In Part 1 of Be Unreasonable, we talked about how many of us have listened to the voices that tell us to be more reasonable with our dreams and expectations. Because of this, we have settled into an average life, and our dreams and aspirations have never been fulfilled. (If you didn’t see the last post, be sure to go back and read it.)
The truth is, however, that God has created us to make a difference in this world, not just settle for average. So, how do we live an unreasonable life?
1. Reject the negative voices.
If you listen to the negative voices, they will limit you. Because I was the youngest of 3 boys, I learned at a very young age how to reject the limiting voices of my two older brothers. If we’re going to fulfill our dreams, we must reject those voices that are saying, “You can’t do that.” All of us have had those experiences with people in the past, and now, you may find you are kicking yourself thinking, “Why did I listen to them?”
2. Be willing to work longer and harder than anyone else.
Remember, you and I were created for significance. We are each masterpieces of God, as Ephesians 2:10 tells us. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
In order to see your dreams fulfilled, it’s going to require every fiber of energy and strength that you have. A 40-hour week is not going to cut it to birth your dream. You have to be obsessed with the dream to the point that you will do what it takes to birth it.
I’m not advocating that you become an unhealthy workaholic. I’m just saying when it comes to our effort, we always have more that we can give. In David Goggins’ book Can’t Hurt Me, he talks about the 40% rule. This rule simply states that when I think I’ve given all I can give, I’ve only given 40%. I can still give 60%. There is 60% more capacity in me. Our dreams require more capacity. Being unreasonable requires tapping into that 60%.
3. Change the script.
Begin stacking up all the reasons it CAN be done, and stop focusing on all the reasons it CAN’T be done. It’s not ignoring the list of challenges, but it’s changing the mindset. It’s a choice that you have to intentionally make.
4. See the obstacle as the way.
A while ago, I read Ryan Holiday’s book, The Obstacle is the Way. In the book, Holiday cites Marcus Aurelius’ quote, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” What he’s saying is that people look at obstacles as stop signs. Instead, we should see those obstacles as green lights, because it’s as we tackle these obstacles that we develop endurance. We become creative, stronger, and more persevering. People who are unreasonable see their obstacles as opportunities.
A great example of this is life during Covid. The world came to a screeching halt, and every business owner had choices to make. Most of the ones that survived the pandemic were the ones who saw the obstacle as a green light, and they became creative in how they connected and interacted with their customers.
5. Develop your faith.
As Christ followers, we should believe that great things are possible with God’s help. Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” When you have faith in God, great things are possible with Him. With God, it’s possible to live an unreasonable life in a world that wants you to remain reasonable and average.
In Part 1 and Part 2 of Be Unreasonable, we’ve talked about the fact that God has put you on this planet for a specific purpose. He has something in mind for you to accomplish, and He has people He wants you to impact through your life. Take these five steps and begin to dream again. There is no reason to live a life of regret. Even if you’ve listened to the limiting voices up to this point, it is never too late to begin. It IS possible.
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