Small wins that lead to victory

The motto of Fit Pastor is ‘train yourself to become Godly’. This is from a verse found in Paul’s first letter to a young pastor named Timothy. Later in the same chapter, he encourages him to “watch your life and doctrine closely, persevere in them, because if you do, you’ll save both yourself and your listener.” (1 Tim. 4:16)

How do you preserve? By looking for small wins.

Abraham Lincoln has been consistently rated as the best President in US history.

He was energized by moral courage and clothed with humility he rallied a nation to wage war against a great evil. The man showed incredible character and is a great role model. Yet the self-taught lawyer suffered many personal hardships and even lost 7 elections before finally being elected President. He prayed not that God would be on his side but that he would be on God’s side.

How do you get to that level of character? He started with the small things.

So often we’re looking for the big flashy things to ‘do’ in order to grow, realize our talents and live out the plan God has prepared for us. But like with Abraham Lincoln, we build character, we become disciples, we live the fulness of life that God has for us in the small things. It’s the simple acts, sometimes done day-in and day-out that shape who we are when the opportunity to shine comes.

So what can I do? Make your bed. Empty the sink. Open your mail. Get dressed. Wait! Those aren’t world changers! Perhaps, but they will change you. When we can be found faithful in the daily, mundane, routine tasks of the day we can be trusted with more. Doing things like this also gives a sense of accomplishment.

These are called small wins.

Small wins allow us to gain a sense of momentum and even control of our lives. They’re so easy to skip, yet also so easy to do. When we do them we build a habit of accomplishment that can be built upon. Once you develop the habit of doing the mundane you will soon find yourself able to start to move forward in other areas. Take charge there too! Put together a list of things you need to do. On this add easy things that you can accomplish to main that sense of achievement and keep momentum going. Also add fun tasks or things to your list to help with motivation when things become challenging. Finally, make a list of the things you are thankful for. At the end of the day, or when you pray, thank God for at least 5 tangible, specific things from that day you’re thankful for. These small wins, this attitude of gratitude will transfer you from what you were to what God would have you be, you’ll train yourself to be Godly.

You may never be called to do what Abraham Lincoln did, few of us ever will be, but by paying attention to the small things, by doing what’s in our control consistently, when the day comes that you have that moment to shine and make a difference, you’ll be ready. Until then, make your bed!