Have a Plan, Most People Die on the Way Down
Scaling Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is undeniably one of Earth's most challenging feats. It's a goal that can shape a lifetime for some, an achievement attained by only 6,098 individuals throughout human history. While Everest documentaries often focus on the climb to the summit, the descent is actually the most perilous part. Statistics reveal that most people perish on the way down. Is success reaching the top? or is it reaching the bottom?
The scaling of a summit can serve as a great analogy for success. It can be seen as the great achievement of life and many people dream of it, plan for it, and work for it. However, most plans for success do not account for life after the summit. The descent requires a new set of plans. It requires new skills. It needs energy, foresight and focus. Success extends to what you do after you make it. I want you to consider what happens after you become successful? Without a plan, success can become a burden.
I Made It! Now What?
Each of us were created with a deep desire to live with purpose. We want to know that our lives have meaning. It happens far too often that we mistake success with purpose. Rick Warren says this in his best-selling book:
“…being successful and fulfilling your life’s purpose are not at all the same issue! You could reach all your personal goals, becoming a raving success by the world’s standard, and still miss the purposes for which God created you.”
Rick Warren - The Purpose Driven LifeTweet
One of my passions in life is to help shorten the learning curve of other people. I believe it is part of my God given purpose. My journey in business has provided me with many life lessons of do’s and don’ts. I find a great sense of contentment when someone can learn from my mistakes without having to experience the challenge or pain that accompanied the lesson. By the grace of God, one thing that I have learned and want to share with you is this: Connecting your success to God’s purpose for your life is the most rewarding and effective plan you can make. The bible says:
A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.
Proverbs 11:28 MSGTweet
A Plan After Success
Success can be a blessing or a burden. It brings new resource, new responsibility and new opportunities. When connected to God’s plan it becomes significant. In my life, Thrive Teaching is one of the expressions of God’s purpose that I have been able to pursue. Janet and I have also had the distinct privilege to participate in planting churches across the world. I know God has a plan for your success that will affect many people’s lives. If you are wondering what is next? I encourage you to pray and ask God how your life and success can connect with his plan for your life.