Decision Versus Defeat

Shared by Andy Andrews

Have you ever noticed the power displayed when one combines a decision with a goal? I'm not talking about setting a goal. When we set a goal, that's exactly what we do: we set it—and often, we set it up for defeat. What I'm talking about is the power of a decision combined with a goal. There is a world of difference between the two. Let me explain...

By now, you're either on track to achieve the New Year's goals you sat down and etched out six months ago, or they have since been forgotten. It's our nature to want to believe that a New Year equals a New Me. But how many of us can actually say this is true?

In 1940 a man named Albert Gray addressed a room packed with Life Insurance Salesmen. Mr. Gray was one himself—a veteran of the business, having spent nearly 30 years as both a life insurance agent and instructor in sales development. Addressing a packed house at the National Association of Life Underwriters Annual Convention, Mr. Gray mesmerized the audience with his speech, The Common Denominator of Success. He stated a truth that is as relevant to you and me as it is to a salesman, a mother, a father, a CEO, an NFL Quarterback, or anyone else determined to succeed in a given endeavor. Dr. Gray stated:

"The secret of success of every man or woman who has ever been successful — lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do."


So what are the things that you don't like to do that you know you should be doing? The only thing that is stopping you from getting what you want out of this year is you. Are your goals "shoulds" or are they "musts?" Why are they musts? Have you taken the action to back up your claim?

Whatever it Takes

So many of us set goals but never actually decide to actually achieve those goals. Do you see the difference between the two? When you combine a decision with your goal, you'll do whatever it takes to achieve it. When you set a goal, you'll usually do only what is convenient, and rarely what is necessary. Convenience does not lead to success. In most cases it leads to mediocrity.

If you've set certain goals, what will it take for you to truly hit the mark? The difference is an authentic decision. Are you willing to become this decision? When you do, your life will change dramatically.

In The Traveler's Gift, Columbus presents David Ponder with the Fourth Decision to Determine Personal Success: "I have a decided heart." Create a decided heart within yourself and amazing things will take place in regards to the goals you have set. The magic of a decided heart is it opens doorways of possibility that half-heartedness will not.

Cultivating a Decided Heart

Here are a few questions to help you cultivate a decided heart:

• What is it that you've set out to do this year? By now, you should know in your gut whether or not your current actions will achieve them.

• What are the habits that might be standing in your way?

• What must you do to replace these old habits beginning today?

• Why is it a must, and not a "should," that you replace these habits?

• What are the actions you've been putting off that you know you need to take in order to move forward in the direction of your goals?

• When will you take them?

• If you aren't taking massive action today toward achieving your goals, when will you?

Here is my favorite quote from Dr. Billy Graham: "I'm always amazed at how many people in trouble confuse God's Will for their life with plain old bad decision making."

Substitute the words "plain old bad decision making" with the words "failure to do any decision making" and you'll discover a major source of problems. More people fail because of an undecided heart than for any other reason. Don't be one of these people.

Make an authentic, powerful decision today—and move forward accordingly—with abandonment and resolve. You are responsible. Take ownership of your goals. Do whatever is necessary to cultivate a decided heart concerning your goals... this is the first step toward their achievement.

And remember to...

Persist without exception!

Andy