100 LEVELS: Build YOUR Building
Your plan, your implementation. Why would they be excited when you’re succeeding and excelling? Their STAGNANCE is no longer enough to maintain where they’re at. Now others actually have to do something, they have to act. From what I’ve seen and learned and studied, people generally don’t like that too much.
The other thing I’ve noticed is that the most successful people don’t get recognition from others. They either create it for themselves (because some like Stephen Schwarzman who I’m studying more again now, crave that and are driven by it).
Everyone wants the tallest building in the city…
Either build your building taller
OR
Knock everyone else’s lower
But let me ask you something… wouldn’t it be A LOT easier to get a taller building if people were on your side supporting you and HELPING you climb higher and build your building taller?
I’d say so. I’d definitely say yes, 100% without question. Definitively.
CONNECTION BETWEEN SUCCESS AND ADVERSITY
And…, the more success we have the more adversity we face. Why would people reward us for success they didn’t create?
“Those who can be trusted with little can be trusted with much”
As Ms. Kathie reminded us “with greater blessings come greater responsibility”
“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the Potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? — Romans 9:20–21 NIV
Have you ever watched construction workers?
Where?
The people building your single house work a LOT differently than the people building a rocket ship or a skyscraper. Why?
The levels.
Who are you doing it for?
One person can ride around on a jackhammer all day and think that they’re making progress on your house. But bring a jackhammer to tear up the 100 acre plot of land that’s going to host a 100-story building? GOOD LUCK.
“Just because you are doing a lot more does not mean you are getting a lot more done.” — Denzel Washington
“Keep working no matter what happens. If things are good, keep working. If things are bad, keep working.” — Moby
THERE ARE LEVELS TO IT ALL
I know people that work their 9–5, go home and watch TV each and every night. I’m sure that you know these people also.
I know people that don’t work, they just somehow “get by” and coast or get blown in the wind. I’m sure that you know these people also.
I know people that are incredibly passionate and have these very large aspirations and desires but wait for everything to be perfect so they don’t act. I’m sure that you know these people also.
I know people that put in their time and pay their dues. They are consistent and seem to be successful in all areas. I’m sure that you know these people also.
Which person are you?
Maybe you’re in a different category.
The point I’m trying to make is this:
There are LEVELS to it all.
Everything in life has levels.
What books do you read? The same as 10 or 20 years ago? Doubt it.
What friends do you have? The same as 10 or 20 years ago? Doubt it.
What hobbies do you have? The same as 10 or 20 years ago? Doubt it.
That’s the point. There are LEVELS.
PREPARATION ADVANCES YOUR LEVEL
What’s the way to level up?
The work
The grind
The hustle
The sweat
The blood
Whatever you call it, introduce me to 5 people that you PERSONALLY know who haven’t put their time in.
They. Don’t. Exist.
Pay your dues, put your time in.
“The one-talent steward told his master that he reaps where he hasn’t sown, essentially accusing the master of unjustly profiting from the labor of others. Yet how can someone who owns everything reap where he hasn’t sown?” Robert Morris
(In relation to the parable of the three servants). Reference here: Matthew 25:14–30
Pay attention to one key part of verse 15, “…to every man according to his several ability,”
Show God that you are to be trusted.
Think about the things that you are doing today.
What level are you on?
Have you shown yourself to be trustworthy?
Are you sure?
Let’s find out.
SELF ASSESSMENT OF YOUR TRUSTWORTHINESS
Here are some simple questions that you can answer about yourself. They came to mind just as I was writing this piece so take them as you will and be 100% honest with yourself.
I challenge you to answer each one intuitively with the first thing that comes to mind:
- Are the people you spend time with the most people you’d like to become?
- When you get ready for sleep can you often look back on your day with contentment?
- Do your calendar events push you towards the positive goals that you have set for yourself?
- Did you learn new things this week that will positively impact your future?
- Do you have less personal debt than many of your friends?
If you answered yes to most of those questions today, I’d say that you are trending in a direction that is going to allow you to level up soon.
If you struggled with answering those questions or said no to a few of them, take an honest look at yourself in the mirror. It won’t be easy but there are changes you need to make if you want to level up and move beyond the point you are at today.
Remember, we are all unique, incredibly unique. We have all been created by our Divine Creator. Keep in mind that we are all children of a Heavenly Father.
We are LOVED no matter what we do.
But, I can show you scripture after scripture and introduce you to person after person that can reiterate to you that the only way to truly live up is to live a God-honoring life consistently.
That begins in the heart.
Here’s the winning motto that I’ve discovered from my short life so far:
“Chase what matters most to you and what you are most passionate about. Do so honestly and with humility but above all else, seek God’s affirmation for each and every progression.”