Investing

"You are what you eat." "You get out what you put in." "Without a struggle, there is no progress." "A penny saved is a penny earned." "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

All of these phrases a common idea of investing. Essentially, the idea that one reaps what they sow. I believe there is much truth to these ideas, and we ought focus much of our attention on our investments. We all invest. No matter whether it is intentional or not. Someone or something is always receiving your time, attention or money. So think critically of your investments. I believe it could benefit you very much to be more attentive to these details. 

I have been more critical in thinking about what is important to me. What's important to me? Well my life can answer for that. I can say that it's my family, my health, or professional success. But if my actions and life do not correlate with my expressed values, then I don't have an accurate picture of my investments. What takes up most of my attention? Where does most of my money go? What do I spend time worrying or talking about? The answers to these questions detail my investment portfolio. 

It is one thing to be aware of your investments, and another to be in control. So begin with becoming aware, then become in control. How does one control their investments? Well I believe many spend their entire careers and receive extensive educations to conclude this rhetoric. I can humbly say that it all depends on how you are looking to invest. Are you investing for a short-term growth? Or a long-term, more sustainable yield? What kind of dividends are you looking to yield? Patience? Discipline? Wisdom? Money? Relationship success? Well whatever it is, you must first look at how you treat these investments. You do this with the way in which you perceive these values, the way in which you communicate about them, and the way in which you pursue them. 

In conclusion, be aware of your investments. Be in control of your investments. And ultimately, think of ways to get the most of life by focusing on how to maximize your unique investments. 

Freedom.

I'm fully aware that there are plenty of things in this life that I take for granted. Someone along the way has spoken up, fought, struggled or even died for the freedoms that I readily enjoy today. So I pause to reflect. I give thanks.

But it doesn't end there. That goes against the entire grain of thinking of legacies and the evolution of mankind. Each generation is supposed to prepare the way for the next. What am I doing, what are we doing, to make a better tomorrow for our children? And for our children's children? I often feel so wrapped up and concerned about myself and present status that I don't really think of that often. But wait. Won't my own struggle for success and satisfaction bring about a change that will allow my children to experience a greater degree of freedom? I suppose that is the kind of rhetoric one must consider. Let's say I get a good job, save money, get rich and so forth. That of course would allow me to establish a level of personal success and gratification that I have been struggling and striving for. But then we look to the future. Maybe I earn/save enough money to send my kids to college. That's preparing a way for the future right? Sure. But that itself isn't the substantial and sustainable kind of freedom that I have been equipped and empowered to obtain.

For such a time as this, I believe that our generation has been tasked with the goal of preparing for the future in ways that are unprecedented. In generations past, less emphasis has been shared on the topic. At present, we are reaping the benefits of the implied lack of emphasis on sustainability. As leaders of our generation, let us step up to the plate as visionaries and agents of change to empower a world beckoning for change. Let us emphasize freedom for today, tomorrow and forever. In each and every way we can, let us be the change.

Despite not the day of small beginnings...

In my current line of work, I encounter a lot of people who appear ungrateful and act as if they are entitled to a certain life. These interactions have caused me to reflect on my own life and how I perceive things. The following is what I believe:

It is important to have thanks for the things one has. I believe a life and an attitude of thanksgiving enables us to receive more things to be thankful for. I often believe and hope for a better life for myself and those I love. But I do not expect these blessings to come without humility and showing myself thankful for what I already have. How do I show thanks? I show thanks in obvious ways, like saying "thank you" to God or whomever has given me my blessing. I also say it with my response and by showing joy and delight in my blessing. But most importantly, I show thanks by being a good steward of what I have already been given. Take of care of what you are presently able to take care of and be thankful for. For this is what enables us to receive additional blessings. These are not my own words. Reference Zechariah 4:10 and Matthew 25 15:30.

Attitude of persistence

I saw a quote recently on a church sign that read "Any good deed, no matter how small, holds greater value than the greatest of intentions." It turns out the quote is from the late American naturalist, John Burroughs (completely irrelevant to the topic but a good bit of information).

I readily take two thoughts away from this quote. The first being, go hard! Far too often, I will have the idea to send a thank-you card, get a gift for someone, or reach out to an old friend; and inevitably I never do. These great intentions are of no practical use to those whom I have intended them. Furthermore, they are of no value to myself. They consistently serve as a reminder of things that one has not accomplished; comparable to failure. So in conclusion, go hard! When thinking of someone or something thoughtful to do, be more intentional to just do it!

The second thought I developed from this quote involved the nature of intentions. Great intentions are essential to great outcomes. Any small deed done is impactful for what it is. However, a great intention with a subsequent deliverable is all the more admirable. I mean something that will really make a difference! I desire to change people's lives! Therefore, small deeds accomplished serve their purpose, but for the purpose of sustainability and genuine impact, one must dream big! One must have great intentions. But most importantly, one must deliver the greatest of deeds to the world and deliver those deeds now! The world is waiting. So dream the biggest dream! And act on those dreams in these very moments!

Faith without works is dead...

I'm a person of faith. I believe it is a fundamental element of who I am. It establishes the foundation of my perspective and my subsequent quest in life. Far too often, I (and perhaps yourself) procrastinate. I wait for things to get in order before I do something. I wait until something feels right. I wait until someone tells me I have to move. Or I will just wait until I cannot wait any longer to take action...NOT GOOD!

This is all actually the opposite of faith. Faith is the substance of things not seen or known. It is stepping out with a confidence that is undaunted. Faith is not later like procrastination. Faith is now. So rather than waiting on having things together or being forced to do things in my life, I am going to make a more intentional effort to express myself and communicate what's real. For example, faith. Faith is real.

All that to say this. I'm going to blog more often than I have in times past. Its more than a motivational thing. Nothing has necessarily sparked my passion to blog more frequently. It is an issue of faith and works. I have faith that my expressions will serve a substantial purpose. Here is my initial step of faith. Here is me stepping out in confidence and with a swagger. This is me doing what I have procrastinated doing for far too long.

In conclusion, FAITH - WORKS = DEAD. FAITH + WORKS = LIFE. Live life to the fullest.