Living on Purpose Takes More Than Planning

“Just being curious, do you use a daily planner?” that was the question I posed on Facebook. I asked because I have seen so many planners promoted on social media and wondered if people other than business folk use them.

The answers varied from Live by it.  No I really don’t.  To the use of calendar, sticky notes, Excel, Google Calendar, Trello, Asana, and one dear friend admitted to having Planner ADD.

I’m not big on planning every detail of my life as I like space for spontaneity. Lately I find myself being challenged to live more on purpose than by the seat of my pants especially in the realm of writing.

On Purpose

Recently I read an article, I’m not busy, I’m focused by Jeff Goins @goinswriter. In the article among many other gems he tells how he blocks off two hours a day to write; now that’s focus. He writes on purpose not IF he gets the time.

Mark Batterson in his book The Circle Maker mentioned a question he is often asked by aspiring authors,  “What does it take to write a book?”  His answer was, “Sleep deprivation.”  When he is in a book writing season he sets his clock to get him up several hours before his norm and spends several hours pounding on his keyboard before he puts on his pastor hat. That’s dedication!

When my daughter puts her mind to something she does it wholeheartedly. Wanting to kick back into a fitness program she signed up for an evening class, then after a few weeks added a 5am spin class. All this on top of a full time job and a family; I think she must follow after her father more than me.

Wishing something doesn’t make it happen.

I can get lost in reading articles about writing and get engrossed with online writing/blogging groups. All of which are helpful and I come away feeling encouraged and informed, though sometimes not sure if I can rise to the level of which they speak. But one thing remains; a blank page!

Jeff Goins, Mark Batterson and my daughter inspire me as well as my self confessed ADD planner friend and others. Yet, all the talking, reading and planning and inspiring in the world will not put words on the page, it will be forever blank until I sit and pound my keyboard.

After taking a short break from the world of writing it is time for me to get focused, exercise a writing muscle or two and alter my sleep pattern if needed.

Dreaming and planning are important stages and should not be hurried, rather they should be saturated in prayer every step of the way. I have a tendency to stay in the dreaming and planning stage longer than needed. What about you? Is there a vision, dream or desire the Lord put in your heart that needs to be acted upon. Is it time to put meat on your God inspired vision?

As you and I go forward putting meat on those dreams, I pray we will do it to bring honor and glory to Jesus.

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [ that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done for the Lord and not for men. Col 3:23 Amp

Helena

Looking to Jesus. Living in His Radiance

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Photo Credit: Pink Flowers; Pixabay.  Blue Background; Anne Spratt; Unsplash.