Press on toward the finish line.

Sometimes we poke our head out of the crazy rush of life and realize this: I’m not where I want to be.

We all have goals. Even the most unmotivated of folks have things they want to accomplish. Most of us–the imperfect types–have a list of areas ripe for growth and improvement. In essence, we don’t want to stay where we are…like we are.

Today, I am starting with a goal of refocusing on healthy habits and losing weight. To be honest, I am sick of where I am with clothes that have become too tight. So today, I am beginning (again) the process of recalibrating habits gone lazy. This is a trip that is going to call for perseverance. I am sure of it.

I have worked on losing weight many times. Ever since I had my crazy thyroid knocked out (10 years ago) with a radiation cocktail, weight gain is easy; weight loss has seemed impossible.

Too often, I sabotage my run for the goal:

1. I wallow in my failures, circling an endless cycle of shame, fear, and guilt. Stay in this danger zone too long and I  give up, defeated before I am even half way.
2. I  reach a level of contentment or complacency, thinking, “This is good enough….” This is no good either. Going partway is a default way of giving in. End result? I still don’t reach the goal.

What do you do when you’re not there yet?

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.–Philippians 3:12-14

Practical Steps for Pressing On

Perfect words of perseverance for today. Although this passage is talking about being fully with Jesus, spiritual growth process complete and journey finished, we can discover some practical tips for persevering. Here’s my list of tips for myself:

• Have a realistic view of myself—someone who is in process.  I am on my way, but not there yet.
•  Pray for a  THIS ONE THING I DO—attitude. Effort is required. Be willing to work at it.
• Stay on the course. Don’t get sidetracked or even road blocked by things that should be left behind. Past failure is past. No longer relevant.
• Don’t run backwards. Focus on forward motion. Ever tried to run forward while looking backwards?
•  Good or bad, things in the past need to take a backseat to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
• Keep going. Refuse to give up.

This is what it looks like to PRESS ON.

I need lists like this. Maybe you do too.  Let’s encourage one another to press on.

What are you reaching for? How can I pray for you as you persevere? Leave a comment or hit the share on Facebook button (right below) and we can all cheer each other on!

Still More? You Gotta be Kidding!

Keep On: The Perseverance of Faithfulness

The Challenge of One Anothering

Pray On: The Perseverance of Prayer

Hold On: The Perseverance of Process