Hustle like an Ant (Mindset to Acheive Your Goals)

Hey, Rising Family!

This month, I have dug really deep in my self-reflections. I have many positive things happening, and these events have caused me to take a pause, practice some breathing exercises, and prepare for what is next.

Speaking of what is next, my book, Rise, an inspirational self-help book filled with poetry, prose, and affirmations, is available for pre-orders starting this Saturday, August 15, 2020. I cannot believe this is happening, and I have a sea of emotions about it. Nevertheless, I am excited to share this with y’all.

I also will be turning the big 3-0 (Thirty!) in less than a month, September 1st to be exact. I guess that also has led to the increase of my recent reflections. I have been looking back on my twenties (whew, chile) and am at a place of appreciation for my growth. I thank God everyday for where I am now and where I am going.

I feel led to discuss reaching purpose this month because I can truly say I am finally walking in mine. Last week, we went over being fearless, both like a lion and like an eagle. Well, this week, I feel the next step to reach purpose after overcoming our fears is to focus on our goals.

Oftentimes, when we think of our goals, we think BIG goals, BIG dreams, BIG visions, and BIG aspirations. Thinking big is very important, but I have learned over this last almost decade not to make the big goal my main focus.

I’ve learned that when we get caught up on the big goal we usually end up not accomplishing much of anything. We see the big goal as a mountain we are not fit to climb and keep waiting on the perfect time to get started.

For many entrepreneurs, like myself, here’s some justifications (really excuses) I have used or may have heard others use as to why we haven’t started our business:

• I need to wait to finish college.
• I have kids. I have to wait until they leave the house.
• I need to wait until I am married. I won’t get a husband if I’m focused on my business.
• I need the right equipment. I have to wait until I save money.

This list could go on and on and on. But I have learned that by focusing on the next few steps, one day, we will look up and realize we are on the top of the mountain.

In my book, Rise, I dedicated a chapter to the topic of time and its value. We have everything we need inside us. Instead of waiting for the right time, realize your time is now. There is never a right time to start a business or to accomplish that big goal you have, but I employ you to break down your goals into smaller bite-sized steps. This will help you continually be motivated to keep moving forward.

I will even go as far as to say we need to think more like ants. Yes, ants! And to be honest, when compared to the size of the world, galaxy, and universe, we are the ants.

Now think about ants marching on the sidewalk with food on their backs. They move with a determination that is astonishing. I mean seriously, ants never quit. Not in the rain, not when road blocks come, they keep moving forward.

When ants have a destination, they are focused on getting there, and when you try to stop them, they’ll relentlessly look for another way to achieve their goal. They will go over it, under it, around it, or through it. They never put their head down and go back to the hole to relax until the job is done.

In life, when starting at point A and trying to get to point Z, we sometimes get lost. Sometime we run into an obstacle, and instead of dealing with it, we get discouraged trying to get to Z. When we are focused on Z, it is easy to forget about or give little thought to B, C, and D. When we miss steps, we miss a lesson and usually end up having to repeat steps.

So think like the ant.

Take one step at a time and know you’re making progress.

That’s what life is, a steady progress of becoming. Becoming whoever it is you are to be and accomplishing whatever mission was set for you by the King.

Another lesson to apply to our life that we can learn from ants is to never put a limit on ourselves. When ants are gathering food for the winter, they do not think, “We only need X amount to get by.” They keep gathering until Mother Nature says its time to rest by changing the seasons.

We need to stop these “good enough” philosophies and think “more than enough.” There is always room to grow in life so stay positive and, like the ant, keep achieving more. Walk in abundance.

Some time in the future, you’ll look in the mirror and say, “I’m not where I want to be.” But in those moments, shoot, you might be having one of those moments right now, I employ you to reflect on your past and say, “Wow, look how far I’ve come.”

Ants know during the winter months that it won’t last forever. If you are having a season of what appears to be a drought and feel as if you are not where you want to be, think like the ant, winter or your troubles won’t last forever. It will be your time to emerge again but in your season of what seems to be darkness enjoy all you have learned or earned and be ready when it’s time to emerge again—bigger than ever.

I want to leave you with the Bible verse found in Proverbs 6:6-11 (MSG):

You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!

God does not want us poor. We are to have heavenly riches here on earth. Analyze your growth and let it ignite that fire and desire locked inside of you until it runs over and HUSTLE explodes from every part of you. Be the ant. Hustle and accomplish the small goals, which will eventually lead you to the big goals.

Don’t get ahead of yourself.

Trust the process and,

like the eagle, embrace the storms.

It may be hard, but you can do this.

Look long-term but live short-term.

Remain present in the present.

Walk in your purpose.

As always, family, I love you.

It’s time to rise!

Need more inspiration? Check out this video: