Have
you ever woken up in the middle of the night, and had an image or idea flash
inside your head like a neon light? Sometimes I do.
I'll get an idea, and my brain just won't shut off. Inspired by Easter, this
blog post is a creation of that occurrence.
Despite
your spirituality, faith, or even religion, there's no denying one fact - a
little over 2,000 years ago, a man named Jesus walked the earth. The record of
Jesus of Nazareth has been documented by historians, scholars, and theologians
alike.
Regardless
if you believe you are here because of an explosion in space, karma, God,
Allah, Xenu (WTF? YouTube "
Xenu South Park"...it's amazing). Or maybe
you believe in a different dogma all together. Either way, there's one thing I
BELIEVE we all can agree on -
This man they called Jesus was one hell
of a goal setter.
That
was my 2 AM epiphany. Jesus may have been the greatest goal setter of
all time.
I
mean, he set the bar HIGH! I'm talking Elon Musk SpaceX type ish. Being
miraculously born from a virgin would probably increase anyone's swag
factor. However, believing to be the son of man, performing miracles, sharing
the new gospel, dying for the sins of the world, then coming back to life, and
ascending into heaven...Jesus's goals made Elon Musk's goals look itty-bitty
teeny-tiny.
The
original JB (Jesus born in Bethlehem...not Bieber) dreamed BIG. I'm talking
supersized, XXXL, jumbo, gigantic, ridiculously crazy off the wall big!
If
Jesus had one thing (besides a dope beard and legit pair of sandals) it was
vision. In order to have a clear vision, you must have what I call MVPs:
mission, values, purpose, and slogan. Every successful organization has these
clearly defined. Why don't you?
Jesus's
MVPs would look something like this:
Mission - Save the world from
sin.
Values - Love all people.
Purpose - Share the good news.
Slogan - I am the truth, the
way, the light.
Jesus
without question could define his MVPs. You could tell by how he acted, spoke,
prayed, and what he said "yes" or "no" to. His MVPs drove
his behavior to reach his vision.
Have
you taken the time to define your MVPs?
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| One of my main goals is to be the best husband and father possible. |
One
of the pillars that Project Rise is built on is living a life driven by
vision. When you have vision in your life, you have a clear set of goals.
Goals create clarity, and clarity is power. Whoever has the most clarity always
wins...whether it's a debate, competition, or getting the sale...clarity just
flat out gets things done.
How's
your clarity?
Did
Jesus have clarity on what his purpose and vision was? You bet your Peeps
eatin', mimosa sippin', Easter pastel outfit wearing ass he did.
No
goal, no purpose.
No
goal, no direction.
No
goal, no life.
No
goal, no soul.
I
have the amazing privilege to have opportunities to speak to many audiences -
especially to schools and young people about the power of goal setting.
JohnNorlin is the
Service Guy.
Houston Kraft is the
Love Guy. Collin
Henderson is the
Goals Guy. We all have a brand. If you don't think you
have a brand, it's time to establish one (just don't be
That Guy...no
one likes
That Guy).
But
wait a sec, who am I kidding? I'm not on the same level right now as John or Houston...but
the key word is yet. I'm not on their level YET (come on, where are my Growth
Mindset people at?). The fact that I'm not there at this moment in time doesn't
bother me. Not one bit. Because I'm already there in my mind. It's all ready
done. It just hasn't happened YET. I have a vision and a goal to RISE, just
like Jesus.
I
believe with every ounce of my being that having clear goals can transform your
life - the way they have mine.
Goals have taken me from a stutterer to a speaker.
A
perfectionist to an activist.
A
worrier to a warrior...a warrior who feels the fear, but goes to battle
anyway.
Goals
will get you out of bed; help you overcome hardships; generate momentum;
inspire others; and push you to become your best self.
My
man Zig Ziglar once said, "Don't be a wondering generality. Be a
meaningful specific." A life without a goal is not a life at all.
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| Casey is a testimate of going all in on a dream. |
Who
modeled the power of goal setting better than the Jewish carpenter? No
one.
Below
are 10 lessons in goal setting I've learned from the real Jahovah-Jireh, Jesus
of Nazareth. Sorry Hova and Yeezus, there can only be One (I can't wait for the
Yeezy Fall Collection though).
