How to Win everyday
how can i go from the dread of the mundane day to day, to a lifestyle that is constantly winning?
Being a die-hard Chicago sports fan (in all sports) has been an absolute rollercoaster ride. I’ve savored the glory years of Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the ’90s, celebrating six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998. I’ll never forget that thrilling 1998 Finals victory over the Utah Jazz as we watched and celebrated with my family. Good times! I also, remember my dad recalling the energy in Chicago when the 85 Bears dominated and brought home that super bowl win!
The truth is, I savor those moments because the recent years for Chicago teams has been anything but victorious. But it’s not all heartbreak; there have been some remarkable moments of triumph too. The Chicago Cubs’ historic World Series win in 2016 was a dream come true for fans, ending a 108-year championship drought in an unforgettable Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians. And the Blackhawks, a team with a storied history, secured three Stanley Cup titles in six seasons between 2010 and 2015, rekindling the city’s hockey fervor.
However, despite these sporadic moments of glory, the life of a Chicago sports fan has often been defined by heartbreak and disappointment. Losing is something that nobody finds enjoyable. Moreover, nobody wants to have the hope of winning, only to be disappointed once again by facing another defeat. It’s the feeling of disappointment and frustration that can be especially disheartening for anyone.
Sports are one thing, but in everyday life, that constant feeling of defeat has a much bigger impact on our health, happiness, and quality of life.
In a world filled with grand ambitions and long-term goals, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of distant finish lines. Many of us have been taught to set our sights on the big picture, striving for those monumental milestones that define our success.
However, what if I told you that this fixation on the distant future can sometimes lead to feelings of defeat when setbacks occur along the way?
I recently read a book that was absolutely life changing for me. James Clear‘s “Atomic Habits” book emphasizes the idea that small, incremental changes in your habits, or “atomic habits,” can lead to significant long-term improvements.
Focusing on daily victories involves a shift in perspective, one that directs your attention to the present moment rather than a far-off destination. Instead of getting bogged down by past failures or becoming paralyzed by the enormity of long-term objectives, you concentrate on winning today. This approach not only promotes a sense of accomplishment but also cultivates the mindset needed to overcome challenges and achieve your larger goals. Let’s explore the keys to winning every day:
1. Starting Each Day Fresh
Each new day is a clean slate, an opportunity to leave yesterday’s disappointments behind and approach life with renewed energy.
This concept aligns with the idea that God’s compassion and faithfulness are constant. Every morning, it’s as if you get a brand-new opportunity, like a clean slate. (Lamentations 3:22-23) It’s a chance to leave your mistakes and worries behind and embrace the day with faith and hope.
Dwelling on past failures can be risky because it ties us to the past and makes it hard to focus on today’s opportunities. The problem is when we let past mistakes shape our future instead of seeing them as lessons that help us grow and motivate us to make the most of the present.
So, when you wake up each morning, remember that it’s a chance to begin again. It’s a time to let go of the past and approach life with a sense of renewal, knowing that there’s a higher purpose guiding your journey.
2. Stop Calling Yourself a Failure
When you label yourself as a failure, you undermine your self-confidence and motivation.
We all experience moments when we fall short of our own expectations or face setbacks. It’s during these times that negative self-talk can take hold, leading us to label ourselves as failures. This harmful habit not only erodes our self-confidence but also chips away at our motivation to keep moving forward.
In the realm of spirituality, this self-doubt can be even more damaging, as it can undermine our faith and belief in our divine purpose. However, it’s crucial to realize that moments of adversity, stumbles, and challenges are inherent to any journey. They do not define our overall success or spiritual growth.
Instead, we should replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Just as God’s grace and forgiveness are limitless, we too should offer ourselves the same grace and understanding. (Proverbs 24:16) Understand that failures and setbacks are not the sum total of your journey but merely stepping stones in your spiritual path. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation.
3. Stop Comparing Your Success to Others
It’s worth keeping in mind the practical adage that ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ When we fixate on comparing ourselves to others, it can undermine the joy and contentment that come from recognizing our own unique path and progress. In the realm of personal and spiritual growth, this wisdom becomes even more apparent.
As you strive for self-improvement, remember that your journey is not only about surpassing external standards but aligning your progress with the divine purpose God has set for you. By focusing on your unique journey and aiming to outdo your past self, you cultivate a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment deeply rooted in your personal and spiritual growth. This approach encourages continuous spiritual growth and allows you to celebrate your individual successes, no matter how they may differ from worldly benchmarks.
In essence, it’s a way to honor the individual path that God has set for you (Proverbs 3:5-6), emphasizing that your worth and progress are defined by your connection with Him, rather than by comparisons with others.
4. Find a Winning System That Works for You
As you strive for daily victories, remember that the journey to success is unique for everyone. It’s like finding your own way on a personal journey. Experiment with different routines and habits that align with your strengths and preferences. This not only increases your chances of achievement but also allows you to uncover more about yourself.
Proverbs 16:9 states, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” This verse signifies that you plan your path, but there’s also a divine guidance. As you pursue triumph in your everyday life, you navigate using your choices and your inner guidance, helping you find the path that suits you best.
Everyone’s path to victory is unique. Experiment with different routines, habits, and strategies to discover what works best for you. Tailoring your approach to your strengths and preferences will increase your chances of success.
5. Remind Yourself That Only You Can Choose to Win
Each day is an opportunity to make a conscious choice. Remember, you possess the ability to steer your actions and shape your attitude. Opt to win in your daily decisions, be it committing to fitness, nourishing your body with the right choices, or embarking on a journey of personal growth.
Joshua 24:15 states “Choose you this day” This verse from Joshua underscores the importance of making a deliberate choice, in this case, the choice to serve the Lord. It reminds us of the significance of our decisions and the power we hold to choose our path. Choose to win in your daily choices, whether it’s hitting the gym, eating right, or investing in personal or spiritual growth.
6. Remember You Were Not Designed to Fail
Humans are remarkably resilient creatures that were not created with the intention to fail. In fact, the Bible teaches that God created humanity with free will and the capacity to make choices, both good and bad. While humans have the potential to make mistakes and experience failures, the Bible also emphasizes the possibility of redemption, forgiveness, and the opportunity to learn and grow from those failures.
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”
Micah 7:18-19
Our capacity for learning and adapting is boundless. We are reminded of that in Romans 8:37. Embrace the belief that you were designed to overcome challenges and succeed. Failure is not your default state; it’s just a temporary setback on your journey to success.
CONCLUSION:
The concept of winning every day isn’t about ignoring your long-term goals but rather breaking them down into manageable, actionable steps. By consistently achieving small daily victories, you build momentum, confidence, and resilience, which can help you navigate the inevitable obstacles that arise during your journey.
It’s essential to remember that the journey itself is where most of life happens, and every day offers a chance to win in its own unique way. As you focus on the present and adopt the keys to winning every day, you’ll discover that success is not just an endpoint but a rewarding, ongoing process. Embrace the power of daily victories, and watch how your life transforms.
Matt is a dedicated and dynamic youth leader with almost 15 years of ministry experience. Passionate about young adults, leadership, and Jesus Christ, he connects with youth, fosters their spiritual growth, and empowers them to become leaders in their communities. Through engaging sermons, mentorship, and innovative outreach, Pastor Matt impacts lives and shapes the future of the next generation.