What Does SUCCESS Mean to You? by Steph Beth Nickel

 
Photo Credit: geralt on Pixabay.com

Before we can determine if we are on the path to success, we must determine what success means to us.

For many, being successful means earning a lot of money, writing a bestseller (or two or three . . .), growing a social media following of 100s of thousands, etc.

But maybe you define success far differently—and that's okay.

For years, my goal has been to self-publish. But including such a lofty goal on a list is infinitely easier than breaking it down into its multiple components: completing the manuscript(s), learning each step of the process, enlisting the aid of others, and following through (especially that first time, when every step has a learning curve).

Despite a plethora of reasons (and excuses) for not being further down the path, I am taking steps in that direction. Recently, I fired off my manuscript to beta readers and asked for their input.

As writers, we never truly know how the reader will receive our words or if those words will achieve the goals we have for them. Receiving input from trusted individuals and making recommended revisions (especially if multiple people comment on the same thing) will make our writing stronger.

I have several other goals and means of measuring success but have had the desire to self-publish for more years than I can remember. So, I will press on in that direction . . . with the help of my beta readers—and so many others.

And when distractions come along, which they will, I will determine if it's time to re-evaluate my goals or press on. Although self-publishing is still a goal of mine, it is not, by any means, my highest priority. My husband is retiring next year, and the plan is to sell the house we've been living in for over 20 years and move west with our daughter to be close to Son #2 and his wife. Finding my place in our new community and "finishing well" are my idea of true success . . . whether that includes publishing multiple books or not.

As Christians, isn't it amazing that, from God's perspective, we have already attained the ultimate success. According to Ephesians 2:4-6, ". . . God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus . . ."

These verses, among so many others, assure us of what has been referred to as "the already but not yet." Because of our faith in the Lord, a success far greater than any we can imagine has already been secured for us.

What an encouragement as we travel the path to what we define as success in the here and now!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version@), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Oo, Shiny! by Steph Beth Nickel

This month we're discussing Fighting the Distractions.

I may have to approach the subject as Papa Bear taught his son to ride a bicycle in the Berenstain book The Bike Lesson.

The theme of the book can be summed up as follows: Small Bear, watch everything I, Papa Bear, do ... and do the opposite.

How do I fight distractions? 

Not well!

And just what are my distractions, the Oo, Shiny! objects in my life that grab and hold my attention?

Binge watching episodes on my favourite streaming services. Grabbing coffee with a friend. The responsibilities I've taken on for others.

These distractions may not hold any sway over your life, but I'm certain you face your own shiny objects, at least some of the time.

Self-awareness need not become self-absorption. There are things I had to become aware of about myself before I could begin to fight the distractions.

First, I need to feel connected with people daily, whether that's by getting together with them or listening to podcasts, YouTube videos, or TV shows with familiar characters. 

Overcoming the distraction means learning the value of silence. The more I work in silence, the more I enjoy it.

Second, I believe I can effectively split my attention between the task at hand and listening to a podcast or music with lyrics.

Overcoming the distraction means admitting it just isn't the case. I know single-minded focus is important, but I have to remind myself of this fact REPEATEDLY.

Third, I tell myself I'll magically do better tomorrow.

Overcoming this distraction means facing reality. Stephanie, you're 61. SIXTY-ONE! You still have plenty of time to accomplish what God has planned and purposed for you, but you won't accomplish those things by vegging on the couch.

Your distractions are bound to be different than mine. Therefore, overcoming those distractions will also look different. However, here are five tips that will help all of us:

1. Prioritize your To-Do List and, as much as possible, begin each day with Priority #1 and go from there.

2. Limit the things on your Must Do List each day to increase the chance of success.

3. As much as possible, schedule your top priorities at the time of day when you function best.

4. Allow for flexibility. We all know that unforeseen circumstances crop up.

5. Celebrate victories...even the little ones.

And lastly...

Set time aside to watch that favourite TV show or listen to a favourite podcast.

Those things in our lives that can become distractions aren't necessarily bad. They simply have to be put in their place.

Then, the Oo Shiny! can bring us joy rather than distracting us.

The Siren Call of Weariness by Steph Beth Nickel

March 2020 was a month like none other. Tell you something you don’t know.

At first, I was thankful for fewer responsibilities. But that gave way to the surreal—and the weariness. I didn’t feel depressed, at least not in the traditional sense. However, I slept far more than usual, a sure sign that the situation was taking its toll.

Kudos to all my fellow creatives who cranked up the productivity now that they had more time at home! Although it appeared my situation made increased productivity possible, my emotional wellbeing didn’t.

Many of those who have contracted the virus refer to the resulting inability to think clearly. I believe there is also an indirect COVID fog, the siren call of weariness. “If you sleep, you don’t have to think about what’s going on in the world. After all, what can you do about it? You might as well watch Netflix until you drift off.”

And I did. And I still do.

But I’m trying to do better. Creating a manageable To-Do List. Prioritizing my tasks and seeking to accomplish the most important things on that list. Mentally celebrating each checkmark in my planner.

I’ve read very little in the last 24 months. After all, it takes more effort than rewatching all the movies in the MCU in chronological order. (Yes, my hubby and I did that. But at least I didn’t nod off—not too often at any rate.)

Even when I’ve gotten enough sleep, my couch and cozy blanket still beckon. The overwhelm of my responsibilities and the things I want to accomplish gets stuffed into a proverbial drawer. I’m afraid to open it even a crack for fear that all the To-Do’s will fly out and bury me. So. I. Do. Nothing.

Or…

I do one thing on the list and then celebrate—by vegging on the couch for hours. While I’m all for celebrating every step on the journey no matter how small, I have to keep making progress—slow, incremental progress.

I can do so by participating in the spiritual disciplines of scripture reading and prayer, by exercising and eating more healthy foods, by focusing on others and seeking to come alongside them. And so much more.

If you deal with PTSD, clinical depression, panic attacks… If you’ve suffered from physical illness and/or lost someone during the pandemic… If you’re trying to keep your head above water financially… Know that I realize my situation pales in comparison.

While I’d like to say, “I see you,” it’s much more meaningful to direct you to the God of All Comfort, the One who knows everything about you and can meet your every need, the One who can work everything out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose—even during COVID. (See Romans 8:28.)

If you’ve succumbed to the siren call of weariness, know you’re not alone—and know all of God’s promises are Yes and Amen!

Steph Beth Nickel is a freelance editor, a writer, and an author. Steph is also the editor of InScribe's quarterly magazine, FellowScript.