A straight line is the shortest route between two points. One of the most difficult lessons I ever learned in Geometry. You know what I’m talkin’ about. Right? Yeah, the struggle is real. And so many people struggle to stay on that line from point A to point B.
But, c’mon man. What’s difficult to understand about a straight line?
Back in the “olden days,” there used to be these things called malls. And they were places where you could browse through shop after shop, safe inside a giant building, without a single care about the weather.
And when you first got there, if you didn’t know where everything was, you could just check the “mall maps.” You’d stand in front of a plexiglass case and look for the “you are here” spot. And then you’d know how to get where you were going. Because you knew the starting point.
Ok, where you are, in your life, right now is your “you are here” starting point. Your point A.
And your point B is where you want to go. Or where you’d rather be. Do you know where that is?
On the mall maps, you could locate the store you wanted, point yourself in that direction, and walk straight to it. Successful end result, in a fraction of the time. Easy peasy. No problemo. Sí?
But hold on there, Mister (or Missy). Not so fast.
That straight line from Point A to Point B ain’t quite that easy because of a little thing called distraction.
After all; you’re in a mall.
You’re bound to see something you just “gotta have.” Something you didn’t realize, till now, you couldn’t live without. Like that awesome surround sound digital high-rez giant screen TV. Or maybe, just maybe, you smelled it, and your nose won’t let you forget that scrumptious cinnamon roll you’ve “earned” for all your hard work this week.
Suddenly, without fair warning, distractions destroy your straight line mission.
And your “best efforts” to stay the course are obliterated for all eternity.
Hang on there, Bandwagon Buckaroo. Remember, you’re not in a mall anymore. And your past meanderings don’t have to define your so-called destiny.
Today is a new day. And you can start over. You can find your A and B Points and get back on a straight line. And this isn’t mystical, magical, or mind over matter stuff. It’s just what marketers call persistence. Or consistency. And, as ranchers will tell you, a matter of “git back on that horse that threw you and ride.”
Forget that “work harder, not smarter” mantra.
Do what your competition won’t do. Work harder AND smarter. Get better at what you do. And learn new stuff, too. Figure out how to do more in less time. Dive into more software programs that help you be the one others need. And streamline your efficiency.
And then, grind it out. Practice, practice, practice! “Being smarter” isn’t enough. Here’s a line I came up with, years ago, that shows what I mean:
Education without Application leads to a Continuation of Frustration. (You may quote me on that. Just make sure my name is in the credits.)
One more point.
All your best efforts and successes won’t amount to a mountain of deer droppings if you don’t also have a straight line perspective on eternity.
I’m always harping on about how this life ain’t all there is. And I’m 100% confident I’m right about that. And if I AM right, it means there are two places where you could end up after this life. Each one is a place where you could be forever. And if I’m right (and I am), one of those places will be unimaginably awful. But it’s also undeniably easy to avoid.
And right now, your Point A is here on Earth.
My suggestion is to make sure Point B is Heaven. And there’s only one Way to make sure.
Do you know the Way?
If you take a stand and you stand for the Way,
You might never be rich.
But no gold here beats the treasure in Heaven,
And you’ll know which is which.
(from the song, Take A Stand)
Stay tuned,
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