It’s a new day.
And if I want to get better in the areas I value, i.e. writing, prayer, family time, etc., I need to do it daily.
Yes, yesterday could have been glorious. I may have hit the ball out the park, but today still needs it’s due.
For example, you can’t workout twice as long yesterday and think today makes no difference. You can’t sleep 14 hours one day and take the next day off. You can’t spend extra time with your family one day in order to ignore them the next. It won’t balance out.
Now, I know we all must make due in whatever ways we can, but the goal here isn’t about describing ways to make due. No need to explore strategies to get around what’s really important. Compromise can be imagined without any external encouragement.
But the goal here is to know (1) what is really important and (2) give daily attention to that area in order to honor it and develop our skills.
Looking for shortcuts and compromises prove it’s not important. It’s really not a value. Real values have a cost, and when you really think about what your life is about, you gladly pay the price.
Even more, what is a price to one person is a pleasure to the next.
We need to remind ourselves sometimes that today’s sacrifice will be worth it in the end.
In the words of Steven Covey, we’re beginning with the end in mind.
Everyday, make decisions based on the desired end and you’ll not only be pleased with the outcome, but you’ll likely enjoy the journey as well.