THE STARTING BLOCK PRINCIPLE

Here we go again with the traditional, best opportunity of the year to start afresh and new, leaving failures and wasted efforts behind and planning for a bright and successful future.  So, how’s your New Years plan coming along?  It would be interesting to see the analytics on how many of us have our goals set and on target already versus how many of us have yet to formulate that new plan for the upcoming year.  

I dare not ask for response to this question for fear I may lose some of you because of my meddling.  But if you are one of those who has yet to initiate that plan or perhaps struggling a bit to get to the next few steps, let me offer this suggestion for you to consider to help you along.

What is your heart telling you that is important going forward with your life this  next year?  Take time to examine the priorities that your heart leads you to think about first because that is where your treasure is.  Then, when you’re getting in the starting blocks of this race, listen and feel the pulse of your entire mind, body and spirit and what it is trying to relate to you.

It isn’t so much the number of things you want to accomplish, the amount of money you want to make, the position in your company you desire to attain, the amount of time you want to spend with your mate and family,  but the importance they should be  in your life and future developement.  If you can do this, then you establish your priorities and thus the order of resolutions that you focus upon first to last.

Now why is this so important?  Experience and observation has proven that if we can stay aware and working on one to three of those priority items over the course of the next year, we will be doing really good.  First, the number of items listed can become lost and overwhelming over a period of time.  Second, if we slip and fail a time or two on any number of promises, we get discouraged and tend to just give up anyway.  Alas, we can more easily justify that we “just can’t do this anyway”, and quit all efforts we originally believed in and thought we should and could do.

So here is the ”STARTING BLOCK PRINCIPLE”,  to help you solidify your New Years Resolutions.

1. Seek answers from your heart with importance and meaning to your goal setting

2. Establish the priorities in order so you can focus on the most important issues first.

3. Minimize your list to limit confusion and frustration.  You can always add more.

Oh, and last….WRITE THEM DOWN. 

There is something impactful about writing your commitments to yourself that is much more meaningful than just saying them and usually forgetting them along the way.  If you would like a great scriptural reference to support this, read Habakkuk 2:1-3.

Blessings……..Rich Forster   KBJ  Publisher

IF I COULD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN

Today was a memorial service for a special man of God and healing evangelist, Oral Roberts.   In the last few months, I lost a high school classmate, and also another old friend from a few years ago.  I’m sure you all remember just a few months ago when one of the most gifted entertainment celebrities, Michael Jackson passed away.  Perhaps you have had a similiar loss yourself lately?  I don’t mean to be morbid or depressive by beginning this writing with such sadness and finality, but to see if you have similiar feelings as I do once in a while when friends, loved ones and respected ones pass on.

Death has a unique way of reminding us of our mortality doesn’t it?  I don’t know if it’s part of the aging process or perhaps a little spiritual nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me to ask myself….are you ready?  Have you done all I designed you to do?  So I ask myself….if I knew I was going to die today, what would I regret if anything?  If I could do it over again, what would I do different?  Here’s a tougher one.  What if you knew you were going to die a year from today.  What if anything would you do different this next year? 

Not fun questions to ponder I know.  But that doesn’t change the fact that the inevitable is going to happen to us and maybe we should be asking ourselves not just what would we do for the next year but why?  Oh, now I really have your curiosity I’m sure .  The question can be applied to your life’s practices in general but let me narrow this writing down to your purpose in the marketplace.

Rev. 20:4  tells us we are going to rule and reign with Jesus during the 1000 reign and Rev. 22:4  says we shall rule and reign with Him forever and ever in Heaven.  So I’m wondering what we are going to rule and reign in Heaven on earth?   What a stimulating question.  Allow me to suggest a thought provoking answer.  Could it be that all the trials, tribulations and training we are going through on earth in this lifetime are training for this ruling and reigning John the Revelator is referring to? 

Whether you interpert this scripture this way or not but think maybe it  could be such, it offers a reasonable argument or hopefully incentive to apply yourself to your job and career to the very best of your God given ability.  Who knows?  God may have you slated for something similiar in eternity.

Now some of you may not be not too happy about that if your not in a field of work you really like.  So here’s your chance.  To whom much is given, much is expected.  To him who does well with a little, much more will be given to him.  Do these scriptures sound familiar?  If you going to stay on the sidelines your not going to get to play in the game.  You can start tomorrow with a fresh new approach to your work and with an attitude of doing your job a well as you or anyone else possibly can.  Applying God’s principles to your work will not only result in more success in your job, but your Godly influence will begin to impact those around you in a positive way to His cross.  

