THE RELIGION CORNER: Nine Principles for Dynamic Living (Part 8)

by Lyndia Grant
Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer

This week, we talk about Principle No. 8 from the Les Brown list. Obviously, planning and measuring are key elements, since you really won’t get anywhere without first having a plan; but the most vital step is execution. Let’s take fishermen for example, they must cast a net first; it doesn’t work until it’s thrown. It wouldn’t make sense to purchase a net for your fishing trip and then leave the net at home, would it? You must know how to turn your measured plans into actions.

Execution is critical for accomplishment. If you don’t execute the plans you have in place, it won’t matter how inspired or meticulously you look for ways to make your plan work. Inspiration without execution will always lead to frustration and defeat.

It always means new relationships will be my bridge to get to the next step. Another excellent example is my radio show. I needed sponsors to help me pay the weekly cost, and Jack H. Olender was first, and then The Washington Informer Newspaper, Law Office of Alton Lewis & Shelore Williams, Capitol Entertainment Services; (some of them hadn’t budgeted for ongoing sponsorship, so they dropped out) AmeriHealth and now Coca-Cola just signed on.

It only took an entire year of writing proposals and calling Coca-Cola repeatedly. We finally met a few days ago, and my representative thanked me for my tenacity, and he said “I look forward to promoting some of my programs on your radio show!” What if I had stopped trying, or decided that he wasn’t going to commit because he didn’t write back after so many emails and phone calls. My radio show would not have gotten this new and exciting partnership!

When you work toward your own goals, don’t give up, never quit. That’s what faith is: “The object of things hoped for and it is the evidence of things not seen.” You’ve got to see, feel and believe that the God you serve will come through for you, in His own time and in His own way. Our job is to be the vehicle he can use for His glory!

In order to yield results from your God-given abilities, execution is a must. You’ve got to ask yourself what needs to happen to make this dream a reality; for me, I know sponsors are a key component, and persistence is a must for those of us trying to get something done.

Integrity also plays a major role. Are you known for having good ideas but not being able to follow through?  Do you talk too much and can’t do what you claim you can. Once you learn to listen as Holy Spirit guides you, you’re on your way!

While reading Bishop T.D. Jakes’ best seller “Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive” in preparation for an interview with Cora Jakes Coleman, the first-born child of Bishop Jakes, I came across a chapter entitled “Instinctive Relationships.” It talks about how we are social creatures, designed to be in relationships with others. You aren’t meant to live alone. You’re created to be in relationships for your own fulfillment and the enhancement of your ever expanding community. Scripture reminds us “It is not good for man to be alone!”

Bishop Jakes contends, and I’m paraphrasing, lions are of the field and the eagles are of the air, we were born free, but we let life beat us down. Most animals dwell in groups, whether packs, prides, herds or flocks; but the lions don’t try to fly; and the eagles don’t run through the jungle like lions!”

Planning, measuring and executing are critical tools in the manifestation of our beliefs. Just be true to yourself. Stay true to what comes naturally for you.

Lyndia Grant is a radio talk show host on 1340, WYCB AM, Fridays at 6 p.m. Visit her website at http://www.lyndiagrant.com, call her at 202-518-3192; or email lyndiagrant@lyndiagrant.com.