Bottom Line Thinking

As I was reading through several passages yesterday, I realized there are many great verses in Proverbs that give a crash course on how to prosper in business. The principles apply to life as well. It seems that the kind of person you are will affect how you do in business or your career. Perhaps a scary thought?! Or a reason to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses so you can improve in the most important areas.

To get you started, here are a few verses for you to mull over and see how they may apply in your case.

Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. – Proverbs 20:18

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. – Proverbs
20:25

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs
21:5

Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. - Proverbs
22:26,27

The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest
scales do not please him. – Proverbs 20:23

The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands
refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give
without sparing. – Proverbs 21: 25-26

There are many more important concepts throughout Proverbs. You may want to read all 31 chapters to see what areas are most important for you at this point in your life. Perhaps the answers to the prayers you’ve been praying are right there for you.

The real question is: what's your bottom line? If it’s positive and growing, you must be doing enough of the right things. If you’re in the red, then there are deficits in other areas of your life and business life that need to be addressed. Can you identify areas needing to be changed or improved in some way?

As I mentioned yesterday, this is the verse I have by my computer to keep me thinking right:
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” – Proverbs 22:9

I have stepped up to the plate to do all things with excellence. I believe that is something important that is too often missing in both business and personal relationships these days. If you give your word, keep it. If you make an appointment, be on time. If you say you’ll do something, do it and even more than expected. Be proud of your work when you sign your name to it! Your reputation is showing!

It may or may not be obvious, but what you give out – what you say and do – are a reflection of what’s going on inside you. It tells a lot about your view of yourself, others, God and life in general.

This past year, in particular, I have been doing a lot of work on cleaning up the messes in my life. That includes de-cluttering my home and office spaces, getting rid of all the extra stuff that I don’t use or need, and the things that weigh me down. This also includes working on the gap between who I am currently and who I see I want to become. That difference, I’ve learned, becomes the level of self-esteem you have. It can drive you or depress you.

In my life coaching practice I enjoy holding up the mirror to help others identify areas they want to improve. It’s exciting to me to watch how quickly people’s lives change when they first recognize an area to change, decide to focus on a goal they haven’t been able to achieve, and get there quicker than they ever imagined!

Perhaps it’s time to build a support and accountability team around you if you seem to be challenged in accomplishing or changing some facet in your life. If you need someone you help get you started in that direction, I’ll be happy to give you a complimentary life coaching session to get the ball rolling. You’ll be surprised at the answers you already know but haven’t got them out of you "out loud" enough to realize the right direction in which to proceed. It is truly liberating and propelling!

Make a decision to move in the right direction today. You will be more blessed than you can imagine as you bless others along the way!

For more information about Life Coaching and to schedule your complimentary session, visit: http://www.Real-Life-Institute.com/coaching.html