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By Dr. Ben Lerner
On the first day of January, millions of people made resolutions
hoping to change their lives in some profound way. By January 4,
however, most of these resolutions disappeared. Change is difficult.
The next year--just like clockwork--the holidays show up again and
the same pattern is repeated.
In the dictionary, the term resolution actually means "fixed
purpose." That definition makes the reality of resolutions
either humorous or sad. We clearly need to change
what we call these oaths or we need to amend the term "resolution."
Maybe we should call it something else, like this year's "passing
fancy" or a "temporary whim."
Sometime shortly after the fourth day of January, life goes on.
But our dreams, goals and plans don't survive the rest of the
journey. For many of us, it's not so much what happens in January
as what's taken place before then, over a lifetime. Our search
for significance, meaning and "buried treasure" has met
with so much struggle and failure that we've either given up
altogether or we end up on the wrong track.
Better Than Surviving
At the beginning of the journey, we were off just a few degrees
but by the time we arrived at what became our final destination,
we were miles from our intended location. In other words, we left
New York on the way to Florida, but we ended up in Texas instead.
Getting off track and ending up at the wrong destination is a tragic
consequence. Your health, career and intended future all go down
in flames when all were potentially meant for triumph.
Years ago, I attended an Anthony Robbins seminar. While everyone
can gain benefits from these experiences, many in attendance are
at low points and trying to find their way out of them. So you can
imagine, when Tony asked the people in our group to define their
greatest attribute, everyone around me said, "I'm a survivor."
It's not uncommon for people to admire their own survival
skills. When trial, tribulation, hardship, failure and setbacks
have come into their lives, they've endured. But there is a
big difference between enduring and what I'd call truly
"surviving."
If ideals are sacrificed, purpose denied, important plans changed
and dreams relinquished, we may still be breathing, but all we're
really doing is surviving. We keep existing, but are no longer moving
toward our real destiny. Something important has been forgotten.
That's why I want you to be more than a survivor.
For most of us, it's way past time for resolutions. Resolutions
come from a temporary motivation for change. They're emotional
and emotions change with the day and season. This isn't time
for a resolution. It's time for a revolution! This can only
occur when we no longer rely on the latest motivational materials
and fad programs. We need to transform our lives.
Second Chances
You should be comforted by the fact some of history's greatest
examples of victorious people who started out by making big mistakes.
You might think your past life has messed up your future beyond
repair, but it's highly unlikely you will have made as many
mistakes as the sins of our patriarchs. Fortunately, God loves second
chances. It's only a second chance if the dreams and resolutions
stay alive.
It's time for a revolution, to be more than a survivor.
Are the ideals, dreams and future you set out to experience still
intact? Has the challenge to find your purpose and the frustrations
of the deferred discovery of your destiny caused you to lead a less-than-authentic
life? Have you forgotten where you were headed?
To revolutionize your life and be more than a survivor requires
what I call maximized living. Maximized living takes into
account not just one area -- just eating better, exercise or
taking supplements. It really takes looking at your whole self:
Body, mind and spirit.
- Faith
- Family
- Fitness (health and wellness)
- Finances (stewardship and security)
- Future (purpose and mission)
- Formulas for success (stress and time management)
If you're thin, but spiritually destitute, then you're
just a thin miserable person. If your family's falling apart,
but you're in good shape, then you'll be a broke, unhappy,
ripped person. If you're miserable, broke and unhappy, it's
unlikely you'll eat well or exercise.
It all works together. That's why resources like Mercola.com
and my Body
by God book are effective. We're looking to create wholeness.
Simply put, real maximized living.
Resolutions don't work. This year, be revived: Try a revolution!
Know that God loves you just as you are, no matter who you are
right now. God calls us to improve and to do our best, not on
our own, but through, and with, Him.
Dr. Ben Lerner, along with Dr. Greg Loman,
owns Teach The World About Chiropractic, a Chiropractic training
company. They have helped build the largest spinal correction
clinics in the history of Chiropractic.
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