The
10 Commandments of Goal Setting - Modeled by Jesus.
1.
Your goals should scare you
I
don't think you need to take it as far as Jesus did....on the night before his
crucifixion, where it says in the Bible that he was in such a state of distress
that he was sweating blood (but when did Jesus go small?). If your goals don't
scare you at least a little...you need bigger goals. No guts, no glory.
2.
You're gonna have haters
For
some reason, many people don't know what to do with different. If you feel your
talents and aspirations are unique, pay these haters no mind. Just do you,
just like Jesus did.
The
Pharisees and the ancient high priests were the OG's of haters. They were so
jealous of what Jesus was doing, all the attention he was getting, the wisdom
he had, and the blasphemy that he believed to be the son of God?! Jealously has
been with man since the beginning...remember Cain and Abel?
Listen,
it's sad but, many people aren't comfortable with extraordinary. Many prefer
the status quo...even some people who love you. If you are raising your
standards and living with a vision that others can't see, you'll get criticized.
Criticized because of jealousy, lack of faith, and quite honestly, fear they
might lose you to bigger and better things. Sound selfish? Yes, but it's
true.
I like to think that having haters is good. It means you're doing something.
Sometimes
your dreams might scare others. They'll say, "You can't do that," or
"You'll fail." Let them be scared and continue to live a life of lazy
mediocrity, while you work your ass off, and not listen to the haters, but hold
on to your dream and your process. If you stay true to you, your vision, and
your goals...you'll be well on your way to RISE above the fray.
3.
It's going to be hard
Jesus
had an unmatched work ethic. From walking from town to town spreading the
gospel, to performing miracles daily, to addressing large crowds hours on
end...your boy got after it!
The
amazing fact about having a clear goal that inspires you, moves you, and stirs
your emotions - it will give you ENERGY! Even though it's really hard work,
you'll be able to push through and not even notice the hours you put in. You'll
pay no mind to setbacks. You'll be able to persevere through the pain.
There's
no doubt that Jesus suffered to fulfill his destiny. Because he suffered an
unimaginable death, his reward was to sit at the right hand of the throne next
to his father in heaven. This is the most extreme example imaginable, but it
reminds me this simple fact: the higher the level of achievement - the
higher the level of hard work and sacrifices required.
But
the payoff will always be worth it.
Does
your goal drive you to work your ass off? If your answer is no, it might be
time to reassess your vision and goals.
4.
Break some rules
One
of Arnold Swartzenegger's rules to success is this: Sometimes you've gotta
break the rules.
Jesus
understood this principle. He followed his heart, vision, and values, and not
to the old crusty Pharisee law. He knew what was right - he was fulfilling his
mission. He was staying true to his MVPs, which sometimes meant breaking
the rules. Whether it was healing the sick on the sabbath or rewriting a
new covenant - a salvation that is based on faith and not just deeds
alone - Jesus stuck to his guns.
We
can learn from Jesus's conviction.
If
old philosophies and out dated guidelines block your path - it's time to
blaze a new trail. The worst 6 words that stand in the way of innovation are,
"That's how we've always done it." Learn from Jesus. Some rules are
meant to be broken.
5.
You'll need a crew
Life
was made to be lived together. With that said, our alignment defines our
assignment. We are a byproduct of the people we hang with the most. Jesus knew
he couldn't do it alone (hence his 12 disciples) - nor can you. Be open to
delegate and seek out help. Just be selective on who you choose. Here's one
tip: If you're the smartest person in the room, find a new room.
There's
a cool phenomenon called the Koehler Effect, which as been
scientifically proven to show that when people work in groups they perform
at a higher level. Whether it's a greater sense of accountability, or more
energy, it's just proven - teamwork makes the dream work.
Who's
in your squad?
Join
a small group. Get a buddy to go with you to the gym. Align with a partner to
start a new business. Nothing great was ever done alone. Develop a team,
and watch your production RISE.
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| Squad goals achieved: the Hopper's, Isaacson's, and Martin's. Love this crew so much! |
6.
Be well read
Jesus
knew his Bible. He did his homework and could recite all the scriptures. While
traveling with his family as a twelve year old, he was mistakenly left
behind because he was studying in his God's house - the church.
Are
you well read in your field of choice? Have you studied those who have came
before you?
