Grind

Grind. Hustle. Work. Perseverance. All of these words come to mind when I think about what it takes to accomplish our goals. We have to focus and commit to the goal at hand. We have to sacrifice. Sacrifice is where the line in the sand is drawn. Most people give up when it requires more than they initially thought. Our dreams cost us time. They cost us money. Sometimes, they cost us relationships, but its worth it in the end. Grind because its worth it. Grind because you know there’s more to life. Grind because you want to see the manifestation of your dreams coming true. Grind for the next generation. Grind for your legacy.

Grit

I have never been a quitter. I like to finish what I start no matter what. However, life has a way of presenting challenges that seem like formidable obstacles. These challenges seem to all occur at the same time to add to the pressure. Pressure produces diamonds, but it also busts pipes. Are you a diamond or a pipe? Do you have the grit to see it through? Do you have the perspective to see beyond the moment? Grit is not learned. Either you have it or you don’t. Grit is the courage to face your challenges head on and persevere.

2/12

Moses sent out twelve scouts into the Promised Land. Of the twelve, only two came back with a good report. How is it that all twelve went to the same place and saw the same things, but only two saw things differently? Perspective. How are you viewing your current situation? Are you focusing on the obstacles? Are you seeing your current challenges as momentary setbacks? Do you see the glass half full? A positive outlook on a negative situation can change your life. How are your current struggles preparing you? Are they building character or perseverance? Maybe, God is building your faith. No matter what you are currently experiencing, try to have 2/12 vision. See things from God’s point of view.

Keep

Remember what made you start in the first place. Brush yourself off and keep moving forward.  There will be setbacks. There will be detours. There will be moments of doubt, but there will be triumphs. There will be victories. There will be joy. Persevere. Endure. You're closer than you know.  Keep on keepin' on.

Perseverance

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." -Maya Angelou
 

Sometimes, we just need a reminder of who we are and what we are really capable of accomplishing in this life. Truthfully, we don't really find out what we can endure until we have to endure the unthinkable. We are stronger than we think.  We have grit. We have strength. We have steadfastness. We have perseverance.

The Press

We use a lot of olive oil in my house. We use it to cook. We use it in our hair. We use it medicinally as a carrier oil for other essential oils. We love olive oil. In order to extract the oil from the olive, the olives are ground into a paste. The paste is transferred to metal plates and pressed. The press separates the oil from the other contents of the olive. Many times in our lives we find ourselves being separated from people and things we love. We might not understand it. It might be uncomfortable, but there is a purpose. The press helps to produce what's inside of us. The press extracts what's most valuable. What is your oil? Is it that business you want to launch? Is it that book you want to write? Is it that trip you've always wanted to take? There is oil on the inside of you that needs to be pressed. There is something valuable on the inside of you that needs to be produced. Submit to the press...what's inside of you is worth it.