a responsibility issue. Yes, there are some issues I should deal with. I need to stop whining about them (”Why don’t these clothes fit?”) and get a plan together to accomplish them. If my book isn’t written, I am the on who needs to start outlining it. If my schedule is out of control, I am the one who needs to learn to say no. These are the things I can — and should — change.
  • Accept yourself: this is a maturity issue. As Maxwell points out, there comes a time when we all need to grow up and stop depending on affirmation from other people. Not only are most other people not thinking about you at all, but they are also waiting for affirmation from you! Realizing this helps me make my mission in life clearer. Affirm people and watch them grow.
  • Forget yourself: this is a security issue. Focus on others. Focus on others. Focus on others. Really, this is the only point I need to remember. It is the beginning and the end of security. Focus on others.