Don't Let a
Two-Inch Block of Wood Stop Your Locomotive
September 15, 2003
Motivational speaker, Zig Zigler likes to point
out that the largest and most powerful locomotive in the world
can be held in place by a one-inch block of wood. Placed in
front of the eight drive wheels of the locomotive, the block
will hold it motionless. Yet that same locomotive, with a full
head of steam, can crash through a steel-reinforced concrete
wall that is five feet thick.
Zigler concludes that the "action habit can do the
same thing for us!" If there is one thing every man needs, it's
the discipline required to develop the right kind of habits . .
. habits that will enable us to live with consistency and
diligence.
The Apostle Paul understood the importance of
discipline. And so does every effective leader. As followers of
Christ our spiritual lives form the core of our character. We're
to be like a runner or a boxer. A runner doesn't stagger from
one lane to another. He rivets his attention on the finish line
and runs a disciplined race toward it. A boxer trains himself so
he can absorb powerful blows without falling down. Similarly,
Paul trained like a world-class athlete. Why? Because he wanted
to have the self-control to finish the race without
disqualification.
If you want to be an effective leader, identify
the habits you need to build into your life so you can lead with
diligence. Knock the blocks out from under your wheels and get
going. Disciplined habits will give you the momentum you need to
not only move forward, but to get past the barriers you'll
encounter along the way.
|
