Never Be Afraid to Do a Do-Over!

I remember as a little girl playing with my friends and when I made a mistake I would boldly yell for a "do-over."  This was my opportunity to try again and do it differently. As adults, we have become afraid to take the chance of doing it again. Often, it is because a do-over is seen as a failure instead of a new opportunity. I admit, as I approached my 50th Birthday, I recognized that my greatest successes has been a "do-over" after divorce, depression and despair. 

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. That is done by not being afraid to "do-over" and get that fresh start whether it's to overcome obstacles, start a new business, write a book, change your career, or embrace a new relationship. 

So, how do you do a do-over boldly?

1. Acknowledge the Need – Recognize a do-over is necessary. We often stay stuck because we are constantly thinking there is nothing wrong. The simplicity of childhood is we were not afraid to ask for the do-over because we were not afraid to embrace that we needed it. It truly is a battlefield of the mind. "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" according to Proverbs 23:7 Change your mindset! Not only acknowledging the need to do-over but acknowledge that you can do-over! Embrace the change and do it!

2. Acknowledge your Gifts – You have been endowed with an enormous amount of gifts. When we are younger we focus on that one gift that will make us a great deal of money but often we need to change our focus and the gifts that God has given us that enriches not only ourselves but others. Notice that I keep saying gifts in the plural sense as we are not confined to one gift but numerous gifts. Recognize the various things that you do well and embrace the tasks that you can do when your do-over come. I have always been amazing with numbers and when I had to surrender my position as a software engineer it was very easy for me to build a stay at home career around income taxes and accounting. I love helping others and have fully embraced my gift of encouragement to become a life coach. Acknowledge your gifts and be be whatever you desire to be!

3. Acknowledge your Strengths- Never forget that you have been accomplishing great things over the years. Look back and recognize how strong you really are in some of your past failures and accomplishments. We tend to forget that we have overcome already and that we can do it again especially when we are faced with a fearful event. When I was experiencing my divorce, I too began to say I can't make it but was quickly reminded of how I overcame the death of my parents and illness. This gave me strength to preserve through the storm. I quoted Paul constantly, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me." (Philippians 4:13) You too are strong!