Make Things Happen

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.” (Dr. Albert Ellis)

This statement illustrates the first principle of MAXIMIZERS:  Make Things Happen

To live well, a person needs to assume responsibility for his own life and be prepared to change when necessary.  We need to resist the temptation to view ourselves as victims.  We need to stop blaming others, God or our circumstances for our own lack of growth or problems.

MAXIMIZERS suggests two ideas to improve in this area:

1.Be proactive, not reactive.  Read and study the following passages to see what the Scripture teaches us about taking responsibility for our own lives:

• Matthew 25:14-30
• 1 John 1:5-10
• James 1:13-15

2.Be disciplined.  We make things happen when we are disciplined.  Richard Taylor in his book, The Disciplined Life defines self-discipline as: the ability to regulate conduct by principle and judgment rather than impulse, desire, high pressure or social custom.

Look up the following passages to see what role disciplines plays in life.

• Proverbs 6:6-11
• 1 Timothy 4:7
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Reflection Questions:

How do you view your self?  As a victim or as a conqueror?  When things go wrong, how do you respond?  Do you tend to blame others or take responsibility for the situation?

What are traits of people who fail poorly?

What might be one thing you could do to improve your work habits?

What is one new habit you could begin to develop today?  Who could help keep you accountable?