The Challenge of Moving Forward

     

            The athlete, the musician, the student, and the basic laborer all know that doing only the minimum will not lead to improvement or advancement. Any one of these who challenge themselves to be more, to do more, and to aim for the next step of improvement, to be the best in their field will bring about recognition and acknowledgment. This approach is true in the life of everyone, regardless of the vocation one chooses to pursue.

               Everyone has the same amount of time each day, each week, each month, and each year. He who chooses to use his time to improve himself, to challenge himself and not be distracted by the empty world of social media, entertainment and small talk. One can easily get lost while doom scrolling to lose hours a day that bring nothing of value into one’s life.

               You can use up your time with empty distraction, or you can use your time in prayer, in reading books of value, or interacting with others who will help you improve, all of which will fill your mind with content of value and the opportunity to become a better person. Think of your time as a commodity which you do not want to waste but rather use to make yourself a better version of you.

               When given the opportunity, do you choose to each fast food, snacks, soda, and candy, or do you take in food with actual nutritional value that will strengthen your body, fill you with energy that makes your body healthy and whole? Whatever it is that you put into your heart and mind is what you will find yourself thinking about and dwelling on.

               If your goal is to be holy and move toward truth, goodness, light, and beauty, then put those things in your heart and mind. Don’t fill yourself with the inanity of Hollywood, pop culture, or silly distraction. The first step toward truth and beauty is to begin documenting how you spend your time, what you are putting into your mind, and honestly assessing the wisdom of your approach.

               If this is a place of struggle for you, find someone to help you, challenge you, and be critical of how you use your time and with what you fill yourself. If you need to answer to someone, know that if you choose the right person, they will help you move forward.