Now your positioned for promotion, so get ready.  Repeat this same process with your next work opportunity and before you know it, you will be successful in the career of your dreams.  And who knows?  God may be looking for a qualified soul to fill those shoes and more in heaven’s marketplace and you just might get a chance to do it over again, the right way.

A Plan of Action

A good friend, business student and spiritual son called me today to discuss a number of issues and for prayer.  I am always honored to be asked for advice and prayer.  But we discussed a principle for business I taught him years ago that he realized played a major role in the way he was handling life situations as well as business opportunities.  It’s an old cliche you have all probalby heard but it is so refreshing to hear that it still works today in various situation of life.  As a very talented salesman searching to be the best at what he did, he operated more from enthusiasm and challenge than he did with purpose and efficiency.  He had a tendency to ready, fire, aim and consequently wasted his energy and talent finding his way through the maze of selling.  So I taught him to “plan his work and work his plan”.

It is a known fact that if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.  The need for a plan in your life was first substantiated by God when He did the same for you.  In Eph. 1:4-5 Paul verified for us that God chose us, each and every one, before the beginning of time and pre-destined (appointed plan or guananteed destiny) us as His son’s according to the good pleasure of His will.

All throughtout the Word of God from creation in Genesis to the details in revelation, God demonstrated that He had a plan for everything and everybody.  That in itself is a comforting thought, right?  But it also infers we do the same with our life.  Afterall, He was the living example for us all to follow in life.  I would also add that He is a God of detail.  He numbered the hairs on your head and when David was drawing up the blue prints for the Temple that his son Solomon was to build, God gave him very explicit intsructions and details on how it was to be built.  There are  many examples I could mention today but suffice to say, I think you get the point.

My young protege went on to explain how this procedure he learned in the sales training 101 class has assisted him in his business now and with his family affairs as well.  So I want to encourage you today to do the same.  Plan your work(assignment) and work your plan.  With focus and persistence, you will not only be successful, but you will be an inspiration to all those who work and live around you.  At the same time,  you will demonstrate what it means to have pride in your work and to strive for perfection in all that you do.  That is the kind of influence that makes you a successful businessman, family man and marketplace minister.  Positive influence on those around you is the best form of evangelism you can do as it shows your commitment to practice what you believe and sometimes even preach. 

Preparing for the worst and expecting the best is a winning formula for success in every area of life and gives glory and honor to the One who made you.  So, plan your work and work your plan and be the success you were destined to be. 

Blessings…….Rich Forster    KBJ Publisher

The Battle Plan begins in your Mind

We have a number of friends, brothers and sister in Christ, that have been negatively effected with this current economic debacle.  Some have lost six figured jobs and for others, they have yet to find gameful employment for over a year in some cases.  There are so many lessons for us to learn through the challenges of this fearful time that they are too numerous to list but surprisingly exciting for us at KBJ.  The reason they are exciting times is that our heart is to help the many who struggle in these times with a lack of business and/or job as we  possibly can with advice and practical business instruction while illuminating the spiritual parallel of that same principal as Jesus taught.   We believe too that it is especially important to encourage our fellow brothers and sisters with support to weather this battle with God like resolve and determination.

Today I just want to suggest one thing to those of you that are in this seemingly futile delimma, fearful and anxious, and so overwhelmed that you can’t see the forest through the trees.  There is no obstacle too large that it cannot be overcome with the ingenuity,  creativity and persistent resolve of a blood bought, mustard seed believing, child of the Living God.  It all begins practically with a plan of action.  In order to have or make a plan of action you must first understand and face your circumstances.   No matter how serious they sound, how bad they feel or how grim they appear, you need to thoroughly understand where you are in order to get where you want to go.  Once you face the truth of the situation, you can formulate a step by step plan that is attainable and celebrate every little victory you accomplish along the way.   Put your dreams back at the top of that list of goals, bathe the plan in prayer along with your fellow believers and present your plans to the Lord and they will succeed.  Now it’s time to take action.

It is a really helpful and a good idea to engage the help of a good friend, pastor or mentor to help you sort the truth from fiction from the start and along the way.  You don’t need to stress yourself anymore than you already may be but to measure your success you need goals or expectations along the way to measure progress and maintain your enthusiasm for positive action. 

So in summary, gather all the facts, good and bad and understand them.  Then formulate a plan to solve the more serious circumstance first and the others as you progress.  Present this plan to the Lord and trust He will honor your commitment because it will be glory to Him.  Include your dreams and destiny back into your daily life.  Build in some little success benchmarks to measure your progress.  And always know, God loves you and will never let His righteous fail.  It just may take a little more time than is comfortable for you for Him to develope His Divine plan perfectly for you.  We at KBJ are believeing for you and prayfully look forward to your testimony of God’s deliverence of your situation and your new assignment.