The
one thing that changed my life when I was going through struggles was
investing in my personal development. I've made it a habit to read and listen to books incessantly. I hope you do the same. Eric Thomas, the
Hip Hop Preacher often advises, "You are what you know."
What
are you reading, watching, and listening to?
If
your answers are: Facebook, Netflix, and Pandora...it's
time to find new material.
7.
Humble yourself
Jesus
didn't roll into town in a Bentley spinning on 22's. He was riding a
donkey. Humble yourself to focus on what's important - substance, not
flash. Do the grunt work. Start from the bottom. Push your ego aside. If a
carpenter can be the savior of man, then you can ascend to unreal heights too.
The only way you'll stay there though, is with humility. Don't judge your
success on things, but in the people you impact and your personal growth. If
those elements are your focus, the frankincense and myrrh will come.
Jesus never looked to take credit for any of his miracles. Often times after helping someone, he would tell them to "tell no one." How many times have you looked for praise for the simplest of accomplishments? I am so guilty of that...seeking for praise, instead of seeking to raise someone up.
He who humbles himself, will be exalted. Today might be a good day to start to eat some humble pie. You'll reach your goals faster if you do.
8.
Be a servant
Gandhi peacefully fasted. MLK marched. Mother Teresa fed the poor. Jesus washed feet. It didn't
matter if you were a tax collector, prostitute, Roman guard, or stricken with
leprosy, Jesus loved and served all people.
Achieving
is serving. The more you serve, the farther you will go. To me, that's the
definition of greatness. Dave Ramsey once said, "The only
effective form of leadership is servant leadership."
While
you are striving to achieve your goal, just remember this: The more people
you serve, the more abundance and success you'll create.
Who
served others more than Jesus?
9.
It's never too late
Jesus
didn't perform one miracle, make any ripple in history, or begin his ministry
until he was in his early 30's.
It's
never too late to get on the goal train and achieve greatness. Look at John
Wooden and Warren Buffet. Goals don't have an age requirement...just a passion
qualifier. It doesn't matter if you're 9 or 90 for the conductor to click your
ticket. Just like Jesus, the goal train accepts all passengers. No matter your
age, failures, disappointments, background, or history - everyone is welcome -
similar to God's kingdom.
What
debilitating story have you been telling yourself? What excuses have you
been making that have created a failure to launch?
It's
time to start a new thought pattern, and a new plan to finally go after your
dream. It's never too late.
10.
YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE
Jesus
was willing to die for what he believed in...are you? Are you willing to lay it
on the line and sacrifice everything you have because your faith and belief is
so intense that nothing will stop you? Belief was one of Jesus's strongest
super powers. By faith, not in acts alone will you RISE.
A
goal without belief is like a car without gas. It won't go anywhere. Choose
faith. Believe in the unseen. Trust your process. Do whatever it takes to get
there. If you do, you will be handsomely rewarded...just like the Jewish
carpenter from Nazareth.
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| Sometimes you gotta just GO FOR IT! |
He
has RISEN
I
hope this post gives you an epiphany like I had the other night - an epiphany
of clarity and inspiration. In order to RISE and be your best self, it starts
with a goal. I hope your goal is so crazy and exciting that it keeps you up at
night. If you have a passionate goal, there's no doubt you will.
The
central theme of Easter is rebirth and resurrection. If you are not where you
want to be, that is OK. Get rid of your old ways. Cease your limiting thoughts.
Create a goal and begin a rebirth of the new you.
Here's
a simple exercise to get you started. Pull out a sheet of paper and pen (or use
the Notes app in your phone) and create your MVPs. This exercise will give you
the framework for your vision - to help you achieve your goals.
Mission - What do you want to
accomplish?
Values - What are the standards and
guiding principles that will drive your behavior?
Purpose - What is the reason and
"why" behind your goal?
Slogan - Create a slogan or mantra
that sums up in a few words what you're all about and sparks action. Tell this
slogan to the world! Put it on your Instagram and Facebook page.
Let
Jesus be the model of how to live and love. If you do, who knows, with GRACE,
GRIT, and most importantly a GOAL, you can create your best self...and a
version of heaven on earth.
If
you like this post or you know somebody that could use this framework, The
10 Commandments of Goal Setting - Modeled by Jesus, please share
it!
HAPPY
EASTER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
