A Life of Mediocrity

Last weekend, as I scanned through radio channels on my drive home from DC, I landed on a message from a (not so) random Bible teaching. The young minister's words immediately struck a chord in my heart, "No believer should ever be bored." We were created to create. "If the believer is bored it is because they are not seeking ways to be creative."

We were not created to live a life of mediocrity. 

The few words that I received from that short sermon, before losing my radio signal with the rolling hills of northern Virginia, reminded me of all the times I allowed myself to be "bored" with life or the tasks that it would take for me to reach the level of greatness that I was created to reach.

All throughout my school-age years, teachers, school counselors and mentors (and my parents) would plead with me, "Nina...you could do so much if you would just apply yourself?!"

For example, because I am naturally a decent writer and overall lover of words, I would often wait until the last minute to do the work it took to write a solid paper, oftentimes having points deducted for turning my assignment in late. I cannot count the times I received my latest effort back from my teacher with zero red marks or notes on it because there were no red marks to be found. The paper had been perfectly written yet, at the top of the page was a big red B- because the paper had been turned in late.

As a sprinter/hurdler in track and field, I always came in second place. Literally, I was never first. Just as I reached the finish line, on the heels of state champion Maisha Prewitt (yeah, I remember her name...Lol), I would give up. Somewhere along the line I threw out the idea of actually, FINALLY beating her and I found myself cool with doing just enough to be considered good at what I did. Now at 34 years old, I'm still working to break those old habits and although it hasn't been easy, it has been WELL worth it!

As I continue growing spiritually and creatively, I am beginning to truly believe and understand all that I was created to be. While I may have never had dreams of reaching the Olympics or being awarded Poet Laureate, who's to say that I couldn't have done both had I truly put forth the effort to be my best and not just good at what I loved to do?

Here's the great thing about life:

As long as we have breath in our bodies, we are more than able to be whatever our heart's desire. As corny and cliché as it may sound, it's true. At what point will you determine that you are tired of living a life of mediocrity? At one point will you finally "apply yourself"?

Me? I begin today and I will apply myself in greater measure every day that I am allowed to live.

God will take our mediocre attitude and/or habits and clear out the doubt and excuses that keep us from reaching our full potential.

The Time It Will Take | Day 5 | #BlogADay

Piggy-backing off of yesterday's blog, I received this from +Sweetlocs Taylor this morning.

You cannot turn the corner until you get to it. In order to create a breakthrough, you must lay the groundwork for it.

Real value is built with time, effort and commitment. Don’t cheat yourself out of that value by demanding instant results.

When you’re moving in a positive direction, enjoy the ride and give it the time it takes. Even though the fulfillment is not yet complete, you can already begin to experience it.

Don’t be afraid of the time it will take to make real progress. Be thankful for the opportunity to make an increasingly valuable difference as time goes on.

There is great joy to be found in meaningful effort. The longer and more committed the effort is, the more joy you are able to experience.

Cheerfully give yourself and your work the time it takes. Choose a worthy destination, and treasure every step of the journey.

— Ralph Marston

JUST DO IT!

I feel fat. I look in the mirror and see frumpy, bloated and I feel like I'm not making any progress. I see myself in the mirror and my mind begins playing tricks on me and convincing me that my efforts are in vain.

*pause*

This? These thoughts. None of this is true. Progress always begins within.

I can feel it. My muscles are experiencing a pleasing pain. The type of pain that lets me know that I'm growing stronger. Sure, I have yet to see substantial progress on my scale, or even in my favorite pair of jeans. It's at moments like these when I want to give up because I have yet to see the fruit of my labor. It's also at this point that I know I have to push. 

Just as with any level of faith, you have to see it before you see it! Visualizing yourself as a success is a primary key to reaching that desired place!

You'll feel the pain. You'll feel the tension. You'll feel like your body is against you. Like, some outside force is against your very happiness. You'll think it's easier to stay in bed when you should be putting forth effort! You'll "swear" that you'll get back on the horse tomorrow and the next thing you know, it's next year and you've gained 20 pounds. 

EEK!?!?

Nike said it best with their 80's catchphrase. During that time I didn't fully understand the strength behind those three words. Here, now over thirty years later, I finally get it. 

It's amazing what you can accomplish after you've convinced your mind to stop saying you can't! To DO. To allow yourself to BE the best you that you can be! You can do more with two weeks of consistency than you can with a YEAR of excuses! Don't be afraid to start where you ARE. JUST START!

These pictures are only TWO WEEKS after I began consistent strength training! 

Progress doesn't take long, it just takes CONSISTENCY and EFFORT!