Rich Forster KBJ Publisher

Effective Meetings

Rich and I had a great meeting on Friday morning. We met half way in Mt. Vernon, Mo and were able to talk about business. When you plan a meeting, make sure you have an outline or at least a written note as to what you want to accomplish. Rich and I could just talk for hours, but without a list, we would not get anything done.

Once you have a list then make priorities as to the topics you want to discuss and the time allotted.

Whether you have a few minutes or an open schedule make sure your next meeting is an effective one.

Blessings!

I’m Moving!

I have been doing WordPress for over 1 year. I have a blog on my website and I have decided to change over to it.

I have over 300 post on this site, so take a moment and look around.

When you are done come and visit my new blogsite.

Simply click this link which will take you to our website home page and scoll to the bottom for the blog.

KINGDOM BUSINESS JOURNAL BLOG

Blessings

Lowell Lane
Kingdom Business Journal

Just mow the grass!

I am taking the Master Gardner class this year. We learned all about lawns last night. I was not expecting to learn that there is one thing that you can do to make a huge difference in the results of your grass.

MOWING- higher mowing heights encourage greater root growth of grasses and better competition against weeds. If you mow 1-2 times a week at 3-4 inches in height, you can reduce weed growth by 80%.

WOW!

If we consider just this one simple thing it can make a huge difference.

What is the one thing in your business that can greatly effect your results?

I heard someone the other day say, you need to be more effective than efficient. Do you spend more time on the computer updating records and organizing, or do you spend more time out talking to potential customers.

Let’s use this example to be more effective in our businesses.

JUST MOW THE GRASS!

Networking, Goal Setting, and Fellowship

I attended a seminar about Achieving your business goals last night. It was good.

They had several speakers.

Deb Payne Lighthouse Coaching – Business and Life Coach.  She had a very light and fun talk about stretching you and helping you to go to the next level.

James Lee Vann- Ensign Technologies LLC.  James did a great job explaining the different kinds of social media, how it came about and gave examples of how to use it.  I believe he is going to do a class on it because there was a lot of interest.

Marlene Chism – Corporate trainer and Author of, “Success is a Given”.  Marlene did a great job talking about the principles of her new book and how to  stop the  drama.  Drama is any obstacle to your peace and prosperity.

Shelly Rice – Chocolate Blues and Business.  Shelly put this event together and did a great job.  Thanks friend.  You really should check out her events they are a good source of networking and lots of fun.

So, I got to do some networking and learn some new ideas about goal setting and marketing.   Best yet, I got to spend the night with my wife who came with me.  Rich and Vana Forster also attended and afterwards we went for coffee and got caught up.

Made a long day, but it was good!

Special Announcement

HOW ARE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS GOING?

It has been 2 weeks ago that we talked with Success Coach, Randy Mayes about HOW TO PUT THOSE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS INTO ACTION!

Randy would like to extend an offer to each of you that listened to the call.  If you did not listen to the call you still can.  It is available on REPLAY.

Here is the offer from Randy.

Offer 1

Goal Setting Worksheets - send an email with Goal Setting worksheets in the subject line.   Randy will send you some.

If you fill them out and E-mail them to Randy, he will do a 30 minute complimentary coaching session for you over the phone to help you create greater focus and leverage in your life.

Offer 2

Visit Randy’s website,  www.TheSuccessCoachNetwork.com .  Download The Bucket List worksheet.  If you fill them out and send them to Randy, he will do a 30 minute complimentary coaching session for you over the phone to help you discover and refine your personal destiny.

Offer 3

Visit Randy’s website,  www.TheSuccessCoachNetwork.com and sign-up for his FREE newsletter and coaching tips.

NOW YOU CAN’T BEAT A DEAL LIKE THAT!

Randy is awesome!  I have had several of these calls with Randy and he is a master.

God bless!

P.S.  -  Let me know how your goal setting goes by simply coming back to this post and sending me a comment.

Ready for 2009!

The holiday season was so busy, and the new year has not slowed down much. I am sorry I have just not been in a blogging mood. I am now ready to get back at it. I have been working on my plans for the year and setting goals. My goal is to blog every other day.

I have been having some great things happening lately and some divine meetings. I met today with a new contact and had a great time. I met last week with several new folks and had awesome visits with them. The really good news is that each of these meetings are going to produce something great.
I am pumped and ready for 2009!

Comment and let me know how your 2009 has started.

If you need a little boost then join us Thursday night January 15, 2009 with our special guest, Randy Mayes from The Success Coach Network.

For more information CLICK HERE!

Blessings!

Lowell Lane