How to set yourself up for success?

To set yourself up for success, you have to build your life on a firm foundation.

But what does it mean to build your life on a firm foundation?

That is what we will explore in this week’s newsletter.

I’m sure we have all read the parable about the wise and foolish builder (Matthew 7:24-27)

The wise builder built his house upon the rock whereas the foolish builder built his house upon the sand.

When the winds blew, and the rain poured

Only one house stayed standing.

The one that was built on a firm foundation.

But this got me thinking

Which foundation are my building my life on?

I used to be like the foolish builder who built his house on the sand.

I would always look for a shortcut and an easy path in life.

I would always try to escape discomfort instead of embracing it.

Building my life on the sand was easier, more comfortable and took less time.

But when the storms of life eventually came my way, my life crumbled just like the foolish builder's house did.

And this happened again and again.

I always felt like I was taking 2 steps forward and 3 steps back.

Can you relate?

This is because your life is not built on a firm foundation.

In life, storms are inevitable.

You will face setbacks.

Things will not always go your way.

The truth is the “easy path” in life only leads to regrets whereas the “hard path” is what leads to the rewards you desire.

Embracing discomfort and hardships is how you build a solid foundation in your life because discomfort and hardships build character.

 This quote encapsulates this point perfectly.

Embracing hardships is how we grow.

There is no testimony without the test.

Instead of building a solid foundation to endure the challenges that will inevitably come our way,

We try so hard to find the easiest possible path which feels good in the moment until the storms of life come.

We need to build our lives on the rock.

What makes the rock such a solid foundation?

• It is strong.

• It is durable

• It is dug into the ground

And yes it is much harder to build a house on the rock than on the sand.

It will take longer.

It will require more effort.

But when the storms of life come your way, you will be prepared.

God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.

Storms come our way to strengthen us, not to break us.

But only those who have invested time into building a solid foundation, embracing discomfort and facing the inevitable hardships of life will stay standing.

Everyone who took the easy path of instant pleasure will fall.

Instant gratification feels good in the short term but is followed by pain.

Delayed gratification feels painful in the short term but is followed by gains.

There is a reason 70% of lottery winners end up bankrupt within a few years of winning.

They did not invest time in building a solid foundation

They did not have to face discomfort

So when the storms of life inevitably come their way; they crumble.

So I urge each of you to stop trying to find a shortcut.

Stop taking the easy path.

That is just building your life on the sand and you will eventually fall.

Your life will eventually crumble.

And instead embrace the hardships of life.

They are part of your journey.

You can’t build a solid foundation without them

Instead of trying to escape discomfort, start embracing it.

That is the ONLY way to grow!

Just as rock is hard – life is hard.

But remember there is a lesson in every setback and hardship that you may face.

By learning and embracing discomfort you will be equipped for when the storms of life come your way.

But the ultimate foundation is God

Build your life on him and you will not fail.

Build your lifestyle around him and you will succeed.

Because remember:

Success isn’t a destination; it’s a lifestyle.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to read this until the end.

Sorry that it was a long one but I hope it was impactful.

Please share this with anyone who it may help.

Have a great week!

EOBAK