Below is a post I wrote almost six years ago - on the first day of school back in 2013. As I was re-reading, I realized that this is exactly how I’m feeling now - I CAN’T WAIT FOR SUMMER TO BE OVER! And it’s not just because I’m a party-pooper and the “fun police” as my kids call me, it’s because I see the value of structure, routine and SYSTEMS! And as I’m prepping for my second message in our latest series, STARTING SMALL, I thought this post would be the perfect lead in to prime the pump for Sunday. Enjoy!
It's official... MY SUMMER IS OVER! Today marked the first day of the new school year. Got the uniforms out last night, packed the lunches this morning, and just dropped off the kids a little bit ago. Halleluiah! I’ve been waiting for this day.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy my summers. Trust me – no one enjoys a little rest & relaxation more than me. Summers are great because of the time we get to spend together as a family – not doing homework or rushing to get dressed for school – but just hanging out and playing cards or throwing a baseball or relaxing at the pool.
This summer was especially eventful as both my kids learned how to swim (that meant many trips to the pool) and both also learned how to ride their bikes (that meant many hours of running down the street while hunched over in the most uncomfortable position known to man).
So why then am I so eager for summers to end then?
One word: STRUCTURE. I need structure in my life and every year I look forward to the start of the school year as a way to get some structure back into my life.
You may not like structure as much as I do – in fact, I’ll go out on a limb here and say that you probably don’t. My lovely wife is always quick to remind me that very few people enjoy structure as much as I do. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t need structure. We all need structure to some degree. Why? Because structure leads to success.
Let me pause here and write a disclaimer: I am not saying that you have to be like me to be successful. I am not saying that you need to be ultra-organized and have a “Type A” personality. The world would be an awful awful place if we were all like that me (my wife is always quick to remind me about that as well :) ).
That’s not what I’m saying. But what I am saying is that the formula to success is not a mystery. Success in any field is built on the same thing…HABITS.
Those who establish good habits and stick to those good habits will be much more likely to find long term success than those who don’t. Agree or disagree?
Those who establish good EATING & EXERCISING habits will be more successful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Those who establish good STUDY habits will be more successful in maintaining healthy grades in school.
Those who establish good SPIRITUAL habits – like regular time in God’s Word, in prayer and in fellowship with the Body of Christ – will be more successful in maintaining a healthy relationship with God.
This isn’t rocket science people; it’s how life works. It is the principle of sowing and reaping.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7
For many of us, we have an idea of success and what we want to achieve. But the question is this: do I have the habits in place to get me there?
If the habits aren’t there, success isn't likely – regardless of how much I might desire it. Habits are the seeds that yield the fruit of success.
Do you have the right habits in place to get you where you want to go? At work? In your family life? In your spiritual life?
Why do I love the start of the school year? Because it’s a chance for me to regain structure in my life and re-establish the habits that will ultimately put me on the path to success. I know what I want out of life, but wanting it isn’t enough. I need to commit to the habits that will get me there.
What one or two habits do you need to start (or restart) to get on path to success?