By Latisha James // EEW Magazine Online // Tips & Motivation

You have God-sized dreams, but you also have human limitations that make what you dream of doing seem impossible. Even though we are all limited in some ways, that doesn’t have to stop us from fully embracing and maximizing our potential.

In Genesis 1:28, when God blessed His creation He said, “Be fruitful.” Often, when we think of that command, we think about bearing children, but that isn’t the only way to be fruitful! Fruitfulness and productivity come in various forms, and God has given each of us the unique ability to create and produce.

If you’ve been feeling like it’s time for you to stop wishing and start doing, here are EEW Magazine Online’s 6 tips for maximizing your full God-given potential.

#1 Just Start. The only step that leads nowhere is the step you don’t take. If you believe God has given you a dream, take some action, any action. Walking by faith requires one step at a time. Whether you choose giant leaps or baby steps, either way, you’re getting closer to your goal.

#2 Invest Time. We don’t all have the same amount of money, but we do have the same amount of time in a day. How we use it is up to us. Prioritize your vision and invest time in the things you want to do. You may not be able to spend prolonged periods on your vison daily, but carve out space, even just a tiny bit, to doing what’s in your heart. No time, despite how small, spent working toward your dream is ever wasted.

#3 Keep it a Secret. Shhh! Moving in silence is a must when your dream is in its infancy. If you confide in everyone and reveal what you’re up to prematurely, you will have far too many opinions to distract you. Plus, divulging secrets to the wrong people will draw out those who are jealous and envious of where you’re going, and they will work to sabotage you before you get there. The hard work you do in secret will pay off publicly.

#4 Resist Negative Thinking. Starting something new is scary. It can also be frustrating and bring up negative cycles of thinking. The ‘I can’t’ or ‘I won’t’ mindset will trick you into giving up before you get started if you don’t learn to silence negative voices and speak positive things. We all feel fear, but only those who fight fear with faith realize their dreams.

#5 Expect Obstacles. Going into uncharted territory with overly idealistic views of how things will be will discourage you faster than anything else! It’s perfectly okay to dream big. You should. Just be realistic about the challenges and hardships you will deal with on the journey. If you anticipate opposition, when it shows up, you won’t panic; you’ll be prepared to pray, plan, and problem-solve.

#6 Celebrate the Small Victories. The road to your dreams is a long one, so don’t think you’ll get there overnight. To keep you motivated and inspired for the long haul, be grateful for any progress at all. Don’t just wait for big victories. Celebrate the small ones too, knowing that bigger things are on the way.

While others dream about it, you be about it. Start where you are today. Believe God to order your steps. God’s got you, and you’ve got this. Move forward in faith!