Years ago, for my birthday my wife bought me a tandem jump out of a plane. Isn’t she cool? When we got to the airfield, I was briefed by my jump master about the equipment, type of plane, process and what to do in the plane and when we jump.

My jump master was calm all the way from the ground to the final altitude. Then when it was go time, he stood up abruptly, motioned for me to come over and get strapped to him then open the plane’s side door. The wind came rushing in. We got positioned so that he was seated on the edge of the plane which left me dangling just below that edge in midair but securely strapped to him. It was nerve wrecking and I felt out of control, yet it was going to feel worse. I peered down to the ground and saw that it was a long way and hoped that everything would go according to plans. I wanted to see another day and besides, I wanted to tell my wife about the experience when I landed.

A minute later we jumped and began free falling rapidly. The ground was approaching quickly, the wind was rushing past my face and there was nothing to grab on to. My faith was in the jump master. Then within seconds, although we were still falling fast, I went from terror to exhilaration! When the parachute finally opened, I could enjoy the scenic view and the sudden peace since we were now descending much slower. When we finally landed, I was relieved and pumped! Wow! My wife smiled with delight. I’d conquered my nervousness, trusted the process and my jump master. In the end I enjoyed a thrilling experience.

When you launch into a new venture or activity, you may feel terrified. But ask yourself, where is your trust? Are you trusting in your own strength or brilliance? Are you placing your faith in someone else? Have you ever placed your faith in someone else and they failed you? My jump master came through but if you have not before or have not lately, try trusting God. He is so great that not only did he create the universe, but He created you – the odds of which are 1 in 400 trillion.

What does that trust look like? Take a moment to say a word of prayer before your undertakings, during the process and when it is completed. In that way you would be asking for His guidance, seeking His continued direction, and thanking Him for the outcome. This will be your acknowledgment that the result was according to His plan. God is great – trust Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Years ago, I served in the Army. One of the requirements for passing Basic Training was a hike (road march). We had to dress in our camouflage outfits (Battle Dress Uniforms or BDUs), carrying heavy backpacks (rucksacks) on our backs, and rifles in our arms. We needed to finish 10 miles. For someone new to walking such long distances, especially carrying all that gear, it was daunting. Along the way, some asked themselves why they volunteered to do this. We all worked, sweated, hurt but pressed through whatever fatigue or pain we felt. The road march was only one requirement. We had to pass physical fitness tests, obstacle courses, shooting and more. The training took physical and mental fortitude, but at the end of the 12 weeks, we had become soldiers. As you can imagine, we were extremely proud of the accomplishment. The burn was worth it.

Listen, press on through that burn. Make sure you clarify why you have undertaken your mission. Maybe, for you it as goodwill, a favor, to prove your worth or even your calling. When the adversity comes – the WHAT – you will be able to persevere through any HOW because your WHY is big enough. Perhaps, you are encountering adversity now and you are questioning your ability, strength, or resolve. You have what it takes. Press on!

Happy New Year! This year you may have already set out to make one drastic life change or another. Tony Robbins teaches that there are three components when striving for a breakthrough,

Strategy

Story

State

Your Strategy is your plan of action to get there. Finding a great strategy may be as easy as doing an internet search, meaning it is easily accessible. Yet it takes more than Strategy.

Your Story is what you tell yourself that causes you to remain stuck where you are. No matter your situation there is someone with one similar or worse who has accomplished their goal of advancing or improving themselves. When you change your Story, you will change your life. Yet there is more.

Your state is your mindset. Tony stresses that you want to protect your state. Said another way, you should strive to consistently be in a peak state or one that serves you.

Notice that when you are in a good mood, things do not affect you as when you are not? You have a more positive outlook on life. I would venture to say that if you are in the right state, you will adopt the right Story and home in on the Strategy that best aligns with your wiring better than if you were not, if at all.

What must you do to establish and maintain the right state? Examine your habits. You may need to develop a fitness regimen, improve your diet, start journaling, get better quality rest, nurture friendships, smile more often, take a trip, start yoga, to name a few. I am sure you have some in mind that will serve you as well.

How about you start prioritizing maintaining an optimum state from today? We live, move, and exist in God according to Acts 17:28. I submit that living in a peak state will enable us to do that with zest as well as walk in our calling consistently.