Staying in the Groove in 2013

• Philippians 3:14 (NKJV) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

OK, let me add another line to our definition of success. Try this on for size: Success is being able to look at myself in the mirror and know that I am doing what I was born to do with growing excellence.

Now before you put too much pressure on yourself let me remind you of an important principle: Anything worth doing is worth doing badly. By that I do not mean sloppily, there is a difference.

Let me explain: “Sloppy” means that you are not giving your best; “badly” means that there others that could do it better but they are not available or willing.

However, having said that, let me remind you of the strong tendency we humans have to turn a “groove” (as in, “I’m in a groove”) into a rut.

We see it all the time.   For example, a couple gets married because they have such a wonderful relationship – they’re “in the groove” – it’s like magic!  Check in on them a few years later…can you say, “Rut”.  The same is true in virtually every area of life.

Remember, there is always someone out there eager to take your place. The wolves of “becoming obsolete” are always howling outside your door. With the fast pace of change today, a commitment to “growing excellence” is absolutely essential.

So going forward into 2013, one of the most important things you can do is invest in yourself and in the things you were called to do. Being perfect is not the standard. Being better than others is not the goal. Growing in excellence is what will define your success in 2013.

For extra credit: This blog by one of my favorite bloggers (Seth Godin) dove-tails nicely with my remarks.