Both are essential to living well
People who accomplish great things usually intend to accomplish great things. They make big plans and work hard. Effort is typically a prerequisite for success.
But, many of us have a tendency to make our plans with a latent expectation of perfection. Often, we fail to allow for lapses in discipline or unforeseen circumstances. Worse yet, we make unrealistic goals.
For instance, you might set up a 21 day “all cabbage and water” diet. Or, you might make plans to run a marathon in 3 weeks. These goals are not realistic; they have failure written all over them.
Even when we make less extreme goals or plans, we forget to factor in grace. For ourselves. So, we opt for “all or nothing” thinking. And we go from on to off very quickly.
Why? Because of a latent expectation of perfection. This is not realistic.
In your goals, whether spiritual, physical, relational, vocational or financial, focus on excellence rather than perfection.
Successful people put a lot of effort into whatever they are attempting to do. But, they also have off days. And they receive grace, and get up, and start again the next day.
Worth Repeating
Grace is not opposed to effort.
-Dallas Willard
