Ninety-five percent of our thoughts are the same as yesterday because our minds gravitate toward the familiar. So, we must be intentional about what we dwell on since quality thoughts produce quality actions. There is a pulling force back to what we know whether it benefits us or not. No wonder the first step in the process of growth is admitting that we have an opportunity for better. In Alcoholics Anonymous it is admitting to being powerless over alcohol; for salvation it is admitting to being a sinner; for a financial predicament it is admitting to faulty money management.

Whenever we move to something new – a new car, relationship, habit, or job – there is space. The more drastic the switch the more significant the space from the old to the new. If wide enough, that space would require a leap to the new.

You may be thinking that there can be a smooth transition to a big position or new behavior so that the change to the new requires, not a leap, but a step. True, but unless we adopt the mindset that aligns with the new, we will still be the old person we were before the step, just in a new role or environment. This is why we tend to make the same type of mistakes, fall for the same type of people, or return to our same level of net worth no matter how much more money we get.

I submit that the move to certain new things requires a leap. A leap of faith that we can handle whatever comes along. A leap that things will work out no matter how dismal they seem. A leap that there is a lesson to be learned from the disappointment no matter how disconcerting it may be.

Enter courage which is acting despite the presence of fear. Be courageous. Leap to new heights. Leap to new standards. Leap to new challenges.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

(NIV, 2 Timothy 1:7)