I have a lot of time on my hands. I deliver for Grubhub and sit in my car as I wait for an order to deliver. This is not the professional place I wanted to be at age 50, but it is the place I must pass through to get to where I am going.
Part of that passing through involves a renewed sense of grit. I have faced great challenges before and overcome them. As I sat in my car I thought about My Unacceptables. The word unacceptable has been rolling around my brain for a while and I recently wrote an inspirational post for myself, which is what most of my posts are. They’re my self talks in writing.
I wanted to define more clearly what My Unaccepetables were. What was I unwilling to put up with, willing to fight for, willing to change my mindset for and willing to discipline myself for a better future.
Here’s what I came up with.
It’s unacceptable to believe that I am less than someone or someone is less than me.
It’s unacceptable that I can’t figure out my biggest problems.
It’s unacceptable to give up or quit.
It’s unacceptable to not work hard.
It’s unacceptable to live beneath my potential.
It’s unacceptable that I cannot change.
It’s unacceptable to believe my best days are behind me.
It’s unacceptable to think God has forsaken me.
It’s unacceptable for my family not to be take care of.
It’s unacceptable to allow my life to end unhappy.
It’s unacceptable to not take every opportunity to make myself better.
It’s unacceptable to live in failure.
It’s unacceptable to feel sorry for myself when others have it far worse.
It’s unacceptable to be believe I cannot make a difference.
It’s unacceptable to hoard knowledge, love or kindness.
While it may seem easier in the short term to avoid confronting my weaknesses or accepting less than I deserve, it’s in the long term that the true cost of these choices becomes apparent.
I have clear non-negotiables, and I choose to invest in my future self. I desire a foundation of discipline and resilience that allows me to weather storms, overcome obstacles, and ultimately achieve a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Choosing what is unacceptable is not about being rigid; it’s about prioritizing myself for long-term growth and building a life aligned with my values and aspirations. It’s about recognizing that the discomfort of today is the catalyst for the extraordinary of tomorrow.
You have a choice, continue to allow life to tell you, “Take this and like it” or say, “No thank you, I choose better.”.
If I can help you find Your Unacceptables, as a minister, youth pastor or believer, take a look at my coaching options here and here.