Doing isn’t everything. Today, just BE

We can get so wound up in goals that we forget that the little things make big waves. I’m learning more and more that it’s great to think big, but we should play small. Think big, then take small steps, create small habits, and be relentless in eliminating the small foxes and distractions.

Since who you are determines what you do, here are a few ways to just be in 2024. Take a moment, take a deep breath, and read slowly. There’s something in this list that is made uniquely for you.

In 2024, be…

1. CONSISTENT. Learn fanatical consistency because, as Craig Groeschel says, “Successful people are not lucky. They’re consistent.”
2. GRATEFUL. Start each day by writing down five things you’re thankful for. Game-changer.
3. ON TIME. Punctuality is a dying trait. My dad taught me that if you aren’t 10 minutes early, you’re late.
4. PASSIONATE. Find out what makes you come alive and double down on it in ’24.
5. PREPARED. Study to show yourself approved. I read that somewhere. (Actually, 2 Timothy 2:15). Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. (Bobby Unser).
6. ENTHUSIASTIC. Enthusiasm will take you from mediocrity to success — in any area of your life. It’s okay to be excited about your life.
7. COACHABLE. If you are coachable, you can avoid being stuck in the mud. Be humble, and find a mentor.
8. TEACHABLE. Always be open to new ideas, concepts, and instruction. It’s different than “coachable” above.
9. STRATEGIC. Ah, yes. Think long-term. Don’t let the short-term determine your future. In other words, don’t make long-term decisions with short-term fears.
10. DECISIVE. Choose well, but choose! You get do-overs and mulligans. You have options; now, you can pick one and move on. You don’t want to be one of those flattened squirrels, and you certainly don’t want to be at the starting gate at the end of the year.
11. WILLING. It’s okay to say “Yes,” but make sure it serves you too.
12. DISCIPLINED. In what one area are you disciplined? (Brushing/flossing? Reading? Social media? Learning? Diet/health? Boundaries? How can you take that discipline into other areas of your life? After all, discipline gives you what you want most over what you want now.
13. CONFIDENT. Believe in yourself, your dreams, and your life. God does. You can have certainty in your life.
14. ADAPTABLE. You don’t want to be a chameleon, but you want to be able to adjust as you go. Planes change course to avoid storms, and the GPS will take you to a different way to save time. You can, too.
15. CREATIVE. Get out of the box, so think like a 5-year-old. Don’t take “no” or a dead end as the final answer. There is always a way, so let your imagination run wild.
16. RUTHLESS. With your time, money, health, relationships, and spiritual life. Eliminate fearlessly and add carefully.
17. FULL OF HOPE. You need hope, like you need air, food, and water. When life is grim, find the silver lining and cling to it.
18. INTENTIONAL. You aren’t an accident. Stop flying by the seat of your pants. Be decisive, deliberate, and calculated.
19. HAPPY. This is a choice. It’s not about your background or your circumstances. Start with a smile and choose life. Choose happiness. Choose the high road. Choose faith.
20. YOU. I saved this one for last, but isn’t it time to take off the mask and be who you were called to be? Be you. Everyone else is taken. Besides, no one can do you better than you!