“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” – Ghandi
The difference is the space, a gap between where you are and where you want to be. That space can be filled if you stretch, stretch as far as you can go.
Business and personal philosopher Jim Rohn said, “Every life form seems to strive to its maximum except human beings. How tall will a tree grow? As tall as it possibly can. Human beings on the other hand, have been given the dignity of choice. You can choose to be all, or you can choose to be less. Why not stretch up to the full measure of the challenge and see what all you can do?”
Ever tried it? Or are you too stiff, too comfortable, too set in your ways, or simply afraid it will hurt? It doesn’t have to be all at once, don’t stretch until you break, but stretch nonetheless. You reach for a goal, you don’t just touch it, or coddle it in your arms — you do what is necessary, many times in little, mundane, seemingly inconsequential activities or motions, which over time if done consistently create tremendous change in you and in return for those around you.
It’s the same as a good workout. Exercises which build core muscles require strength and flexibility. To achieve it, there is a focus on physical stretching. To build your core you need to stretch it out….consistently over time to see the results. Eventually you feel stronger and more flexible – it’s the same with your life.
Imagine your life like a muscle – a muscle will atrophy if it remains unused, it needs tension and attention to help it grow stronger and better. So what are you doing with your life to create tension? What are you doing to stretch yourself between where you are and where you could be?
Think about it and then think about its effect on other people. I’ve been writing these It’s Just About…Life blog posts for more than two years, sharing what I learn on a consistent basis, always reading, observing and looking for topics and information to share. I’ve been writing The Sunday Series for more than a year, sharing stories of courage, hope, inspiration and focusing on other people to share their message with the world, because everyone has a story. None of this happens by magic, sometimes it’s a stretch on my time, my focus and most importantly on my mind.
I stretch. I step out of my comfort zone to learn, grow and change. Why? Because I know it is worth it. Because I know change comes from the inside out and because I know its effect on other people. When you get better, those around you benefit. It’s the simple law of the universe. Become more by helping others do the same.
I love to write, I share my gift and I know it is changing the world, one word at a time.
“When we stop stretching, I believe we stop really living. We may keep on breathing. Our vital life signs may be working. But we are dead on the inside and dead to our greatest possibilities.” – John C. Maxwell.
So the question for you to answer – how will you stretch? How will you grow? What do you need to do to go from where you are, to where you want to be? Let me know, leave a comment on this blog. If we all stretch, if we all grow, we have a shot – to change ourselves and to change the world.
It’s far from a stretch to make that statement. Only the mediocre are at their best on any given day. So stretch it out, become all you can be.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Mark
Mark Brodinsky, Author, Speaker, Blogger, Financial Services
Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)
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