When it comes to changing our lives, our energy is often better spent in setting the sail than in rowing the boat. Throughout our days, we spend most of our effort on rowing the sailboat of our lives. In the frantic midst of all our doing, we would do well to stop rowing and instead set the sail to pick up the winds of God's power.
A. Dean Byrd, Mark Chamberlain, "Willpower Is Not Enough : Why We Don't Succeed at Change"
For a long time, I was of the mindset that if I tried hard enough, I could do anything. If I had strong willpower and wanted something bad enough, I could get it. I just needed to set my mind to it. But what happened when I didn't get what I wanted? Did I not try hard enough?
Well, my mindset has shifted a bit. I am still of the mindset that I can accomplish anything if I put in the work. Only, now, the work that I put in is completely different. Instead of trying to use sheer willpower and focusing on the thing I want accomplish, I now focus on my relationship with God and Christ. They can do absolutely anything, so why not lean on them to help me accomplish my goals.
Now, there is still going to be obvious work and willpower on my end but the point is that my focus has changed. If I want to lose 20 pounds, I can't just pray harder and still eat whatever I want. No, I will still be careful on what I'm putting into my mortal frame but focus instead on living my life as God wants me to. Strengthening that relationship. Submitting to doing what He asks, not what I want.
So instead of just rowing faster and harder til my arms fall off, I simply need to set the sail. As long as I'm doing my best in living the life He wants me to, I will have wind to guide me to where I need to go. Change my focus, change my life. Do His will, become far more than I imagined.